Choosing Outdoor Paint Colors Based on Architecture

Choosing exterior paint colors can be an arduous task, as there are many things to consider: one’s personal taste, Home Owner’s Association requirements, the neighborhood context and, of course, the home’s architecture. Homes can range in style from Craftsman to Victorian, from Modern to Colonial Revival. And with each of these styles comes a sort of inherent color palette that works best with the home’s architecture. With these Valspar Exterior Paint Palettes as starting points, the task of deciding base, trim and accent colors becomes a whole lot easier.

This is a palette that we created on our own (in about 5 seconds) that shows our predisposition towards red accents especially red doors (using Valspar’s Ultra Premium Fabulous Red 1011-2) on homes.

Using accent colors of Valspar’s Ultra Premium Perfect Storm 5001-6C and Ultra Premium Bear Claw 2004-5A, this palette works not only with the Federal Greek Revival Home (as shown), but also with Cape Cod, Craftsman and Victorian homes.

The muted Valspar’s Ultra Premium Green Tea Leaves 5004-1C with a pop of color from Ultra Premium La Fonda Geranium Red 1010-4 adds a sense of modern sophistication to this Colonial Revival home. This palette would also work with a Tudor or Craftsman style home.

Referencing the playfulness that many Victorians often employ with color, the trim paint colors of Valspar’s Ultra Premium Twilight Mauve 1001-8A and Ultra Premium Regal Plum 1002-7A would add an unexpected pop of color on a Craftsman as well.

Shown here on a Greek Revival home, the muted hues of Valspar’s Ultra Premium Arid Plains 6007-2A and Ultra Premium Woodlawn Juniper 5001-4B would look just as great on a cottage or a Victorian home.

Once the tough paint decisions have finally been made, use Valspar’s Online Paint Color Tool and Paint Calculator and to determine your perfect color and how much paint to buy.

(Images: Valspar)