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- 1). Snap a few digital photos to use in comparing the home to others like it. Identify the style of the home's exterior by comparing it to architectural styles found in books and magazines. Note the era the house was built in, paint schemes in the surrounding neighborhood and what others have done by checking out trends in design magazines.
- 2). Decide what the exterior paint scheme will accomplish---support the style/era of the home (cottage-style homes and mid-century modern homes won't use the same type of paint colors), blend in with the neighbor's color choices or build a visual continuity with the interior colors (using a neutral from the interior can set the stage for this choice).
- 3). Identify each area of the exterior of the home that requires paint. Typically entry door, walls, trim, flower boxes and shutters are available design surfaces. Begin designing the exterior of the home by deciding the number of paint colors needed. Generally a paint scheme is presented in three colors, but some homes do just fine with two and others may need a fourth. A three-color scheme includes a body color (exterior walls), a trim color (for around windows and along the edge of the roofline) and an accent color (used on doors and shutters).
- 4). Investigate paint combinations by visiting a paint store in person or online to view its selection of exterior color schemes. Manufacturers create brochures and paint samples in varying color combinations to convey to the buyer what colors work well together. Most manufacturers provide an online software tool that allows the viewer to choose paint colors and then apply them to photographs of the exterior of different home styles. Viewing paint in this way can remove some of the anxiety surrounding making a color mistake.
- 5). Make a decision about the final exterior paint scheme by purchasing sample-sized containers (quarts work just fine) of the paint colors. Paint swatches of each color directly on the exterior. Use a primer first over existing paint before applying the sample color. The primer will give the paint a more accurate color representation.
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