Exterior painting is one of the best and easiest ways to enhance the looks of your home while protecting it against the elements. During exterior home painting, many homeowners don’t give enough attention and consideration to the exterior trim. But, it’s one of those little things that make a huge difference to the overall look of your home.
If you’re like most homeowners, you might be planning to default to white paint for your exterior trim. White still looks great on the trim, especially when the right undertones and shades of white are used. In fact, we will give you a few tips here on how to paint your trim white. But did you know that you can actually add a little color on your trim to enhance the overall look of your home’s exterior?
Features such windows, doors, shutters and the trim along your roofline provide opportunities to add color and interest to your home. The accent color you pick can highlight details such as shutters, windows, doors, and other architectural details. Here are some color tips for your exterior trim:
Classical White
Most homeowners default to white, and it’s one of the best options when framing the final look of your exterior. However, you don’t have to stick to the obvious stark white –you can get creative about it. There’re hundreds of shades of white paint to choose from, and you need to look for the right undertones. If you’re looking for a vibrant feel, go for the bright white to create high contrast. For a warm, more antique feel, you can choose off-white or creamy white.
Consider the Roof and Exterior Color
Your roof and exterior colors are the biggest factors to consider when choosing your trim color or accent color. Your trim color gives you an opportunity to pull together a coordinated look keeping in mind your roof and main body. Poor exterior color trim choice can break the look of your house. For instance, choosing a white trim for a light gray exterior doesn’t offer enough contrast. In the same breath, when choosing contrasting trim colors, they need to be complementary to the color of the main body and roof.
Consider Your Door Color
When choosing your trim and accent colors, keep in mind that your door needs to be the focal point of your exterior. Your front door creates the first impression when people walk into your home, which essentially makes it a focal point. Consider choosing a bold or bright front door color that doesn’t match with the exterior color if you want to make a statement. If you’re looking to create an approachable feel, go instead for light contrasting shades.
Gutters and Garage Door
Your trim and accent colors need to consider the exterior things that you need to accent and those that you need to hide. For instance, you don’t want to highlight uninteresting features such as your gutters or vents. So to avoid drawing attention to your gutters, consider painting them the same color as the trim so that they can blend in.
If you have a front-facing garage, many exterior painting and design experts suggest painting it one shade lighter than your main body or in a similar color as your trim. Using a neutral, less contrasting color makes the garage door to blend in and allow your front door to take the focus.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, choosing your trim and accent colors requires very simple guidelines and considerations. But getting it wrong can break the final look of your home. The best way to have everything done right is to allow an exterior painting contractor such as Aspen Painting to give you a hand with your color selection.
If you need professional help with choosing exterior colors and repainting your home’s exterior in Horsham, PA, Ambler, Dresher, Ft. Washington, or Blue Bell, we can help. Our experienced painting crew can lend you their practiced eye and hand to ensure flawless results and a durable paint job. Simply give us a call to get started.
FAQ
What factors should I consider when choosing trim colors for my home in Horsham, PA?
When selecting trim colors, consider the architectural style of your home, as Horsham has a mix of historic colonial and modern suburban homes. Also, think about the local climate—colors that withstand Pennsylvania’s humid summers and snowy winters, like durable whites or deep grays, work well. Finally, check with local homeowners’ associations, if applicable, for any color restrictions.
How can I match trim colors with my home’s exterior in Horsham?
Look at your home’s primary exterior color and choose a trim shade that complements or contrasts it. For example, if your Horsham home has a classic red brick exterior, a crisp white or cream trim can highlight the brick’s warmth. Test samples in natural light, as Horsham’s seasonal weather can affect how colors appear.
Are there specific trim colors that suit Horsham’s historic aesthetic?
Horsham’s history dates back to the 18th century, so many homes reflect traditional styles. Opt for classic colors like off-white, soft beige, or muted green for trim to honor that heritage. These tones pair beautifully with the stone and wood exteriors common in older Horsham properties.
Should I consider seasonal changes in Horsham when picking trim colors?
Absolutely. Horsham experiences distinct seasons, with vibrant fall foliage and gray winter skies. Choose trim colors that look good year-round, such as neutral tones like taupe or charcoal, which adapt to changing light and surroundings without clashing with seasonal landscapes.
How do I ensure my trim color choice adds curb appeal in Horsham neighborhoods?
Focus on creating balance with your home’s overall palette. In Horsham, where community aesthetics matter, a bold trim color like navy or black can make a modern statement on a neutral siding, while softer shades like pale gray ensure a timeless look. Drive around local neighborhoods to see what works well with similar homes.
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