Look at Neighboring Homes

• Take a walk around the neighborhood to get a flavor of the exterior color schemes. Whether you're in the country or city, consider neighboring homes before making a final paint selection. Take cues from the colors in the area to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb. Consult with paint store professionals to get an idea of exterior colors that complement and coordinate with adjacent structures.
  
  

Architectural Styles

• A home's architectural style can dictate its exterior colors. Tuscan style homes look best with earth tones such as brown, green, tan, terracotta or gold. Blue, white and gray compliment a Cape Cod saltbox. Victorian architecture allows for more freedom of color, but try to remain true to the period. Mid century modern architecture draws on neutrals or colors found in nature. Owners of historic home styles can source heritage paint lines for specific color recommendations.
  
  

Monochromatic Colors

• Generic homes styles not bound by historic color precedents may be well suited to a monochromatic color scheme. This color combination employs two or three shades of the same color. Use one color for the siding and varying values for the trim and fascia. Select a monochromatic scheme from paint color cards that show multiple values of a single hue. This simple approach works well for homeowners with little or no color experience. A monochromatic color palette gives a house a sophisticated, cohesive appearance.
  
  

Complimentary Colors

• Consult a color wheel to create a complimentary color scheme. Complimentary colors lie on opposite sides of the wheel. Examples of complimentary color combinations include red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and violet. Work with muted versions of these colors to avoid jarring contrasts. Use one complimentary color for the siding and the less dominant color for trim. Complimentary colors suit certain historic and eclectic architectural styles, such as Italianate or bungalow. These energetic colors may overpower conservative home styles such as California ranch.
  
  

Other Considerations

• Homes in communities governed by homeowners' associations often have strict architectural guidelines requiring approval for exterior paint colors. Sometimes they even limit homeowners to a single color scheme for a specific property. Homes in historic neighborhoods may also involve a hearing before a committee for exterior paint color approval. Don't forget to consider the roof color and surrounding landscape prior to buying paint. The colors should coordinate with the roofing material, plant materials and hardscape.