Hey there! Leggett and Sons Painting here. After spending two decades helping homeowners transform their properties. I’ve learned a thing or two about choosing exterior paint colors that work with your landscape. We paint so you don’t have to, but I still want to share some insider knowledge that’ll help you make the right choice.
Consider a craftsman-style home, surrounded by gorgeous mature magnolia trees. A complementing color would be a warm greige (that’s gray-beige for you color newcomers), and holy smokes – the way it complemented those dark green leaves was stunning.
Here's what I've learned about picking exterior colors that'll make your landscape pop:
Consider Your Fixed Elements First
Before you even crack open that paint fan deck, take a good hard look at what’s not changing – your roof, stonework, brick elements, and those established trees and shrubs. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen folks pick a color they love, only to realize it clashes with their burgundy brick foundation. At Leggett and Sons, we always start with these permanent features and build our color scheme from there.
Test Colors Throughout the Day
Here’s something most paint stores won’t tell ya – natural light is a game-changer. We always recommend painting at least three 3×3 foot samples on different sides of your house. That gorgeous sage green might look perfect at noon but turn muddy by sunset. Trust me, I’ve seen enough “what was I thinking” moments to know this step is crucial.
Work With Your Region’s Natural Palette Living in the Southeast, we deal with lots of rich, deep greens and earthy tones in our landscapes. I’ve found that warm neutrals like putty, soft gold, and warm gray tend to play nicely with our natural surroundings. But if you’ve got mostly desert landscaping? Those colors might look totally out of place. Your exterior paint should feel like it belongs in your environment.
Don't Forget About Trim Colors
This is where folks often mess up. Your trim color can make or break your exterior paint job. We typically suggest going either two shades lighter or darker than your main color for a subtle look, or going bold with a contrasting color if your landscape is more monotone. Just remember – that bright white trim might look clean and crisp in the paint store, but it’ll show every bit of dirt and pollen (and trust me, there’s always pollen).
The Bottom Line Choosing exterior paint colors isn’t just about picking what looks good on a tiny paint chip.
It’s about creating harmony between your home and its surroundings. At Leggett and Sons Painting, we’ve spent years perfecting this balance, and while we’re always here to help (remember, we paint so you don’t have to!), these tips should point you in the right direction.
By the way, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, give us a shout. We offer free color consultations with all our exterior painting services, and we’ll make sure your home looks amazing from every angle, no matter what time of day it is.
Looking to transform your home’s exterior? Let’s chat about finding the perfect colors for your landscape. Contact Leggett and Sons Painting today – because we paint so you don’t have to!
Let’s chat about finding the perfect colors for your landscape. Contact Leggett and Sons Painting today – because we paint so you don’t have to! Give Us A Call: (844) 453-4438