The 3 Biggest Exterior Paint Color Mistakes Homeowners Make, According to Pros

Did you know you should aim to repaint your home’s exterior every five to seven years? Of course, this all depends on a variety of factors, like paint type, climate, and materials, so you might be able to stretch those numbers, but if you want to optimize your home’s curb appeal (and potentially attract more sellers if it’s on the market), not putting off the paint job is a smart move. 

Admittedly, it’s not a small project, and there are so many factors to consider during the process, especially when it comes to picking the right color. Because of this, people often make poor judgment calls, especially if it’s something they’re doing solo without the guidance of a professional. We asked a paint pro with over 20 years of experience to share the most common color mistakes homeowners make when they’re painting their exteriors, so you can confidently pick the perfect shade for your home.

Not Coordinating the Exterior Siding Color With the Roof Color 

It’s easy to overlook the top of your home when you’re debating paint shades for the siding—kind of like how many people ignore the ceilings of their interiors—but you really shouldn’t! It takes up so much surface area, that it can make a huge difference visually if your paint shades don’t match up. Something will just look off. 

“The roof color and material (shingles, tile) are large surface areas that impact the overall look of your home,” says Woelfel. “If you’re not changing the roof color, be sure to coordinate exterior siding and materials with the undertone of the roof.”

Ignoring the Home’s Architectural Style

This one’s a biggie for designers, both inside and outside of the home. “Architectural style may dictate the best colors for a home,” says Woelfel. “Farmhouse, Tudor, colonial, bungalow, Spanish/Mediterranean, modern—all have different layouts, substrates, and materials used, window styles, roof lines, etc. that can influence what colors are used and where they are placed.” 

Similar to how most people look their best with their natural hair color, a home will really shine when you honor its architecture by choosing a paint shade inherent to that style. The bonus: This can also help you narrow down your color choices if you’re having trouble deciding!  

Forgetting About the Surrounding Landscape

In addition to considering your home’s style, you’ll need to take into account the area around your home. “Homeowners sometimes choose colors that clash with their landscaping or neighboring homes,” Woelfel says. Your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. You want it to look special, of course, but you really don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb. Making sure your home looks cohesive with the rest of the houses on your street can help your house’s resale value, too.

Woelfel notes that BEHR’s Curb Appeal Collection offers curated palettes and shades that complement various outdoor environments. “This ensures a cohesive look that blends seamlessly with the surrounding space,” she adds.