Spruce-up Your Curb Appeal with a Coat of Paint

Photo: dalylab

A home’s color is often the first thing someone will notice. People even give directions based on house colors — “We live just past the red house on the corner” or “We’re the green house at the end of the road.”

However, if a home’s color is outdated or beginning to show wear and tear, it can be a death sentence for its curb appeal. Thankfully, a home’s first impression can be updated in a weekend with a fresh coat of paint.

Committing to Color

A home can get a major facelift if an owner is willing to embrace the season’s latest paint trends. For 2013, that means muted colors that can be found in nature — such as greens, blues, golds and grays.

No matter the color, one thing is for sure: This year is all about the gloss. Homeowners want more bang for their buck. If they’re going to invest the time and money for paint, they want the color and sheen to last for years to come.

All About the Accents

A home’s trim is another area that shouldn’t be neglected. Bright white trim can really make the siding color pop. Trim can also be an area to experiment with complimentary colors. Dark gray or blue trim pairs well with lighter gray siding, for example.

A home’s front door is a smaller-scale project for DIYers not ready to commit to painting their whole home. While a front door’s primary purpose is to welcome guests, it can also be a place for an owner to express their personality.

Bold reds, dramatic indigos, vibrant oranges, daring blacks, neon greens and bright yellows are all popular colors for front doors right now. When choosing a front door paint color, the color of the home should be taken into consideration. Bold doors paired with understated siding can make the greatest impact.