Seasonal Exterior Painting Trends: Picking the Perfect Colors for Each Season

You want to revamp your home's exterior for the changing seasons but aren't sure where to start. The good news is 2021 has some exciting new color trends that are perfect for seasonal makeovers. Whether you want bold and bright for summer or cozy earth tones for fall, the options are endless. The key is picking shades that complement the natural colors of the season.

Introduction to Seasonal Exterior Painting Trends

Spring is a time of renewal, so fresh colors like light pinks, sky blues and mint greens are perfect for exterior house painting. These cheerful pastel shades evoke feelings of new beginnings and optimism. For a dreamy look, go light and airy with a color like Sherwin-Williams’ Misty. Want something bolder? A vibrant teal like Behr’s Riptide Rush makes a stunning statement.

In summer, cool hues keep things chill. Subtle shades of gray, like Benjamin Moore’s Galveston Gray, complement the heat without absorbing it. Or go retro with 1950s-inspired seafoam green. For a tropical vibe, citrus shades of yellow or orange are always a bright choice.

Fall foliage inspires warmer tones like rust, umber and cinnamon. An earthy brown, Ruskin Red from Dunn Edwards, gives off cozy cabin feels. Burgundy shades like Valspar’s Maple Wine or Eggplant are dramatic alternatives. For pops of color amid autumnal golds and ambers, a rich forest green provides an eye-catching contrast.

When icy temps set in, darker shades come out to play. Charcoal, navy and black transform the exterior into a cozy cocoon. For a moodier look, deep eggplant or hunter green paint the house in lush jewel tones. Want to keep it classic? A crisp coat of red is a timeless choice for winter. Whether you opt for a bright cherry or deep merlot, red warms up cold weather color schemes.

Whatever the season, make your house a reflection of it. With the right hue, you can set the perfect tone for each time of year. So pick a shade you love and start painting! Your seasonal style awaits.

Spring Paint Colors: Pastels and Neutrals

Spring is in the air and it's time to freshen up your home's exterior with some cheerful new hues. Pastel shades and light neutrals are perfect for this season.

Mint Green

A fresh mint green evokes springtime and new growth. This verdant shade would look lovely on a small Victorian house or a quaint cottage. For a more subtle look, consider mint green for trim, shutters or front doors.

Coral

Vibrant coral pinks and oranges are bold choices that shout “spring has sprung!”. A coral facade would make a dramatic statement on any style of home. If that seems too bright, use it for an accent wall or to paint the trim and shutters.

Pale Yellow

Sunny pale yellow is a warm and welcoming choice for spring. This buttery shade works well on craftsman bungalows, Spanish colonials and farmhouses. For a cheery pop of color without going overboard, paint just the front door yellow.

Light Gray

A soft, muted light gray is a fuss-free neutral that provides an airy, open feel. This versatile shade complements most architectural styles and exterior materials. Light gray also makes a perfect backdrop for landscaping and allows other decorative elements like a colorful front door or window boxes to shine through.

This spring, give your home an uplifting new look with a palette of pastel hues or light, airy neutrals. Even small touches like repainting the trim, shutters or front door can freshen up your facade and reflect the bright, hopeful spirit of the season.

Summer Paint Colors: Bold, Vibrant Hues

Summer is the perfect time to go bold with bright, vibrant exterior paint colors. The warm weather puts you in an upbeat mood, so why not express that in the colors you choose for your home?

Reds, Oranges and Yellows

Red, orange and yellow paint colors are energetic and eye-catching. A poppy red or vibrant orange front door makes a cheery welcome for guests. Sunny yellow exterior trim gives your home a warm glow on long summer days. These hot hues also complement colorful summer flowers like geraniums, marigolds and snapdragons.

Tropical Teals and Turquoises

Teal and turquoise paint colors are reminiscent of seaside destinations and ocean waves lapping at the shore. A teal blue accent wall or front door transports you to the tropics without leaving home. Pair teal paint with white exterior trim for a crisp, beachy look. These tranquil shades also coordinate nicely with palm trees and tropical plants for a resort-inspired style.

Lavenders and Purples

Don't overlook lavender and purple paint colors for summer. A pale lavender gray house color with white trim is a whimsical choice for a cottage or farmhouse style home. Eggplant or plum purple front doors make a dramatic statement and pop against neutral exterior house colors. Lavender and purple are also complementary colors for popular summer flowers like petunias, verbena and lavender.

The summer season is the perfect time to take a chance on bold, bright exterior paint colors. Whether you opt for an vibrant orange accent wall, a teal blue front door or sunny yellow trim, summer paint colors will make your home pop on the hottest days of the year. Choose a color that puts you in a bright, cheerful mood and makes you smile each time you come home.

Fall Paint Colors: Warm Tones Like Red and Orange

Fall is the perfect time to paint your home's exterior in warm, cozy colors that embrace the changing season. Some ideal fall paint color options include:

Warm Reds

A rich, deep red like burgundy or maroon is a classic fall color that provides dramatic contrast against autumn foliage. Pair red with cream or light gray trim for a stylish look.

Sunset Oranges

Vibrant orange shades reminiscent of a fall sunset, such as amber, peach, or pumpkin, create an inviting exterior and work well with stone or brick accents. For the best results, choose an orange with brown or red undertones.

Rusty Browns

Earthy browns ranging from cinnamon to chestnut beautifully complement the natural tones of fall. A medium brown shade is versatile and pairs nicely with a variety of accent colors like olive green, mustard yellow or terra cotta.

Spicy Yellows

Mustard yellow, gold and amber are spirited fall paint colors that provide a warm glow. When paired with crisp white trim, spicy yellows are especially stunning. For added depth, accent a yellow house with shades of orange, red or brown.

Olive Greens

A nature-inspired green, such as moss, sage or olive, connects your home to its fall surroundings. Olive green is a stylish and dramatic color that is complemented by cream, gray and red accent colors. Use it on its own or in combination with another fall tone like mustard yellow for a harmonious look.

With so many rich, warm options, finding the perfect fall paint colors for your home's exterior can be challenging. But embracing the cozy colors of autumn will give your house seasonal style and help it blend in beautifully with the changing landscape. What fall paint color will you choose? The options are as varied as the autumn leaves.

Winter Paint Colors: Cool Blues, Grays, and Whites

The cooler months are a great time to consider repainting the exterior of your home. Calming colors like blues, grays and whites are perfect for creating a cozy retreat during winter.

Soothing Shades of Blue

A medium to dark blue, like navy or slate blue, works well for winter. Blue is associated with feelings of calmness and tranquility. Pair a blue exterior with white trim for a crisp, classic look.

Gray Skies Ahead

Charcoal, pewter or slate gray are muted, natural-looking shades ideal for a winter exterior. Gray provides a neutral but stylish backdrop for decorative accents like a colorful front door or shutters. For a lighter gray, consider dove or pearl. Add depth by choosing a gray with blue, green or brown undertones.

White Winters

An all-white or off-white exterior is a timeless choice that brightens up dreary winter days. White reflects light and creates an open, airy feel. Off-white shades with creamy or ivory undertones provide subtle warmth. For contrast, paint the front door a deep color like black, navy or forest green.

•Stick with a monochromatic color scheme of blues, grays and whites for a cohesive winter look.

• Matte or satin paint finishes enhance the cozy feel. Glossy finishes appear too slick for winter.

• Darker colors absorb more heat from the sun, which may slightly lower your heating costs. Lighter shades reflect more sunlight.

• Test paint samples to determine how the color appears in natural light and at different times of day before committing to a final choice. The color you see on a paint chip or swatch may look different on your home’s exterior.

With the right shade of blue, gray or white and a few decorative accents, you can create a warm and welcoming look for your home this winter season. Staying on trend for exterior house colors means selecting a timeless palette that fits your personal style and enhances your home’s architecture.

Paint Finish Ideas for Each Season

Come spring, brighten up your home’s exterior with pastel shades like sky blue or seafoam green. These calming hues reflect the natural colors popping up in your yard and neighborhood. For trim, consider crisp white or pale gray.

Summer calls for vibrant, sun-drenched colors like tomato red, sunset orange or daffodil yellow. These energetic shades evoke feelings of warmth and brightness. For contrast, paint the trim in a deep forest green or navy blue.

Transition into fall with earthy, rustic colors like cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin spice. These cozy shades complement the changing landscape. For trim, stick with chocolate brown, coffee or burnt umber.

In winter, create an icy cool look with shades of ice blue, frosted mint or pale lavender. These tranquil hues provide visual warmth against a stark white landscape. For trim, choose slate gray, charcoal or frosted pine.

No matter the season, satin or eggshell paint finishes will provide a durable yet touchable surface for your home’s exterior. These mid-sheen finishes offer protection from the elements while still showing off the texture of exterior materials like wood, stucco or brick. For trim, choose a glossy finish which is easy to clean and helps accentuate details.

Don't forget to consider your home’s architectural style and exterior materials when picking paint colors. A Craftsman bungalow looks best with deeper, earthier shades while a Victorian house shines with brighter, more whimsical colors. Wood and stone materials pair nicely with nature-inspired hues. Stucco or brick exteriors provide a blank canvas for any shade your heart desires.

Changing up your exterior paint colors each season is an easy, low-cost way to give your home a fresh new look. So go ahead, embrace the seasonal spirit and start picking out your favorite hues for spring, summer, fall and winter! Your home will thank you for it.

Matching Exterior Paint to Your Home's Architecture

When choosing an exterior paint color for your home, it’s important to consider how it will complement your home’s architectural style. The color you select can either enhance the character of your house or make it seem out of place.

For craftsman style homes, earthy hues like sage greens, burnt oranges, and brick reds are ideal. These natural, muted shades accentuate the wood accents and handcrafted charm characteristic of the craftsman look.

Colonial homes pop with crisp whites, light grays, and pale blues. These stately, timeless colors highlight the symmetrical facade and classically inspired details of the colonial style.

Ranch style houses come alive with sunny yellows, tans, and light browns. These warm, casual colors match the low-profile, sprawling layout of the ranch home.

Victorian houses shine with deep jewel tones like eggplant, navy, and forest green as well as whimsical accent colors like plum or marigold. The vibrant, dramatic colors complement the ornate trims and embellishments of the Victorian esthetic.

For a sleek, modern home, you can’t go wrong with a monochromatic color scheme in shades of black, white, and gray. The minimalist, streamlined colors accentuate the boxy shapes, flat facades, and metal accents typical of modern architecture.

When choosing a color for your house’s style, consider not just the main shade but also how accent and trim colors will work together for a cohesive look. The right color palette can make all the difference in highlighting your home’s best architectural features. With some thought about how colors and styles interact, you’ll be well on your way to finding a seasonal exterior paint that complements your home perfectly.

Hiring a Professional Painter for Exterior Painting

When it comes time to paint the exterior of your home, hiring a professional painter is well worth the investment. DIYing a paint job of this scale is difficult and time-consuming. Professional painters have the proper equipment, experience, and skills to complete the job efficiently with quality results.

Expertise and Efficiency

Professional painters do this type of work every day and have specialized knowledge about exterior paints, application techniques, and the factors that can influence the end result like weather conditions or surface preparation needs. They are able to work quickly while maintaining high standards. An experienced pro can often complete an exterior paint job in a fraction of the time it would take an amateur.

Proper Prep and Precautions

Preparing the exterior surface by cleaning, patching holes, scraping off loose paint, and priming any bare spots is key. Professionals know how to properly prepare different exterior materials like stucco, brick, vinyl, wood, and metal. They also take appropriate safety precautions like using drop cloths, covering plants and walkways, and properly ventilating the area.

High-Quality Results

With the right techniques and equipment, professional painters are able to achieve a smooth, uniform finish that will last for years. They have access to commercial grade paints and tools which lead to a professional looking end result. Your home’s curb appeal and resale value will benefit from a quality exterior paint job done by experienced pros.

Peace of Mind

Hiring an insured and reputable professional painting company gives you peace of mind in knowing the job will be done correctly without damage to your property or liability issues. They will clean up thoroughly after completing the work, leaving you with an exterior you can enjoy without hassle. For most homeowners, this is well worth the investment for a job of this scale.

In summary, unless you have experience painting house exteriors, hiring a professional painter is the way to go. They have the skills, tools, and expertise to do the job efficiently and effectively, allowing you to enjoy the end result without the headache. For your home’s appearance and your own sanity, call in the pros!

Seasonal Exterior Painting Trends FAQ

What are the most popular exterior house colors for each season?

In spring, pastel colors are popular like light blue, green and yellow. These colors represent renewal and growth. In summer, brighter, bolder colors are trendy such as coral, teal and navy. These fun, vibrant colors match the energy of the summer season.

In fall, warm earthy tones are favored including rust, mustard and forest green. These cozy colors are reminiscent of changing leaves and the autumn landscape. For winter, cool shades of gray, white and blue are chic. These icy tones create a clean, crisp look perfect for snowy weather.

What factors determine the best exterior house colors for the season?

Several factors influence which exterior house colors are most suitable for each season:

• Weather and temperature: Pastel and bright colors for warmer weather, deep and cool colors for colder weather.
• Natural surroundings: Choose colors that complement the seasonal foliage and greenery. Earthy fall colors pair well with autumn leaves.
• Lighting: The amount of natural light changes with the seasons. Brighter colors help homes stand out in the longer days of spring and summer. Darker, muted colors work better in the low light of fall and winter.
• Mood: Lighter, vibrant colors lift your mood in the spring and summer. Rich, cozy colors are comforting in the fall and winter.
• Trends: Exterior house color trends are often inspired by the current season. Keep an eye on trend reports to see the latest seasonal color palettes.

How often should you repaint the exterior of your house?

For the best look, it’s a good idea to repaint the exterior of your home every 3 to 5 years. This helps prevent fading and protects the siding or trim. When repainting, you have the opportunity to update your house color to the latest seasonal trends and styles. For a budget-friendly option, choose a color 2 or 3 shades lighter or darker than your current shade. This provides a refreshed new look without requiring a primer.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, a few tips to help get your creative juices flowing and choose exterior paint colors that complement the changing of the seasons. Whether you want a bold pop of color for summer, cozy autumnal hues, or a frosty winter white, selecting the right shade for the right time of year can make a big impact. Don't be afraid to experiment - you can always repaint if you don't love it. The most important thing is picking colors that make you happy and reflect the natural beauty in the world around you. Now get out there, grab some paint swatches, and start dreaming up your seasonal masterpieces! The possibilities are as endless as the seasons themselves.