Deciding on the Color Scheme for the Exterior

There are many web sites offering advice on what paint to choose for the exterior of your home. Lighter colors, white, off-white, cream, etc. have been popular choices for a long time. When choosing a light color for the body of the house, it's generally a good idea to choose lighter color trim and accent colors.

It's also good to use architectural accents to give the house a little interest.

More recently, darker, more distinctive colors seem to be in vogue. This house by Talon Homes, Inc., uses a body color, trim, and accents that complement the decorative stonework on the house.

Both siding and stucco can collect dirt and bugs. Siding made from composite materials can swell and cause paint to chip. Stucco can crack and stain. Defects/dirt show more clearly on lighter paint colors, as demonstrated on this older home in Horn Rapids.

The following two houses have exterior paint schemes that comply with the CLPOA ARC guidelines requiring "earth tones."