By Kelly Porter, Houzz
I have a confession to make. I often spend so much time and energy making sure the inside of my home is colorful and stylish that I end up neglecting the exterior. As often as I help clients with their exterior color selections, I should know better. A home's exterior provides that first impression, which shouldn't include sun-faded shutters. So this year I'm giving my home a fresh paint job, and I've collected colorful ideas that I'd like to share with you, just in case the outside of your home could use some TLC, too.
Related: Find More Exterior Home Design Ideas on Houzz
Christine Kelly / Crafted Architecture, original photo on Houzz
Purple is the star in this backyard. If you love purple but are shy about using it in the front of your home, a great idea is to use it somewhere in the back, such as for a porch, a sunroom or a bay window.
Suggested paint picks: Ballad, Mixed Berries and Purple Silhouette, Behr
Kenny Craft CNU LEED AP, original photo on Houzz
Yellow-green is a lighthearted color and a fun choice for a home's exterior. This color will add a whimsical touch to the neighborhood.
Suggested paint picks: Corn Husk Green and Grape Leaves, Behr
Related: Discover More Shades of Green to Use Here
Goforth Gill Architects, original photo on Houzz
A red front door is synonymous with hospitality. When choosing a shade of red, look for a vivid hue with a touch of orange for big impact.
Suggested paint pick: Red Hot, Behr
Great Neighborhood Homes, original photo on Houzz
If you want your home to keep a low profile, try a tone-on-tone look. Here, two shades of grayish taupe work together to give this house a modest facade that doesn't stand out.
Suggested paint picks: Galveston Gray and Ozark Shadows, Benjamin Moore
Cummings Architects, original photo on Houzz
As this stately colonial demonstrates, a home with black shutters looks classic and elegant. Black looks especially crisp when paired with a lighter color such as this soft shade of yellow.
Suggested paint picks: Black Satin and Hawthorne Yellow, Benjamin Moore
Echelon Custom Homes, original photo on Houzz
Indigo is an unexpected color, but this deep purplish-blue will give your home unmistakable appeal and provide visitors with an easy way to identify where you live.
Suggested paint pick: Lupine, Sherwin-Williams