The biggest decision you have when it's time to paint the exterior of your home is choosing the best color. While some colors, such as white, are classic and traditional, other colors follow trends of popularity. Your house can look dated or modern depending on the color you choose.

Plus, you want the color to complement the colors of architectural features on your home, and even the landscaping. Here are some things to consider when picking the ideal paint color for your home:

Choose Your Effect

Different colors affect the appearance of your home in different ways. Decide what kind of statement you want to make. Do you want your home to appear classic, artsy, upscale, vintage, modern, or bright? If you want property that looks tidy and clean, then white might be a good choice.

If you like the artsy look, you may want to combine different bright colors in your painting scheme. If you choose a color that many other homeowners have used in recent years, then your home will seem more modern than if you choose a paint color that was popular a decade ago.

Complement The Surroundings

If your home has brick or stone on one wall, or if it has a brick chimney, then you'll want to choose a color that complements the color of the natural stone. If you have a lot of colorful landscaping, it could affect the color you choose for your home too. You want your home to stand out from its surroundings. A dark color makes your home seem smaller, while a light color makes your home seem larger and brighter. A dark color hidden behind landscaping may give your home a spooky, unwelcoming appearance.

Consider Colors That Help Your House Sell

If you're freshening your home to put it on the market, you definitely want to give thought to the paint color you choose. You may want to use a traditional or neutral color, so it appeals to a wide variety of buyers. One way to decide what is appropriate is to look at the other homes in your neighborhood, especially those that have been painted within the past few years. You probably want to choose a similar color, so your home blends in. If you choose a unique or bold color, your home might not appeal to very many home buyers when you put it up for sale.

Learn About Regulations

You may find you don't have a lot of options if you live in a historic district or if your homeowner's association has regulations on house colors. Be sure to find out about regulations that affect how you paint your home. Next, consider your personal preferences. If you don't plan to sell your home in the next few years, and your homeowner's association doesn't have a say in the color you choose, then you're free to pick any color that pleases you. If you can't decide, ask the painting contractor you hire for color recommendations based on current trends and your home's architecture.

To learn more, contact a company such as Braendel Painting with any questions you have.