Picking the Right Color

Last Updated: May 8, 2025

Person painting a house exterior on a ladder, using a brush, next to an oval vent.
Blue beach house with wooden decks under a partly cloudy sky.

Summer is a great time to paint your Outer Banks home if it is not in rental program. Temperatures and humidity are relatively consistent and longer daylight hours generally lead to shorter project durations.

Choosing the right exterior paint color for your home is a crucial decision that blends personal style, architecture, and the surrounding environment. It not only impacts curb appeal but also reflects your home’s character and can even influence resale value. Here are some tips for choosing paint color:

Consider the Coastal Environment

Soft blues, seafoam greens, sandy beiges, and crisp whites echo the natural colors of the Outer Banks.

Think About Sunlight & Fading

If your home gets full sun, avoid darker colors. They absorb more heat and fade more quickly than neutral or pastel colors.

Match to Architecture and Materials

Take note of permanent elements of your home, such as the roof, brick, stone, or landscaping features. Find colors that complement these features.

Look Around the Neighborhood

While you may want your home to stand out from your neighbors, you don’t want to clash. Consider the overall color scheme of your neighborhood before selecting a color.

Use a Coastal-Friendly Palette

For the main body, a soft or mid-tone color always looks nice. For the trim, white is the most commonly used color on the Outer Banks. However, soft grays or bold contrast can also make the body color stand out. Doors and shutters allow a little more flexibility with bold colors.

Test Before You Commit

Paint large swatches on different sides of your house. View the colors at different times of the day to see how they look in varying light.

If you can’t decide, don’t rush the process. Explore paint apps or online visualizers that let you preview colors on a photo of your home. A thoughtful, well-informed approach will ensure that your final color choice enhances your home’s beauty and feels right for years to come.

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