How Do You Choose The Perfect Exterior Paint Color?

Last Updated: June 17, 2019

Blue van parked in front of a light blue house. Ladder on van roof. Clear sky.

Who else gets excited when their home gets a fresh coat of paint? It’s even more fun to combine a fresh color scheme and new paint.

Although the end result looks and feels great, the process to choose your new colors can be daunting. The sheer number of possible colors and combinations causes anxiety for many homeowners.

There are infinite color choices. How do you choose an exterior paint color that you will love for years to come?

1) Look Around Your Neighborhood

Your neighborhood probably has a predominant “feel.” While you want your house to stand out, you also want to coordinate with the overall feel of the neighborhood.

Keep in mind, your local Homeowners Association may have outline colors that are acceptable. Often, neighborhood HOAs have certain requirements for exterior paint choices. Make sure that the color you choose complies with these requirements!

2) Research Your Architectural Style

Your home and neighborhood has a consistent architectural styles. Architectural style should influence the color choice you make. Choosing the wrong color could cause it to clash with the architectural style of the house and neighborhood.

Does this sound challenging?

  • Start by heading online to do a search for similar houses. There are hosts of websites that offer inspiration. You may find color combinations that you wouldn’t normally consider.

  • Check with your local painting company. Your trusted painter keeps up with the latest trends. They understand color theory and can recommend color choices that will allow your house to pop! Chism Brothers Painting offers color consultations to keep every aspect of house painting a positive experience for you.

3) Use The Designer Rule of Thumb

Most designers recommend using a 60-30-10 ratio to determine an exterior painting color scheme. What exactly does that mean?

  • 60% of your home is a single, dominant color. Usually, this includes your siding.
  • 30% of your home should be a second color. You can choose a bolder color that contrasts and complements your dominant color. Use this 30% for your roof color, garage doors or shutters.
  • 10% of your home should focus on attention-grabbing details! Many people choose to use this contrasting color for their front door, but you can also choose your window shutters, gable vent, or another similar architectural feature.

Let Chism Brothers Help You Paint Your Home

Does this still sound daunting? Chism Brothers Painting has been helping the local community repaint their homes for over 30 years. Our attention to detail and friendly customer service has set us apart in the San Diego community.

We offer professional house painting services that include interior painting, exterior painting, kitchen cabinet repainting, color consultations and much more. When it comes time to repaint your home, you know who to call! Reach out to us for a free estimate.

July 1, 2026
Learn what affects San Diego exterior painting costs, including 2026 price ranges, prep work, coastal conditions, tile roofs, and estimate factors.
July 1, 2026
Learn what affects interior painting costs in San Diego, including 2026 price ranges, room scope, prep work, cabinets, ceilings, and ways to save.
June 22, 2026
Comparing exterior painting estimates in San Diego? Learn what low bids may leave out, from prep work and paint quality to warranties, repairs, and contractor qualifications.
May 20, 2026
How much does it cost to paint a stucco house in San Diego? Learn what affects pricing, typical cost ranges, and what homeowners should know before painting their stucco exterior.
May 8, 2026
Spring and fall are often ideal for repainting a Carlsbad home, but coastal moisture, sun exposure, surface condition, and prep needs all affect timing.
May 8, 2026
Fading, peeling, chalking, cracked caulk, and exposed wood can all signal your Carlsbad home needs exterior painting soon.
May 8, 2026
Painting a Carlsbad house depends on size, stucco, trim, prep, repairs, coastal exposure, access, and colors. Start with online pricing.
May 8, 2026
Carlsbad homes may need repainting every 5 to 10 years depending on coastal exposure, sun, stucco, trim, prep quality, and exterior condition.
May 8, 2026
Spring and fall are often ideal for repainting a Del Mar home, but coastal moisture, sun exposure, surface condition, and prep needs all affect timing.
May 8, 2026
Salt air, sun, and coastal moisture can fade, chalk, crack, and peel exterior paint. See signs your Del Mar home may need repainting.

Tell us about your project

Tell Us About Your Project

Grant Ramsey
Grant signature

Contact us today to schedule a visit from one of our estimators! We’ll come to your home and provide a detailed estimate.


(858) 454-3850


Est 1982