# Help me decide what color to paint my house **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 19, 2012, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597 "2012-06-19T01:31:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/1 "2012-06-19T01:31:31Z")
My house needs painting. I hope to do it next year. Please take a look and suggest a color. It’s presently white, a plain white farmhouse built in 1849. Tin roof (needs resealing, and that should be done next year, too).[Here’s a picture](http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j127/StG61/). I’m looking for cozy cottage-y. I’m not sure if I want to stay with white, or go with color. I kind of like a plain grey with white trim. It’s very clean-looking. I’m also thinking of a soft yellow, but I don’t want it to look faded, just pastel. Oh, the big holly in the center and the big cedar to the right are gone. I’d like to plant hydrangeas across the front. Please offer your opinions and/or offers to come scrape and paint. StG ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/2 "2012-06-19T01:54:13Z")
Houses should be white, with green shutters. Barns should be red. ---
**Author:** ![Hakuna\_Matata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@Hakuna\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakuna_Matata)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/3 "2012-06-19T01:55:32Z")
I think a good gray (not a battleship gray, but a nice soft gray) and nice bright white would look good. Colors are usually the toughest choice and don’t go by the little chip. My suggestion is to buy a pint of the paint you think you might like and paint a good portion of the house and step back. Some color that looks great on a 2" chip might look overwhelming when it is painted on a 4’x4’ area. I am always amazed that people won’t spring for the one pint before they paint their entire home. A pint or two of paint is cheap insurance to get the color you want in my opinion. Sorry I don’t scrape paint 🙂 Nice home though, seems very cozy. ---
**Author:** ![Foggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foggy/32/1082_2.png) [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/4 "2012-06-19T02:29:11Z")
[Pink](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgzx01urva8/TaBUT4ryYwI/AAAAAAAAAhA/4KCE8DYUAJo/s1600/simple_life_pink_house.jpg)or [Purple](http://www.backyardchickens.com/image/id/5712626)or [Rainbow](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2285/2150060539_78557a83a5.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![applebetty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4af34b/32.png) [@applebetty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/applebetty)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/5 "2012-06-19T02:42:06Z")
I’m thinking eggshell (light cream) with dark grey and red accents. What a lovely place! ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/6 "2012-06-19T02:42:19Z")
**Foggy** - No, No and No. Sorry. **Hakuna Matata** - That’s sort of what I was thinking, but my sister said she thought a color was friendly to come home to on a rainy day. Right now I just wish I"d have a rainy day. **t\_bonham** - Well, it’s been white for 160 years…maybe it deserves to step out. StG ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/7 "2012-06-19T02:45:31Z")
**applebetty** - Can you find a picture that illustrates those colours? I can’t really visualize it. StG ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/8 "2012-06-19T09:42:55Z")
I like the idea of gray with white trim, especially for an older house like yours. It’s very smart-looking, and more interesting than plain white. Just don’t use a very dark gray. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/9 "2012-06-19T10:59:53Z")
Pink, but a very light soft pink, not hot pink. Look at [Ranger’s Gate Lodge](https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?ftid=0x48767bb8ed333ad1:0x22ec8cbad4563813&q=ranger's+gate+lodge,+windsor&hl=en&ved=0CA8Q-gswAA&sa=X&ei=XVvgT7TBAcmMOs_toVU&sig2=XcapVqjhOMJp2WHC3sT5ng) in Windsor Great Park. ---
**Author:** ![6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/6/e19adc/32.png) [@6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/10 "2012-06-19T12:29:25Z")
StG, I think that after 160 years of being subdued, your beautiful house wants to step out in a [palette of blue](http://colorschemedesigner.com/#3t122oDtIDeMn). I don’t think you need fear losing your cosy, cottage feel - the shutters and chimneys do that. Make a statement! Pastels are for wusses! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ludy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Ludy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludy)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/11 "2012-06-19T12:53:53Z")
I have always been partial to a sage green house. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/12 "2012-06-19T13:08:33Z")
That is a lovely old home,I like the rounded window tops. So color…, such a tough decision…check out[http://www.normanrockwellsiding.com/color-palette/](http://www.normanrockwellsiding.com/color-palette/) for inspiration. Yes it’s a vinyl siding product, but the colors are inspired by Norman Rockwell. As mentioned already consider (heritage) gray, or sage with bright white trim. Barn red is also vey smart. But did you see any yellow in that palette? No. I used the ocean blue with white trim for my own house. Went from all white to blue. Looks smashing! ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/13 "2012-06-19T13:47:32Z")
I need to see house images. I can’t visualize with color wheels. **Quartz** - That’s very cute, but I’m afraid too much pink would end up looking like a pepto-bismal bottle. StG ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/14 "2012-06-19T13:56:09Z")
True, so when out and about if you see a house or building that appeals, take note of it, or take a picture. I did do that, what caught my eye was this rehabbed old place, they resided with board and batten. I loved it, ended up installing that on one side as we resided the house. ---
**Author:** ![Alpha\_Twit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpha_twit/32/265_2.png) [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/15 "2012-06-19T16:34:20Z")
How close are your neighbors? I’ve always found it a little annoying when every house on the street is the same basic color so if your neighbor’s houses are close enough to matter then I’d choose something different than they have just to give my home a little visual pop. FWIW, I like yellow with white trim. Accept reject or ignore as you like. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/16 "2012-06-19T17:21:51Z")
Google “exterior paint ideas” then click on images. Find ones you like and let us vote. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/17 "2012-06-19T17:57:35Z")
Great house! I’m surprised to be saying this because usually I’m all about color, but I think it’s perfect in white. It just goes with the style. I’d keep the trim white, at least. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/18 "2012-06-19T18:17:22Z")
> [@Ludy](#): > > I have always been partial to a sage green house. Me too. Sage green is cool and warm at the same time. I think the current colors are just fine though. If you want more pop, then house white and shutters teal. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/19 "2012-06-19T18:21:20Z")
**Alpha Twit** - I have a farm out in the country. There’s one house visible from mine. No worries about looking cookie cutter. Some that I like so far: [Victorian](http://www.behr.com/dsm-ext/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f919ea6621ca5110VgnVCM1000008119fea9RCRD&siteView=html#vgnextoid=3517f3e98119c110VgnVCM1000006b0910acRCRD;channel=INSPIRATION;view=3) [THis is cheery, although I think I might opt for a slightly cooler shade of yellow.](http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/CLX0206CURB11DG2-de.jpg) [I like the “painted lady” style of this one](http://www.flickr.com/photos/fixerupper/228315097/), but I think it’s too ornate for my simple little house. [Grey house/white trim](http://pinterest.com/pin/38913984249786567/) **Brynda** - Maybe I should walk down Main and College Streets and look at colors. Maybe take some pics. StG ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2012, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597/20 "2012-06-19T18:56:52Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > Houses should be white, with green shutters. > > Barns should be red. Farmhouses should be white with green shutters, with the exception of leaving the natural wood exposed. Grey is a reasonable substitute for white. The windows should have molding added to accentuate the shape, and green shutters added for a nice scallop top effect on the arched windows. Use the same green on the facia. Beef up the porch posts a little, and maybe add a rail across them. Nice looking house. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-decide-what-color-to-paint-my-house/625597.md?page=2)