Our homes provide comfort and shelter, but that isn’t all that they bring to our lives. For many of us, the home is a point of pride—and it is something that we absolutely love to show off. If you are looking to give your home a style that is all your own, you are probably considering different exterior paint colors. Nothing says our house quite like a custom paint job, after all. Let’s explore some of the key factors that you should consider when deciding on your new paint.

The Effects of Different Exterior Paint Colors

Before you really dive into choosing a paint color, you should fully understand the effects that different paint colors can have on the home. In South Florida, there is plenty of sunshine, and that can change the way that paints look. This is one part of the country where bold and vibrant colors shine—and darker shades can really stand out.

Choosing Colors Based on Area

Though Florida has changed a lot throughout history, there is no denying that it has a look all its own. With the sunshine and tropical feel of the area, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a lot of people choose neutral and vibrant colors for their homes. The sun really encourages a lot of people to choose bright colors for one clear reason—it blends into the tropical surroundings. Florida’s unique culture can play a defining role while choosing what colors are right for you.

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your New Exterior Paint Color in Florida

The base considerations that we went over can play a role in how you choose to paint your home, but they are really just the start. As a homeowner, there are a few common considerations that will be specific to your personal preferences. Let’s take a look at the questions you should ask yourself when deciding on that new exterior paint color.

How Loud Do You Want it to Be?

Color schemes can tell a story, and thanks to color psychology, we know that different color schemes can have a huge impact. Colors can tell us how to feel, how to perceive certain spaces, and play a huge role in our initial reaction to certain spaces.

Given the popularity of vibrant colors for South Florida homes, a good question to ask yourself is: how loud do you want your home’s color to be? In this sense, loud refers to how vibrant a color is—how much it stands out. Some homeowners like a home that blends in, while others are more interested in creating a bold and vibrant oasis. Ask yourself which one is right for you.

How Much Dirt Will it Show?

The weather in South Florida is constantly changing, and there is no lack of nature in most places. While this can be a wonderful selling point and might be one of the reasons that you love Florida, it can also influence your decision here. With nature and changing weather comes one huge consideration—dirt.

Different paint colors will all show dirt differently. While a color might look nice when it is clean and pristine, that doesn’t mean that it will look the same after a South Florida rainstorm.

While it is easy to assume that white paint will show the most dirt, this really isn’t true. White is surprisingly capable of remaining neutral. In fact, from a distance, white paint with dirt will still look surprisingly white. Up close, however, this can change.

Dark colors are commonly thought of as a way to avoid dirt, but this is a very common misconception. True dark colors can actually show a lot of dirt, often more than white. When dust and dirt blow in, you’ll notice a fairly obvious film covering your darker paint.

If you are in an area that is known for a lot of dirt and dust, you might want to choose a color that doesn’t show it. To make this happen, medium colors can be the best choice. Lighter shades of colors—like blue, orange, beige, and green—can do a great job of covering up dirt after a storm.

What Colors Are Likely to Fade?

Since South Florida is known for a lot of sunshine, you have to consider how damaging the sun can be. While you might love the sun when you’re visiting the beach, you might not love it as much when it ruins your home’s beautiful paint job.

Though exterior paint is designed to be resistant to fading and sunlight, no paint is perfect. With time—unless you intervene—your home’s paint will begin to fade. You might be surprised to know that not all colors fade in the same way. Colors near red, like orange and yellow, are more prone to fading in the sun.

What Does Your Dream Home Look Like?

Though there are many practical considerations when you are choosing a paint color for your home, not all decisions have to be practical. Some decisions can be made just because you love the way that they will transform your home.

Before you make a decision that is based entirely on what someone might deem practical, ask yourself what your dream home looks like. Are you still in love with that turquoise home you saw on vacation during your childhood? Are you looking for something cool and neutral that blends with Florida’s beautiful palm trees? Consider your vision and make a decision that will make you happy every time that you see your home.

The Takeaway

Choosing the right paint color for your home is a big decision, and you might not be sure where to start. To explore your options and learn more about what effects you can create with different exterior paint colors, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Gables & Grove. We are committed to making Florida a more beautiful state one coat of paint at a time, and we are happy to help our neighbors create homes that they love!