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Last updated: 30 August 2023
Exterior house paint ideas
Need some exterior paint ideas for your home? We all know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but what if the cover is suggesting you live somewhere drab and joyless? Your home's exterior is a first impression of personal style, so why not let it showcase your personality and make people wonder 'who lives in *that* house?'
Exterior house paint ideas (UK)
We're going to explore some striking exterior house paint ideas, each one designed to transform your home into a show-stopping masterpiece.
Painting the exterior of your house is a simple and cost-effective way to enhance its kerb appeal. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant colours or subtle and elegant hues, choosing the right style will make a lasting impression.
The right paint colour ideas for the exterior of your house will set the tone of your home, which is why it's important to find one (or a combination) that suits its architectural style.
It's also worth considering the local area and whether the bright pink façade of your dreams is a tear-jerking masterpiece or a cry for help.
Whatever your vibe may be, keep reading for exterior house paint ideas that will make your neighbours green with envy (or any other colour you so happen to choose).
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Best exterior house paint colour ideas (UK)
The UK isn't known for its dazzling exteriors and brave design choices. However, maybe you could change all that? (Go on, we dare you...)
When it comes to choosing the best house paint colour for the exterior of your home, take your pick from the rainbow or include them all in a colour blocking masterpiece (as pictured)!
And why not take into consideration some fun colour theory while you're at it?
For example:
Blue is a versatile exterior paint option that evokes calm and serenity
Green is invigorating and natural for an inviting and clean aesthetic
Peach is playful and adds a touch of warmth and charm to any wall
Yellow is a vibrant colour full of cheer and high energy
Grey is modern and sophisticated on the blue end of the spectrum or playful and trendy on the pink end of the spectrum
If you like more than one colour, it's always worth experimenting to see what combinations work well for you. In the meantime, let’s take a look at some of these options in a bit more detail.
Related content: Cost to paint pebbledash house.
Coastal blue
Somewhere between a seaside retreat and a quaint sleepy town
Get ready to set sail with a seaworthy exterior. Whether you choose a bright azure, a deep navy, or a dusty hue like pictured, there's no doubt blue is a versatile colour.
Why choose blue exterior house paint ideas?
Blue evokes a sense of calm and serenity (with a pinch of elegance). It also reflects your surrounding environment, which means harmonising it with your current decor is a seamless undertaking.
With all the hustle and bustle that comes with daily life, finding your own slice of serenity and letting the stillness of water wash over you is the respite you deserve.
Top tips:
Pair blue with white trim for a classic look, or go bold with contrasting colours like yellow or red
Experiment with different shades of blue for a unique and eye-catching finish
Honour the UK's deep-rooted heritage with blue, whether it's the Royal Navy, a seaside cottage, or your local fishing village
Blue transcends time, meaning it works on a Georgian townhouse or a contemporary city high-rise
Give yourself a visual sense of relief by adding blue to your household during the UK's rare heatwaves
Blue tones tend to visually lower the perceived temperature, making your home appear cooler and more inviting during hot summer days
Why not contact a local painter and decorator to help incorporate a blue hue into your exterior walls?
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Heritage green
Traditional and timeless, forest green is a colour steeped in history
Nature lovers unite! Green exteriors have come to town. Why not make your home a symbol of history? Whether it exudes a forest trail or robs from the rich and gives to the poor, there's a shade out there for you.
Each green and what they mean:
Sage green: Used for millennia, this soft hue evokes a sense of calmness and serenity, perfect for creating a peaceful ambience
Olive green: With its earthy tones, olive green will give your home's exterior a touch of sophistication and elegance
Mint green: This light and airy shade brings a fresh and modern feel to your house, which is ideal for a contemporary look
Emerald green: Bold and vibrant, emerald green makes a statement and adds a luxurious element to any home
Hunter green: This deep shade exudes a sense of tradition and timelessness, giving your house a classic and elegant appearance
Why choose green exterior house paint ideas?
Paired with earthy tones such as woods and browns, you can blend your home with the surrounding landscape
Green creates a captivating and refreshing atmosphere that instantly transports you to a tranquil oasis
Embody the love the UK populace has for a well-tended garden by staying connected to nature
Green exterior house paint ideas offer a wide range of choices that suit any style or preferred aesthetic
Perfect peach
Keep it playful with romantic hues for nostalgic charm
Why not immerse yourself in a dreamy and inviting atmosphere? Adorn your home's exterior with a charming shade of peach to evoke its playful charm.
Rose hues pair well with peach, offering a romantic flair that suits most Victorian or Edwardian architecture styles. Better yet, include some ivy or wisteria for a truly whimsical feel.
Why opt for peach brick house exterior paint ideas?
Peach is a perfect choice if you want your home's façade to embody simple elegance and charm
Peach is a happy colour. Its soft and delicate hue creates a sense of harmony and beauty
Pair it with white trim for a classic and timeless look
For a modern and sophisticated impact, combine peach with navy blue accents
Cheerful yellow
Welcome the sunshine with a buttercup ray during a cloudy day
Radiating warmth and light, yellow offers a welcoming and positive atmosphere, which is perfect if you live in a chillier part of the UK.
This is because yellow contributes to elevating your exterior's temperature (in an emotional sense) and lifts your mood – even on the dreariest of mornings.
Just imagine being greeted with a burst of sunshine every day? By choosing a vibrant shade of yellow for the exterior of your house, you'll experience just that.
Warning: Side effects include a cheerier mood and positive beginnings and ends to your days.
Why choose yellow exterior house paint ideas?
Yellow works in perfect harmony with a spectrum of other hues; for example, the subtle elegance of grey or the classic purity of white
It exudes warmth and positivity, making your home feel inviting and cheerful
Yellow is associated with happiness and optimism, which helps lift your and your neighbour's spirits
It stands out among other houses in the neighbourhood, adding a unique and eye-catching element to your home's exterior
Use it one traditional cottages or contemporary homes to enhance your curb appeal
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Classy grey
Opt for a minimalist grayscale with clean lines to evoke a modern aesthetic
Grey is the epitome of contemporary chic. Whether you pick a charcoal hue or light raincloud cast, it's sure to give your exterior walls a sleek and minimalist edge.
Adaptable and mood-defining, water the grey down for a soft and calming atmosphere or thicken it up for a bold and edgy finish. Better yet, combine various shades for a monochrome blend that plays with shadows and light.
Whatever you choose, grey is a timeless design option with various styles, making it a reliable choice for your exterior paintwork.
Why pick grey exterior house paint ideas?
Grey is one of the most versatile shades and easily complements different colour schemes and styles
Use it as a neutral backdrop that allows other colours and/or elements to shine
Alternatively, keep several grey hues as the focal point to create a monochromatic and minimalist aesthetic
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Exterior house paint scheme ideas
Be bold, be brave, be beautiful
Express yourself and make no apologies when it comes to staying true to your deepest, darkest, exterior wall design dreams.
Barbie-core fan? Hit them with the fuchsia. Citrus lover? BAM! Colour your walls with secondary school highlighter pens. Indecisive expressionist? Taste the rainbow.
If want it and you can, don't be afraid to experiment with bright and expressive paint ideas for the exterior of your house.
Try two-tone paint effects for striking accents
Pick two complementary colours for the exterior of your house to create a striking two-tone finish full of depth and intrigue.
Why choose two-tone exterior house paint ideas?
Two-tones work well when it comes to exterior paint ideas for small houses, where lighter colours and pastel hues help create the illusion of a larger space
You can add a touch of whimsy by choosing an unexpected colour for your front door. For example, a bright teal, sunny orange, or even a rich plum
Top tips:
Choose one main colour for the body of your house – e.g., a neutral tone like beige, grey, or white. Next, pick a trim colour in a bolder shade like navy blue, forest green, or even vibrant red. The contrast between the two colours will let your house declare its show-stopping credentials without saying a word
For houses with brick exteriors, it's important to choose a paint colour that complements the red tones of the bricks, such as a warm beige or soft grey
Opposites attract when it comes to brick house exterior paint ideas
Exterior house paint ideas with red brick work – what colour goes well with red brick work?
Transform your red brick home with a perfect complement to its rich, warm tones. The trick is to enhance its natural beauty while keeping it unique with your own personal design preferences.
Deep navy blue is a striking paint colour, and the contrast it creates when paired with the vibrant red of the bricks is the perfect highlight to enhance its natural beauty
Another great colour option is muted grey, which gives a red brick home a modern upgrade and sleek finish. It also takes a step back and gives the bricks their grand design moment
For a more traditional feel, a warm cream or beige will enhance the classic charm of the red brick finish
If you're looking for a bolder option, consider a deep forest green or a dark burgundy, both of which will create a dramatic and eye-catching aesthetic
Final thoughts
As you can see, your options for exterior house paint ideas are as numerous and unique as people themselves.
Let your house tell its unique story by taking into account its architecture, the surrounding landscape, and your personal preferences.
As a result, you'll create a stunning exterior that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Did you find the inspiration you were looking for? If so, there's more where this came from. Read our blog for more ideas, expert advice, and cost guides.
If you can't wait to get started, find a local painter and decorator to start work on your exterior paint job today. Just pop your postcode into the bar below.
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