Best Exterior Paint Colors for Your New England Home

As a Framingham, MA painting and sealcoating contractor, we are often asked how to go about choosing paint colors for the exterior of New England homes. First, you have to consider 3 important components when you are getting started, namely the field, trim, and accent. Second, the architectural style of the home and how those 3 important components change with the style will be considered.

 

Field, Trim, and Accent

 

The field is the predominant color and covers the majority of the structure. While lighter colors typically make a home look larger, too light of a color will give the appearance of flimsiness and instability. We know that using a darker color will provide a sturdier appearance.

 

The trim can often be the deal-breaker if it looks too garish in contrast to the field. In most cases, a lighter color will be your best bet. Paint the door casings, downspouts, gutters, roof edging, and similar elements with the trim color.

 

The accent provides that special “pop” that draws passersby and visitor’s attention to the key or prominent features of your home. Paint the trim color on door frames (not casings), shutters, window frames (not trim), and other small areas. Having the right paint quality helps to keep the area clean.

 

Colors according to Historical Style

 

The architectural style of your home mandates the exterior colors to use, especially if you want to be historically accurate. Here is what we mean:

 

• For colonial style homes (1630 to 1740) – barn red and rustic hues were the main field colors while off-white was the common trim color.
• For Georgian style homes (1700 to 1830) – white and creamy white with a yellowish tint were the primary field colors while the trim color was similar. Black and dark green was used on doors, shutters, and window sashes.
• For Federal style homes (1780 to 1840) – creamy white continued to be the field color while shutters and window trim were commonly black and dark green.
• Greek Revival style homes (1830 to 1850) – field color was usually off-white or a rustic color with gray, off-white, straw yellow, or tan trim.
• Victorian style homes (1855 to 1900) – earth tones or ochers were the popular field colors of the day along with various rustic shades such as browns, deep reds, and greens. Interestingly enough, some Victorian style homes had up to 6 colors.
• For modern style homes (1900’s to the present) – follow the advice above under “Field, Trim, and Accent.” While there are literally thousands of colors to choose from, retaining a home’s historical character will limit the number of choices.

 

For more information, call Right Track Painting & Sealcoating at (617) 480-9831 or send a message to Info@righttrackserv.com.