Guidance on Selecting Exterior Paint Colors: Do’s and Don’ts

Jacobsen Brothers Painting • May 16, 2024

Selecting an exterior paint color for your home or business can be a daunting task. With so many options available, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. The exterior paint color sets the tone for your property and can significantly impact its curb appeal. At Jacobsen Brothers Painting, we are committed to helping you make informed decisions that enhance the beauty and value of your property. Below, we share some do’s and don’ts to guide you in choosing the perfect exterior paint color.


1. Do consider the architectural style


The architectural style of your building plays a significant role in choosing the exterior paint color. Certain colors and hues complement specific architectural styles better than others. For instance, a Victorian-style home may look striking with bold and vibrant colors while a modern minimalistic home might shine in shades of white or gray.


2. Don’t ignore the surroundings


Your building’s surroundings can provide insights into the ideal paint color. Consider the dominant colors in your landscape. If your home is set against a backdrop of lush greenery, earth tones or muted colors can complement the environment beautifully.


3. Do think about the visual effect


Light colors can make your building appear larger and more inviting, while dark colors can make it seem smaller but more substantial. Depending on the impression you want to make, choose a color carefully to create the desired visual effect.


4. Don’t forget about durability


Remember that some colors fade faster than others. Dark colors, for example, can fade quickly under intense sunlight. Consult with painting professionals like us at Jacobsen Brothers Painting to understand which colors are likely to offer the most longevity in your specific location and climate.


5. Do aim for harmony


Ensure your chosen exterior paint color harmonizes with other elements of your property like the roof, doors, windows, and trim. Striking the right balance can make your building stand out in a pleasing way.


6. Don’t hesitate to use technology


Today's technology makes it easier to visualize how different colors will look on your exterior. Use digital tools and apps that allow you to upload a photo of your home or office and apply different paint colors.


Selecting the right exterior paint color can transform a property from ordinary to extraordinary. While the task might seem challenging, these do's and don'ts should pave the way for an easier decision-making process. Remember, you don't have to navigate these decisions alone.


At Jacobsen Brothers Painting, we lever our 70 years of experience to provide expert guidance and professional services. We take into account your personal preferences, architectural style, surrounding environment, and more to suggest a color that will bring out the best in your property.


Ready to give your property a fresh, appealing look? Contact Jacobsen Brothers Painting today to start creating your perfect exterior paint plan. Visit our website at www.jacobsenbros.com/ or call us now to start your painting adventure. Let us help you bring your vision to life.

Share This Blog

A bright, modern kitchen features light turquoise cabinets, an island with wooden stools, open shelving, and a refrigerator.
By Jacobsen Brothers Painting May 6, 2026
Planning a kitchen refresh before Mother's Day or summer gatherings? Learn when cabinet refinishing makes sense, how long it lasts, and how to prepare.
Person staining a wooden deck with a brush. The deck is partly stained brown; the other portion is white.
By Jacobsen Brothers Painting April 22, 2026
Before summer BBQs, learn how sanding, repairs, and the right stain protect Colorado wood from UV, moisture, and peeling for seasons to come with pro tips
Two people examining color swatches, indoors. One in pink blazer, the other in yellow top.
By Jacobsen Brothers Painting April 7, 2026
Get a pro guide to sheen, washability, and durability—plus where low-VOC, water-based, and enamel paints perform best indoors and outside trim without peeling or scuffs.
Person scraping textured ceiling with a scraper tool. Drywall dust falls, beige walls in corner.
By Jacobsen Brothers Painting March 17, 2026
Selling or remodeling? Understand testing for asbestos/lead, how we contain dust, and what a Level 4 or Level 5 drywall finish means for modern ceilings today.
Man painting a teal section of a building's wall, next to a window and a beige painted section.
By Jacobsen Brothers Painting March 4, 2026
From late snow to dry winds, learn the best months, temps, and prep steps that help exterior paint cure properly and last longer in our climate—plus when to book.
Woman dipping a paintbrush into a paint bucket in front of a blue wall.
By Jacobsen Brothers Painting February 17, 2026
See average price ranges, what prep and repairs add, and how paint quality and crew size impact your final interior painting quote for Colorado homes in 2026.
Woman on step stool hanging a picture on a teal wall above white paneling. Cardboard boxes sit below.
By Jacobsen Brothers Painting February 4, 2026
Planning a February refresh? Learn which reds, blush neutrals, and warm whites work best—and what sheen to use for durable, inviting interiors year-round.
Strip mall with various colored facades, awnings, and columns in front of a parking lot.
By Jacobsen Brothers Painting January 21, 2026
Plan commercial painting for Q1 2026. See timelines, budgets, coatings that cure fast, and how we minimize downtime for offices, retail spaces, and facilities.
Blue-walled living room with gray armchair, white table, and artwork. A side table holds vase, candles, and books.
By Jacobsen Brothers Painting January 7, 2026
Start 2026 with a smart interior painting plan. Learn how often to repaint, room order, drywall repair before paint, and pro tips to extend finish life.
Hand applying wood stain to a wooden surface with a brush.
By Jacobsen Brothers Painting December 17, 2025
Refresh trim, mantels, and doors before Christmas with wood staining and carpentry. Can you stain indoors in winter? Best finishes for fireplaces? Dry times.