Chapter 4: Get inspired to paint your South Shore home

Chapter 4: Getting inspired to paint (the fun part!)

You may have dozens of Pinterest photos, but nothing beats working with a color consultant or designer, in-person, to make sure the painters execute your vision.

You’ll be driving up to your home for the next decade, looking at the colors you chose and where they’re placed on your home, so it’s important to get color right.

Designers are used to advising homeowners on exterior colors and color placement so your home looks different from your neighbor’s. Look for a painter with a free designer on staff so you know they are up on the latest looks and care about how your finished home will look.  If your painter doesn’t offer a designer, check your local Facebook group or ask your friends for a recommendation of a designer who is good with color.

Some designers can show you computer renderings of what your home will look like in different colors – take advantage of this if you’re having a hard time visualizing the final look -remember, you want to get this right, so don’t be rushed.

Most importantly:  The number one thing to remember is that you want the color of your roof to tie in with your exterior paint color.  Make sure you are looking at the different undertones and “flecks” in your roof and choosing similarly toned colors.

Exterior design considerations:

Paint your window grids and trim a dark color like black, bottle green or burgundy.

Use 5+ colors on different parts of your home to make architecture and exterior features pop.

You might consider choosing an unexpected color that “fits” your South Shore home’s character. This home in Duxbury is painted an unexpected turquoise color that enhances its sweet demeanor. 

Paint your home all one color – a dramatic but still traditional look.

Choose a color for your front door that is “you.”  The front door is an easy way to show your personality without painting the whole house. 

Some more resources to help you paint your South Shore home:

Check out the painting company’s portfolio of recent painting projects for inspiration.

Historic colors of the South Shore and Boston area – a complete resource.

Understand the color trends and popular colors right now in the Boston area.

Use your roof color and undertones to help determine your exterior paint color.  This is the most important consideration when choosing a new exterior color because your roof is a permanent fixture that cannot be changed, so the paint must work with your roof’s color and tones.

Upload a photo of your home and play with different colors and combinations using our color visualizer software.

Add some touches like pergolas, arbors, cupolas, and trellises to your home. These ornamental features make a big difference in your curb appeal.

Know the difference between how paint and stain look and protect your home’s exterior.

Don’t forget to paint your bulkhead so it’s not an eyesore in your backyard.