Choosing the right paint colours for your home can be a daunting task, but it’s also an opportunity to add personality and style to your living spaces. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home’s interior or exterior, selecting the right paint colours can make all the difference.
From warm neutrals to statement-making hues, we’re here with the latest trends and classic favourites that will bring your home to life inside and out. At Swanson Painting, we like to help you choose colours that will be timeless, while enhancing your interior or exterior to your style, and will be easy to maintain too. Keep reading for the favourite home interior or exterior paints of designers.
Best Colours for Home Interiors
Neutral Colours
Neutral colours are timeless and versatile, making them a popular choice among homeowners. They are muted shades that appear to lack colour, but have underlying tones that change with different lighting, still adding character to a room without being a statement themselves. Adding a neutral colour is a good way to create a calm, soothing environment, allowing your furniture and décor to stand out.
Examples of Neutral Interior Colours
- White.
- Beige.
- Cream.
- Grey.
- Brown.
- Black.
- Taupe.
Pastel Colours
Pastel colours are hues with a hint of white, making them soft and subtle. These colours are perfect for creating a cosy and romantic ambiance in your home, without being too loud or taking away from any other decor.
Pastel colours are popular to use in the bedroom as they are calming, while still giving you a pop of colour.
Examples of Pastel Interior Colours
- Power pink.
- Sky blue.
- Mint green.
- Lavender.
- Antique white.
- Buttermilk yellow.
Bold Colours
If you want to add some drama and personality to your home, bold colours are the way to go. These colours are bright and vibrant, making them perfect for accent walls, rugs and furniture. Different colours can also insight different moods in the home, such as yellow for confidence, happiness and creativity, red for passion and power.
Examples of Bold Interior Colours
- Green.
- Red.
- Yellow.
- Blue.
- Orange.
- Gold.
- Teal.
- Purple.
Best Colours for Home Exteriors
Earth Tones
Earth tones are inspired by natural elements, such as soil, rocks, sand and water. For home interiors leaning towards a rustic, organic or country style, earth colours can help connect your interior with your exterior, connecting your home to nature and its surroundings.
Examples of Earth Toned Exterior Colours
- Beige.
- Tan.
- Brown.
- Blue.
Traditional Colours
Traditional colours are classic choices that never go out of style. They are great if you’ll be renting out your property as they’re easy to maintain. If you are looking for a traditional colour but still want that pop of colour, you can add another popular exterior paint trend to the trims so you have the best of both worlds. Our team at Swanson Painting can help you strike that perfect balance, whether it’s for your own forever home or an investment property.
Examples of Traditional Exterior Colours
- White.
- Cream.
- Grey.
- Black.
- Mid-greens.
Bright Colours
Bright colours are perfect for homes that want to stand out from the crowd. Think of your bold, vibrant colours that make homes look modern or contemporary, commonly paired with neutral or traditional trim colours to create a nice balance. Bright colours are becoming more and more popular for home exterior paint with designers as it helps to add personality to the property.
It’s easy to be intimidated by a bright home exterior colour, but they can be a great way to add personality or even help your home stand out if you’re getting ready to sell.
Examples of bright exterior colours:
- Yellow.
- Red.
- Bold blue.
- Green.
- Pink.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Interior & Exterior Paints
How many coats of paint are needed for interior walls?
When it comes to painting interior walls, the general rule of thumb is to use a minimum of two coats of paint. This is because it is rare to achieve a seamless finish with just one coat of paint, and two coats of paint can help prepare the walls for wear and tear, cleaning, wiping and sunlight.
However, the number of coats of paint needed can vary depending on the material and previous colour of the wall. For example, unfinished drywall may require a coat of primer or undercoat paint in addition to two coats of paint. If the wall was previously painted a darker colour than the new paint, an additional coat may be necessary to cover up the darker hue beneath. In general, dark paint colours may require an additional application to ensure an even finish.
Can I paint over wallpaper?
Yes, you can paint over wallpaper, but it requires proper preparation and consideration of the type of wallpaper. Some wallpaper should not be painted over, such as wallpaper that is peeling in multiple places or fabric-backed vinyl wallpaper. However, if the wallpaper is difficult to remove, it may be a good candidate for painting over.
The general rule of thumb is to clean the walls, repair any damages, tape off moulding and trim, prime the walls with oil-based primer, and start painting. Oil-based primer can seal in any old glue from the paper and prevent any paint failure. It’s important to note that oil-based primer can take longer to dry, and the smell can be overbearing, but some fast-drying options are now available. Overall, it’s best to consult with a professional painter to evaluate your painting needs and determine the best course of action for your home.
How often should I repaint the exterior of my home?
The frequency of repainting the exterior of a home depends on several factors, including the type of materials used, the quality of the paint, and the location of the home. Some professionals suggest repainting every 4 to 6 years, while others suggest repainting every 15 years. On average, most homes need to be repainted every 5 to 10 years.
Signs it’s time to repaint the exterior of a home include peeling, cracking, flaking or chipping paint, which can lead to damage from the elements. Wood siding should be repainted every 3 to 7 years, while aluminium siding can be repainted every 5 to 6 years. Repainting the exterior of a home is an investment that can lengthen the integrity of the home and protect it from the elements. It’s important to consult with a professional painter to evaluate your painting needs and determine the best course of action for your home.
How do I choose the right paint finish for my project?
Choosing the right paint finish for your project is important to achieve the desired look and feel. Some things to consider when choosing the right paint finish include:
The room and its different surfaces, such as wood trims, material of the walls, etc.
Lighting and how it may change the colour and appearance of the paint.
What the room is used for and setting the right mood.
If it’s a high traffic area that will need a more durable pain.
Your local professional painter, like our team at Swanson Painting, can help you select the right finish that will be long-wearing and easy to maintain.
