Choosing the right exterior colour for your home can significantly impact its overall appearance and appeal. While some hues can enhance its elegance and sophistication, others may detract from its charm, making it appear cheap and unattractive. In this article, we delve into exterior colours, exploring shades that can diminish the perceived value of your home.
Exterior colours that make your house look cheap
Take a look at some exterior house colours that look your home look cheap and unappealing.
Exterior paint colours to avoid #1: Pink
Pinks, ranging from salmons to bubble gum, are often deemed unsuitable for residential homes. Their association with children’s toys or less sophisticated environments can detract from a property’s maturity and allure, impacting future resale value. However, exceptions exist, particularly in Victorian houses or Caribbean cottages. In such contexts, where the ambience calls for a touch of vibrancy, a rosy exterior can complement the character of the dwelling and its surroundings.
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Exterior paint colours to avoid #2: Orange
Orange tends to clash, especially when paired with neutral tones, like wood, brick or metal. This colour mismatch can disrupt the overall aesthetic balance, creating a visual discord that detracts from the home’s curb appeal. When considering exterior colour schemes, steer clear of combinations that include orange and neutral hues to ensure a cohesive and visually appealing look.
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Exterior paint colours to avoid #3: Mint green
While mint green or pale aqua may be charming on their own, they do not always translate well to home exteriors. Mint green can evoke a dated or retro vibe and not in a sophisticated manner. If you are drawn to green for your home’s exterior, opt for shades with sage, olive or pine undertones. These resonate with natural greens, offering a timeless and harmonious appearance that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.
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Exterior paint colours to avoid #4: Light blue
Light or pastel blue, particularly baby blue, can give off a dated vibe reminiscent of the 1980s and make your exterior look cheap. However, there are exceptions, such as colonial-style homes with red front doors or beachy cottages. Pulling off light blue requires careful consideration and consulting a designer to select the right shade that complements your home’s style and surroundings. Swatching several hues can ensure a successful outcome.
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Exterior paint colours to avoid #5: Cool grey
Cool grey shades may come across as sterile and reminiscent of cinder blocks. These shades can drain the vitality of a house. To avoid this effect, choose a grey with warm undertones to create an inviting and visually dynamic appearance for your home.
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Exterior paint colours to avoid #6: Bright yellow
Bright yellow, while periodically experiencing popularity, might be too trendy for a traditional home exterior. Explore other playful and timeless alternatives to ensure a more enduring and classic look.
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Exterior paint colours to avoid #7: Turquoise
While bold blue can be fitting in certain contexts, turquoise may feel overly beachy unless you are in a cottage on the shore. Opt for a subtle pale blue or seafoam green as they can evoke a coastal ambience more gracefully.
Source: 333k+Arts (Pinterest)
Exterior paint colours to avoid #8: Purple
While shades of purple can add sophistication and flair to interior spaces, they often appear out of place on the exterior of a home. For period houses or those seeking to incorporate purple accents, it is advisable to use it sparingly on the trim and opt for shades with warm and rich undertones, such as deep aubergine. This can add character without overwhelming the exterior aesthetic.
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Exterior paint colours to avoid #9: Yellow Beige
Yellowish off-white tones resembling vanilla can appear stale and uninspired. Similarly, yellow beige can feel dated and unattractive. Such colours detract from a home’s appeal, giving off an impression of cheapness rather than timelessness.
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Exterior paint colours to avoid #10: Soft brown
Soft brown, particularly with yellow undertones, may seem like a safe choice but can translate to common, predictable and uninspired. Brown, especially the generic shades used in housing for years, can appear bland and builder-grade, lacking character and personalisation. While some browns can appear generic, opting for a rich chocolate brown can elevate your home’s aesthetic, giving it a more upscale and sophisticated look.
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Housing.com POV
The exterior colour of your home plays a significant role in its perceived value and marketability. While personal taste is important, it is essential to consider how different colours impact the overall impression of your property. By avoiding certain colours that may cheapen the look of your home, you can enhance its curb appeal and create a lasting impression. The right choice of exterior colour can make your home stand out in the neighbourhood and potentially increase its resale value.
FAQs
Which colour is best for a home outside?
The best colour for a home exterior depends on architectural style, surroundings, personal preference and regional trends. Neutral shades, such as white, beige, grey or taupe, are popular as they complement most architectural styles and blend well with the surroundings.
What colour makes your house look expensive?
Dark and rich colours, such as deep blues, charcoal grey and dark greens, give the impression of luxury and sophistication, making a house look more expensive. Warm and earthy tones, such as olive green and chocolate brown, can convey a sense of elegance and upscale appeal.
What exterior colour house sells for the most money?
While there is no definitive answer, several studies have shown that homes with certain exterior colours tend to sell for more money. Neutral colours, such as light beige, grey or white, are considered safe choices and appeal to a range of buyers. However, the best colour for selling a house may vary depending on the location, market trends and buyer preferences.
What is the luckiest house colour?
In different cultures and traditions, various colours are associated with luck and prosperity. For example, in Chinese culture, red is considered a lucky colour that symbolises happiness and good fortune. In some cultures, shades of green are believed to bring luck and abundance. The concept of lucky house colours is subjective and varies based on personal beliefs and cultural traditions.
What colour house is hardest to sell?
Bright and unconventional colours that may not appeal to the majority can be challenging to sell. Colours, such as bright yellow, neon green or vibrant orange, may limit potential buyers. Additionally, colours that clash with the surrounding environment or architectural style may make it harder to sell a house. Opting for neutral or universally appealing colours is recommended to maximise saleability.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
