Choosing an exterior color for your house is an important decision that can dramatically affect the overall look and feel of your home. Green is a popular color choice for house exteriors, but is it the right option for your home? There are several factors to consider when deciding if green is a good exterior color.
The Pros of a Green Exterior
There are many potential benefits to choosing a green exterior house color:
Curb Appeal: Green is a natural, earthy color that can help your home blend in with its surroundings. Different shades of green can create a rustic, peaceful, or lush look. This can boost your home’s curb appeal.
Versatility: There are so many shades of green to choose from, like sage, olive, lime, emerald, mint, etc. This wide range means you can easily find a green hue that coordinates with your home’s style and other exterior elements like the roof, trim, and landscaping.
Energy Efficiency: Some research indicates that light green colors reflect more sunlight than darker colors. This may mean the exterior surface stays cooler, reducing heat transfer into your home and saving on air conditioning costs.
Value: Green is one of the most popular exterior colors. Painting your home’s exterior green, especially a neutral green shade, can potentially increase its resale value.
Soothing Effect: Green is thought to be a psychologically calming color that evokes feelings of health and relaxation. Having a green exterior can create a soothing oasis-like feeling in your outdoor spaces.
The Cons of a Green Exterior
However, there are also a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind with a green exterior:
Shows Dirt: Because green is a darker color, it can show dirt, dust, stains, and other flaws more easily than light colors. It may require more frequent cleaning to keep up the appearance.
Limiting: Some people see green as more limiting than a neutral exterior color when it comes to coordinating with other colors for future exterior updates like front doors, plant pots, etc.
Bold Statements: Bright, deep, or blue-toned greens can make a bold statement that neighbors and HOAs may not appreciate. Be sure to check rules and regulations first.
Fades Over Time: Green paints tend to fade more quickly in the sun than other brighter or darker colors. Be prepared to repaint more often to keep the green looking vibrant.
Cost: Darker green paint colors often require an additional coat of primer, which can add to the total cost of painting your home’s exterior.
Factors to Consider
Here are some important factors to weigh when deciding if green is the right exterior color for your particular home:
House Style: What architectural style is your home? Green may suit a Craftsman, cottage, or farmhouse well, but a more modern home could potentially clash with a green exterior.
Roof & Trim Colors: Make sure the green hue you choose complements the existing roof and trim colors instead of clashing with them. Accent colors that pair well with green include white, cream, black, and brown.
Landscaping: If your yard is lush and green, an earthy green exterior can complement the natural surroundings. But if you have desert landscaping, a green home may look out of place.
Lighting: Green can look different in different lighting. View color swatches at different times of day to make sure the shade appears how you want it.
HOA Rules: If your home is part of an HOA, be sure to check for any restrictions on green exterior paint before finalizing your color choice.
Personal Preference: While green is undeniably popular for home exteriors, make sure you and your family actually like the color too!
Best Green Exterior Paint Colors
If you decide green is the right exterior color for your home, choosing the perfect shade of green can be overwhelming given the vast number of options. Here are some of the most popular and attractive green paint colors for exterior house color schemes:
| Green Paint Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Sage Green | A pale, muted green reminiscent of the herb sage. Sage green has gray undertones that give it a soft, soothing vibe. |
| Mint Green | A pale pastel green, like the color of mint leaves and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Works well in cottages. |
| Lime Green | A bright, vivid shade of green that adds a fun, playful pop. Best in small doses like on a front door. |
| Olive Green | A muted green with yellow/brown undertones like green olives. Has an earthy, natural look. |
| Emerald Green | A cool-toned dark green that adds drama and sophistication. Emerald green looks luxurious. |
| Forest Green | A very deep green reminiscent of lush forests. Has both blue and yellow undertones. |
Conclusion
Green can be a great exterior color choice for many homes, but it also has some potential drawbacks to consider. Factors like your home’s style and architecture, roof and trim colors, surrounding landscaping, lighting, and HOA rules should all weigh into your final decision. If green fits with these criteria and your personal preferences, choose a flattering shade like sage green, olive green, or emerald green. For best results, view large color swatches outside at different times before painting the entire house exterior green. With the right shade of green and proper prep and upkeep, this natural, versatile color can help your home stand out while blending into its natural surroundings.