Green is a popular color choice for house exteriors. When choosing an exterior color, there are several factors to consider including aesthetics, maintenance, energy efficiency, and resale value. This article will examine the pros and cons of green as an exterior house color to help homeowners decide if it is a good choice for their home.
The Aesthetics of Green Exteriors
One of the main reasons people choose green for their home’s exterior is aesthetics. Green is associated with nature, renewal, health, and tranquility. It can create a refreshing, peaceful look for a home. There are many shades of green to choose from including sage, mint, olive, forest, and lime. Lighter greens give a subtle, inviting look while deeper, jewel-tone greens make a bold statement.
Green exteriors pair nicely with natural materials like wood and stone. Green also complements red brick homes beautifully. For a harmonious look, match the undertones of the green to the undertones in the brick. Greens with yellow undertones (chartreuse, lime) enhance the warmth of red brick while greens with blue undertones (teal, forest) accentuate the cool tones in brick.
White trim is the most popular and versatile choice for green exteriors. For a tonal look, matching the trim to a lighter or darker shade of the siding color also works well. Using multiple shades of green on the siding, shutters, and front door is another attractive option. Just be sure the colors complement each other.
Maintenance of Green Exteriors
When weighing green as an exterior color choice, maintenance is an important consideration. How much upkeep the color requires will depend on the specific green shade chosen. Deep, saturated greens show dirt, stains, and weathering more than lighter shades. However, darker greens contain more pigment which means they are more colorfast and fade-resistant.
On the other hand, soft pastel greens are lower maintenance. Their lighter hues hide stains and imperfection better than jeweled greens. But they may require more frequent repainting to keep their color looking vibrant. Overall, medium greens offer a good balance between hiding weathering and retaining color.
Glossier paints do a better job resisting stains than flat paints. But they also highlight imperfections in the siding. A satin or low-luster sheen is a good compromise for green exteriors. It provides protection while still having a soft appearance.
Energy Efficiency of Green Exteriors
Green painted exteriors can also boost a home’s energy efficiency. The color green reflects solar infrared radiation from the sun. This helps reduce heat transfer into the home during hot weather. Studies show that light to medium greens can lower surface temperatures by up to 20°F compared to darker paint colors. This decreases the home’s cooling load in summer.
Dark emerald greens absorb more heat than lighter shades. But even deep greens reflect 4x more infrared radiation than darker paint colors like brown or black. So green still remains a cooler choice than very dark exteriors.
The energy efficiency of a green exterior depends on more than just color. The paint’s sheen also affects solar reflectance. Glossier sheens reflect more sunlight than flat finishes. And the type of siding used makes a difference. Reflective insulation backing behind vinyl siding boosts efficiency further.
Resale Value with Green Exteriors
Green exterior colors generally have a positive impact on resale value. Green’s association with nature provides broad appeal to home buyers. More people are drawn to green than turned off by it. Neutral green shades have the widest appeal. Deep emerald greens are more polarizing, but they make the home distinctive.
Trends do impact preferences. Currently, grays and blues are surpassing green in popularity. But green remains a classic, timeless exterior color. As trends cycle, green comes back in vogue. Prior to the 2000s neutral tans and greens dominated the exterior color palette.
Local tastes also vary. On the resale market, homes with green exteriors fare better in lush, forested areas than arid climates. In the end, a well-maintained green exterior signals a cared for home. And a crisp, clean appearance has the biggest impact on resale value, regardless of color.
Considerations for Green Exterior Colors
Here are some tips when selecting a green exterior:
– Pick a green with undertones that coordinate with other exterior materials like brick or stone. Yellow-green complements red brick while blue-green complements gray stone.
– Avoid light, bright greens if the facade receives direct sun most of the day. Pale greens can discolor with intense sun exposure. Deeper shades hold up better.
– Consider the size of the home. Vibrant greens suit smaller facades while more neutral soft greens work well on larger expanses. Too much deep green can feel overwhelming.
– Select a green variant with natural or low VOC paint. Many greens containing copper compounds or cobalt dry to durable, long-lasting finishes.
– View color swatches at different times of day. Green can shift in appearance under various lighting conditions. Make sure it complements the home in both morning and evening light.
Best Green Exterior Color Palettes
Here are some attractive green color schemes for exterior house paint:
Soft Green and White
A light sage green exterior with clean white trim and accents has a subtle charm. The elegant combination feels refreshing and timeless. Soft green with white paintable brick is also stunning.
Olive Green with Red Brick and White Trim
The natural look of olive green exterior paint plays up the texture of wood siding. Olive green also pairs wonderfully with classic red brick. Crisp white windows, fascia, and accents keep the scheme from feeling too heavy.
Mint Green and Light Gray
Mint green has a cheerful, invigorating quality. Pairing it with light gray stone or siding creates a soothing, spa-like color combination. The two cool tones complement each other beautifully.
Forest Green with Black Accents
For a dramatic, luxurious look, deep forest green exteriors with black windows, doors, and metalwork is stunning. The contrast provides bold curb appeal. Keep trim neutral or matching green for a more understated vibe.
Lime Green and White with Black Roof
Perky lime green instantly brightens a home exterior. Set against white siding, black roof shingles provide sharp contrast. This fun combo feels energizing and contemporary.
Considerations by Climate
Green exterior paint colors are versatile enough to work well in most climates. But some greens suit specific regions best:
Cool Climates
Deeper greens help a home feel grounded in regions with long winters. Forest, emerald and hunter greens reflect less heat which is advantageous in cooler climates. Their richness warms up rural landscapes.
Arid Climates
Light, bright greens feel especially welcoming and refreshing against arid backdrops. Pastel mint, pale sage, and lime reflect heat well. They keep homes cooler in hot, sunny regions.
Tropical/Coastal Climates
Aqua greens like seafoam and teal complement homes in coastal areas. These cool greens reflect heat yet still feel invigorating and beachy. Vibrant greens also suit lush tropical settings.
Mountain Regions
In alpine areas, deeper greens mirror the lush landscape. Forest and mossy greens blend well with evergreen surroundings. Neutral sage and olive green are serene backdrops to rocky vistas.
Conclusion
Green offers versatility as an exterior house color. It provides great aesthetic appeal, balanced maintenance needs, and energy efficiency. Lighter greens are lower maintenance while deeper jewel tones make a dramatic impact. Green suits a variety of architectural styles and color schemes. It has broad appeal for future resale value. Just avoid the greenish-yellow hues. Overall, green is usually a solid exterior color choice as long as the specific shade suits the home’s setting and style. When selected well, green creates an attractive exterior that enhances curb appeal now and in the future.
