Color Combinations for Apartment Exterior Painting
Written by Masie Pitchard
Choosing a color palate for your home is hard. But when it comes to choosing a color combination for the exteriors, it can get extra hard and tricky. For all the time and creativity you are investing in designing your house or apartment, you’ll want an exterior color combination that is elegant, modern, and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
For a modern look on the apartment exteriors, choose to go with monochromic shades of gray, black, or dark hues like dark green. If you have a more classical taste, then your go-to should be a combination of crisp white and deep colors like navy blue or emerald green which adds more depth. On the other hand, nudes and rustic tones can also be perfect for that timeless look and feel.
If you are new to exterior designing or you are done with all the previous styles and are looking for new exterior color combinations, you are in the right place! This guide not only answers your queries about exterior painting your apartments and homes but also provides an array of newer combinations that would make you fall in love with your place.
So keep on reading below!
Why Should You Paint the Exterior of Your Apartment?
Painting the exterior of your apartment isn't just about giving it a fresh coat of color – it's about transforming your living space into something truly remarkable. Imagine walking up to your apartment every day and feeling a sense of pride as its vibrant colors welcome you home.
Beyond the aesthetics, exterior painting also offers practical benefits. It acts as a protective shield, guarding your apartment against weather elements like rain and sun, ultimately extending its lifespan. It's like giving your apartment a stylish makeover while also investing in its durability.
Plus, choosing the right colors can reflect your personality and make your apartment stand out in the neighborhood. So, whether you're aiming for a cozy retreat, a modern look, or something entirely unique, painting the exterior is your canvas to make a lasting impression and turn your apartment into a true work of art.
What Colors Should You Choose For Your Apartment Exteriors?
Choosing the perfect colors for your apartment's exterior is like selecting the right ingredients for a recipe. It is a blend of creativity, personal style, and a dash of practicality.
Whether you are aiming for a charming traditional look for your place, a sleek modern vibe, or something in between, the colors you choose will set the tone for your entire living space.
Here are some color choices that you can go for if you are looking for exciting and catchy exterior color choices for your apartment.
- Black and White
The classical combination of black and white can never disappoint you. If you are stuck and unable to choose an exterior color for your place, you can without a doubt go with these monochromatic shades. Together these shades make a design choice that speaks sophistication and simplicity for itself.
White gives your place a clean and calm feeling with a sense of freshness and spaciousness. Whereas, black adds a bit of boldness and dramatic aura, giving a more modern touch to the place. Together these shades make a design choice that speaks sophistication and simplicity for itself.
Moreover, these neutral shades offer a versatile canvas to play with accent colors through decorative elements like doors, railings, or landscaping. So, if you're aiming for an exterior that makes a statement without saying too much, the white and black duo might just be the aesthetic symphony you need! - Brown and Sand
Brown and sand are popular choices of exterior apartment paints because of the natural earthy feeling that it brings to the place. Both of these colors blend together to create a warm and inviting exterior.
The Seattle, Washington Architect, Neiman Taber says, “ Brown and sand gives a complementary tone to your place. Where the sandy color in a neighborhood continues in Seattle, the brown on the other is a darker complement that provides a strong visual base. Red window frames add an extra punch of color.”
Whether your apartment is in the heart of the city or tucked away in a serene corner, brown and sand are a combination that brings the best of nature's palette to your doorstep. - Greige and Teal
If you are bored with the usual shocking hues of apartment exteriors, greige, and teal offer a good backup plan. Greige – a combination of gray and beige, is a new modern thing these days. When this color is paired with teal, your modern look gets an instant upgrade!
Greige can be used for the main body as it provides a clean backdrop, while teal is used for accents like doors, windows, and railings to create contrast and drama. It naturally gives a pop-up effect to your traditional neighborhood, making you stand out among other apartments. - Light and Dark Olive
If you want to maintain the warm earthy feel of nature along with adding blends of sophistication to their exteriors, then the combination of light and dark olive should be your go-to choice! This combination gives the natural essence of a sun-kissed olive grove on a warm summer's day.
This two-toned olive combination creates a natural and soothing ambiance that welcomes you home. The light olive, like the gentle touch of sunlight, can be the main color, enveloping your space in a calming embrace. On the other hand, the dark olive steps in as the accents – think window frames, shutters, or even decorative trim – add depth and character to the canvas.
This combination gives a harmonious duet, bringing an earthy elegance to your place that seamlessly blends your living space with the beauty of the outdoors. - Sage and Straw
In simpler terms, sage and straw are taupe yellow and slate gray. This combination suits a variety of exterior designs including modern, classical, and coastal vibes. This color combination creates a soft, serene, and gentle vibe that is naturally attractive.
Sage gives a center-stage feeling to your exterior, enveloping your abode in a soothing embrace that exudes balance and harmony. Pair it with straw, a shade reminiscent of sunlit fields, for the perfect complement. It infuses a touch of warmth and timeless appeal into your design.
This combination is nature's gift to your living space, a reminder of the peaceful outdoors that awaits just beyond your doorstep. With sage and straw, you're not just choosing colors; you're crafting an atmosphere that welcomes, calms, and uplifts, making your apartment a sanctuary amid the modern world. - Red and Black
Although light hues and neutral tones are preferred for exteriors, red and black have their own charm. According to Cindy McClure, Grossmueller’s Design Consultant, “Red Is a classic color, and it never gets out of style.”
This combination gives a regal exterior design to your apartment. Pair it with golden detailing, which adds a touch of luxury to details like trim and decorative elements.
Moreover, red and black are a perfect combination for smaller homes and apartments because they handle the color so well. Plus, it instantly makes the place feel enlarged and more roomy, black compliments this red by giving it a popping effect. For better aesthetics, use it for the front door, shutters, and window rims. - Navy and Beige
Navy is one color that never goes out of style and fashion. It can be paired with a number of colors like white, gray, sage, and beige. The Navy gives a sense of royalty and the allure of a sophisticated coastal retreat right at your doorstep!
Naturally, the navy has a deep and contemplative aura like the vast ocean which it projects to any place it is painted on. It becomes the canvas upon which your apartment's character unfolds. Beige, on the other hand, is a warm and neutral companion that adds balance and a touch of softness.
This color combination offers your apartment a statement of refined simplicity, beckoning all who pass by to experience its tasteful allure. - Green and Cream
Green is a nature cover, therefore, it naturally gives an earthy vibe to the place. Not only this but it also creates a sense of growth and renewal for your place, giving it a much more refreshing outlook.
Whether you opt for a vibrant lime or a deep olive, green sets the backdrop for the story you want your exterior to tell. And then, there's cream – the calm counterpart that adds a touch of elegance and warmth. It brings balance to the vibrant green, creating a visual symphony that's both inviting and sophisticated.
Together, this duo paints a portrait of serenity, inviting you and your guests to escape the hustle and bustle and find solace in a space that's as timeless as it is refreshing. According to Erika Woelfel, director of color marketing for Behr Paints, “The bold color scheme of green and cream gives a dramatic yet warm appearance.”
Tips and Tricks to Paint Apartment Exteriors
Painting and self-renovation are relaxing yet at the same time exhausting activities. You could start the exterior painting in the moment of an adrenaline boost of excitement but I can tell you that you’ll end up leaving it in between due to excessive workload.
However, here are some tips and tricks that can help you get the job done easily in a lesser amount of time and with better expertise.
- Check Out for the Weather: Too much sunlight, wind, or rain can destroy your exterior painting. It can either dry it too fast leading to cracks, or it can be washed away due to rain. So always paint your exterior when the weather demand is right. Ideally, the perfect time is evening time as all variables of painting are in control at that time.
- Use Roller Technique: This will give you a better, cleaner, and much faster painting than using the usual brush. You can use it to cover the plain surfaces and then later cover the minute details with the regular brush.
How To Paint Apartment Exterior Like A Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide
Painting the apartment exterior can feel like a task for eternity. However, when you follow the specific sequence of painting, you can achieve a long-lasting and expertly painted exterior for your apartment. Here are the steps you need to follow for a flawless painting:
- Clean all the outer walls with pressure water
- Scrape off the loose paint
- Repair the dents and torn areas with surface compounds
- Renew all the window glazing
- Drape the floor and gardens to avoid paint spoilage
- Prime the bare wood with primer
- Paint the walls with double coats with rollers and brushes
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect color combination for your apartment's exterior is like giving it a unique voice in the neighborhood chorus. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a soothing and calming place for yourself.
From bold and modern to serene and classic, the colors you've chosen are the brushstrokes that define your space and make it truly yours. So, if you plan to create a place with personal touches, take inspiration from your surroundings, and let your imagination run wild.
Whether you're opting for a play of vibrant hues or a dance of elegant neutrals, remember that the joy of your chosen colors will greet you every time you step through that door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) How many color combinations can you use while painting an apartment exterior?
You can use as many color combinations as you like for your apartment exterior. However, ideally, two to three colors are used. Some people also prefer monochromic exteriors.
Q) What is a good exterior color?
A good exterior color is one that compliments the architectural style, surroundings, and your personal taste, creating a harmonious and inviting visual appeal for your space.
Q) What is the most popular exterior color?
According to the survey of 2023, the most popular exterior color is white, off-white, cream, beige, and light gray.
