Small homes have huge potential when it comes to curb appeal. It’s just a matter of finding the best exterior color schemes for small houses – and avoiding distinct color combos that can shrink the space.
By coordinating the trim, soffit and siding, it’s easy to make a small home shine. It certainly helps to have a few guidelines to find the best exterior house colors for small homes. Take a look at some of the most important design ideas and color selections best suited for small houses.
Small Home, Big Opportunity for Great Design
Society tends to embrace the idea that bigger is better, however, this simply isn’t the case in the home design world. In fact, there are many people looking for smaller homes these days. Their reasons are endless – starter homes that are more affordable, downsizing after adult children move out, reducing utilities and other costs of maintaining a large home, etc. Regardless of the reason, fixing up a small house does not have to be a compromise when it comes to design.
With a little guidance, small homes can express great design. After all, some exterior paint colors are just better suited for large structures with more space.
Whether you’re going for a distinct small home aesthetic – like a bungalow, casita or cabin – or you’re interested in a more classic suburban style, choosing the right color combos to complement your small home can help the rest of the design shine.
Color Theory for Small Homes – Less is More
So, what is the best exterior color for a small house? This is usually the big question when it’s time to refresh the siding or overhaul the exterior. The good news is that your choices aren’t limited to just one “best exterior paint color for a small house.”
There are many different color combinations that can work! Knowing the general theory behind color selections can help you narrow down the choices and find something that you love.
One of the main principles of color theory for small homes is to use minimal color combinations and avoid heavy, dark, or highly contrasting tones. Because there is literally less space to get creative throughout the exterior, it’s very rare to find a great looking small home that has 3 or more prominent colors making up the exterior.
Lean into the “less is more” approach and stick with a two-tone palette. Or, go monochromatic for a clean and sophisticated appearance.
Get Creative with Trim and Soffit
An easy way to create contrast without going overboard is to take advantage of trim and soffit. These architectural components are often overlooked, but they provide an ideal way to add subtle color contrast to small homes.
Some of the best exterior house colors for small houses actually consist of a palette that relies on a singular siding style with a contrasting tone for trim and soffit. White and black are both considered classic colors for trim and look great with most small house siding styles, but there is actually a full range of neutrals and gray tones to consider, too.
Best Exterior Colors for Small Houses
Ready to explore some of the best exterior colors for small houses? Here are a few solid design ideas to start with:
1. Linen Beige with White Trim
Linen-colored siding offers a rich beige tone that looks lovely on small homes.
2. Light Gray with White Trim
The light gray color makes the exterior feel more expansive.
3. Off-White with Black Trim
Pure white and black can sometimes feel jarring on a small home, but a soothing ivory color can look amazing and express a classic two-tone palette that never goes out of style.
4. Wood-Style with Brown Trim
Typically, patterns look better on large spaces than small ones, but a wood-style texture can create great character and style, even on small homes. Paired with brown trim, this design technique is perfect for cabins and chalets.
Even better, modern siding materials can replicate classic siding like wood shake, or just add wood-like texture to otherwise smooth siding. Because of this, high-quality, long-lasting paint can be utilized to explore non-traditional aesthetics.
In the above example, Allura fiber cement shake is painted an olive green, providing an interesting wood-style brought together with classic brown colors in the trim and columns.
5. Light Blue with White Trim
A soft color like light blue can make a bigger impact when used in a small space, making it a great option for homeowners who want their small house to have a little pizazz.
Get Beautiful Color That Will Last Longer
One of the most important things to consider when remodeling the exterior is how to make the new look last. While it can be tempting to just throw on a fresh coat of paint, it’s better to consider durable exterior materials that are intentionally designed to withstand the weather without showing signs of wear and tear.
Allura fiber cement siding is crafted from a highly durable material that is also weather resistant, which makes it a great choice for creating a beautiful small house exterior that will last. Designed to be low-maintenance, Allura fiber cement has exceptional color quality that will help you bring your vision to life.
Contact the Allura team today to explore a full spectrum of the best small house exterior colors, including low-maintenance siding, trim and soffit!
