You’ve probably noticed a trend running through the neighborhoods of homes in the Birmingham area. Whether homeowners find their exterior tired, outdated or they’re just ready for something new or less traditional, people all over are updating the exteriors of their houses with paint. Thinking of giving your place a fresh look? We sought out the advice of a pro and asked neighbors to share the colors they’ve chosen to help you decide if a coat of paint is right for your home.
“Painting brick is a huge trend right now,” says James Pace, owner of Rainbow Paint and Decorating in Vestavia Hills. “Fifteen years ago, people bought brick houses so they wouldn’t have to keep up a painted exterior. But now more and more people are painting existing brick homes. Brand new houses are even being built out of brick and painted immediately.
For several years, homeowners have gravitated toward white and off-white shades. Pace says the traditional route is to choose a light color with darker accents on the shutters, doors and trim.
“We’re still seeing a lot of people doing the lime wash or white paint treatment on brick, but many are starting to move away from that,” says Pace. “What you’re seeing now is that trend reverse. People are getting bold and putting a darker color on body of the house with a lighter trim.”
He explains that color trends tend to go in cycles. “I’ve been in business 18 years and I’ve seen it cycle through several times. For a while, everyone wants white with a matte finish. Then we move toward color, toward things you would see at the beach and bright front doors. We’re in that cycle now and people are getting more bold with their color choices. I think it’s fun when someone comes into our store and wants to do something different.”
Pace says many customers are embracing a more diverse palette. They’re opting for shades of grey, navy and other dark blues, even charcoal and black. He says greys paired a white trim are really popular and people are opting for warmer shades of grey with green undertones rather than the colder bluish greys.
“We had a lady came in and buy 30 gallons of black paint to paint the entire exterior of her house black. She brought pictures back in and it was absolutely stunning.”
Pace says many people are thinking outside the box with fun accent colors on the front door. “What’s fun about a front door as an accent piece is it only takes a quart of paint and a couple hours. When someone comes in and they’re considering a beachy turquoise blue color, I tell them to give it a shot, you can always redo it.”
Pace often recommends a product by Fine paints of Europe to many homeowners looking for a candy-coated pop of color on their front door. It’s a unique paint that stays shiny like lacquer, but doesn’t require a spray application, allowing homeowners to do it themselves.
Pace encourages homeowners to be smart and to be involved in the process when preparing to paint their home.
“Your house needs to be cleaned before it’s painted—even if it’s new. Make sure you get it pressure washed. Brick needs an application of the appropriate primer. If you try to put paint directly on brick it will soak in and disappear. Follow up the primer with two coats of quality paint. If you do that, you’re set for 20 years.”
Pace explains that many painters purchase less expensive commercial-grade products that only last 7-10 years. “When you’re painting the exterior of your house that’s going to be exposed to the sun, wind, rain and even snow, it doesn’t make sense to try to save $5 on a gallon of paint. The most expensive part of painting your house is the painter the labor. You will save more in the long run if your paint lasts longer.”
Pace recommends homeowners choose colors and purchase the exact paint they want used on their home themselves, rather than leaving it up to a painter. He says homeowners receive the same price with the guarantee that colors are kept in the store’s computer system for 20 years in case you need a touchup in the future.
For homeowners who need help selecting colors, Rainbow Paint and Decorating has two professional designers on staff who offer color consultation free of charge in the store. They will also gladly come to your house for an onsite consultation for a reasonable fee.
“Any time I need to paint something at my home, I ask my designers for advice,” says Pace. “They’ve never steered me wrong.”
Wondering what colors people are actually using to paint their homes? Check out our gallery below for some inspiration.
And for everyone who still loves a white house...
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