• Exterior walls come in many different colors and combinations.house image by kruszek from Fotolia.com
  
  Selecting paint colors for your home's walls can seem like a simple process, until you begin to consider the myriad colors available and countless combinations. Paint color is especially important on exterior walls of a dwelling because it creates a person's first impression on your home. By following a few basic guidelines you can limit your options to choose the colors on your exterior walls.
  
  

Field, Trim and Accent

• An exterior paint scheme generally includes at least three colors: the field, which includes large spaces such as walls or roofs; the trim, which includes corner boards, window trims, rakes and other smaller zones; and accents, which are specific elements such as doors, shutters and other architectural features.
  
  Field colors are the majority of what you see on a house and strongly influence the choice of trim and accent. For instance, a light field color often makes a home look larger while a dark field color visually shrinks the dwelling.
  
  

Historically Correct Colors

• Many homes are built in historical styles that have a precedent for color schemes, although these schemes still allow for substantial variation. For instance, original colonial and colonial revival homes are often colorful on the inside but less exciting on the exterior, on which they are generally painted one color for field and trim and another for the accent. When combined with red brick chimneys, the colors compose a three-color exterior wall paint scheme.
  
  Victorian homes are another example of this historical precedent and often are very showy using between six and 10 different colors of exterior wall paint. When using so many colors it's often a good idea to consult a color specialist to help with choosing the best colors and matches, which can get complex.
  
  Craftsman style homes sport a darker, earthier color scheme generally employing deep browns, greens and reds.
  
  

Neutral Colors

• Many modern homes are not built in a specific architectural style and therefore have no strong color precedent to borrow from. In this case it can help to paint the exterior walls in a few neutral colors to help focus the design and add cohesiveness to the structure. For instance, using dark shades of a color for the walls and light shades for the trim is a safe and effective option. Then use a bright color such as red or green for the front door to add an accent and a layer of contrast to make the structure pop a little. Neutral shades such as beige, ivory, taupe, black, gray and white are sophisticated exterior wall color options that will stand the test of time and look good on most surfaces.
  
  Blend the garage into the main structure and use the brightest color for the door in front. Using neutral shades is a sign of sophistication as well.
  
  

Nature's Colors

• Exterior wall colors often reflect the overall color scheme of the dwelling's natural surroundings. For instance, in the American Southwest many homes are made from adobe or stucco and painted beige, tan or brown to reflect the high desert landscape. In forested areas homes often employ greens, browns and reds to play off the natural flora of the area.
  
  In either case, adding accent colors to exterior wall colors is important in giving the exterior the contrast it needs to be visually captivating. Adding a light blue or bright yellow to a few small areas of an exterior wall can go a long way in creating something visually full and fulfilling.