Painting a home with matching window trim and body color produces a facade that looks flat.
Selecting exterior paint colors provides an opportunity to add some personality to the home. Homeowners can pare down the myriad of color choices by deciding which application technique works best for them. Application techniques include a trim color that matches the dominant color of the home, that contrasts with the dominant color or that repeats the color of the exterior accent. Each application technique produces a different result when viewed from the street.
Match Exterior Paint
Homes painted in a predominant paint color (body color), for example siding, brick or board all in the same paint color, provide the easiest color choice for exterior window trim--match the trim to the dominant body color.
Predominant colors such as a taupe, an off-white or a lush green are perfect for this technique. This window trim color choice will cause the window frame to blend in with the rest of the exterior preventing it from becoming a dominant design detail.
The windows certainly don't disappear from the design with this color choice. Instead, the details of the glass (such as color, wire mesh, etched patterns and even interior drapery color) become more noticeable. This technique is a great choice for period homes with decorative window glass detailing.
Contrast Exterior Paint
Identifying the dominant exterior paint color and then choosing a contrasting color for exterior window trim highlights the windows from the street and creates a more dramatic look. A variety of results occur depending upon the color combinations.
Windows with trim lighter in tone than the body color tend to move toward the viewer. Combinations include a trim of light taupe and a body of deep mocha, an antique white trim and classic green body or a winter white trim and rustic brown body.
Trim that is darker than the predominant exterior color will recede slightly into the exterior elevation. A trim of a classic mid-range gray combined with an antique white body is a classic example.
Both techniques, either moving forward or receding, bring visual depth to the home's facade.
Match The Accent
Homeowners using an accent color on a door or entryway can further increase its dramatic effect by painting the window trim the same accent color. The technique draws attention to the overall surface of the house and not just the entry. This creates a more beckoning and welcoming facade for the home.
Winning choices would be a trim and accent in navy with a body in a Wedgewood gray, a trim and accent in an earthy red-brown with a body in a light creamy brown or a trim and accent of forest green with a body of an off-white or buff color.
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