Painting the exterior of a cottage is a bit different than painting the exterior of your main home. Cottage style is a bit different and tends to offer up a more laid back, casual style with rustic elements. While cottage style is a bit different depending on where your cottage is (a beach house vs. a cabin in the woods) a classic cottage look is to go with a more neutral exterior color and pair it with bright accents in furniture and accessories. Let's take a look at some of the more popular exterior paint looks for cottages.

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What color to paint the outside of the cottage?

We all know that first impressions can make or break a relationship. Well, what if we told you that first impressions are just as important for houses as they are for people? To make your cottage stand out and be the talk of the lake, you’d be surprised how impactful a fresh coat of paint can be!

While neutral and earthy tones can create a peaceful and relaxing feel, experimenting with airy pastels can create a playful yet relaxing tone. Depending on your style, we’ve got plenty of tricks for revamping your home away from home. 

What exterior colors to avoid?

Your cottage’s exterior will inevitably be exposed to the elements. Considering the seasonal nature of the cottage, it’s best to avoid colors that require frequent touch-ups and maintenance. We recommend avoiding using bright colors for your cottage exterior – especially yellow as it fades quickly.

How do you paint the exterior of a cottage?

The most important step in painting the exterior of a cottage is to properly prepare your siding. First, you’ll need to pressure wash the exterior, then repair any damages to the siding. You’ll then need to remove any loose paint, repair the trim, and cover your doors, windows, and lights. You also need to be cautious of the weather, as it cannot be too hot or too cold (we recommend painting when it’s between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which is roughly 4 to 32 degrees Celsius). If this sounds daunting, don’t worry. Our team of experts can get the job done.

Should exterior paint be lighter or darker?

The shade of your exterior paint depends on your climate. Considering that cottages are most frequented in the warmer months, we recommend a lighter exterior paint as it will reflect the heat and help cool down your space.

What color house or cottage sells best?

If you anticipate reselling your cottage, neutral exterior paint colors are the safest options. Shades of white and gray create a timeless feel that complements your surroundings and still pops from the canopy.

What are considered cottage colors?

What is the best color for a cottage?

The best color for a cottage exterior paint color is a color that makes you feel relaxed and at home. That being said, neutral shades like beiges and grays tend to be a popular choice. Neutral earth tones have a rustic feel and blend into the natural surroundings. For a playful look, you can elevate your neutral exterior by incorporating bright accents to have the best of both worlds. 

What color is cozy cottage?

Cozy cottage can look and feel different, depending on your personal taste. When we think of cozy cottage, we think of soft pastel hues and warm earthy tones. Not only will these colors create that cozy cottage feel, but they also complement the natural surroundings. 

A good rule of thumb is to compliment or contrast with your cottage’s surroundings. Some shades of green give an immersive feeling with the woods, while teal ties into the lakeside but still pops. 

How do I make my house look like a cottage?

If the cottage is your happy place, then why not bring the cottage home with you? Consider painting your home in earthy pastel tones and incorporate natural wood or stone into your decor. 

Why are cottages painted white?

Much like clothing, white goes with everything! White is a common choice for cottage exteriors because it has a calming feeling, which is exactly what you want for your summer retreat. White paint also can help maintain a cooler indoor temperature. 

What is a modern cottage look?

A modern cottage is all about bold choices that differentiate the cottage from its surroundings. Many modern cottages choose deep dark hues like charcoal and brighten it up with large glass windows, geometric elements and bright accent colors on the furniture.

What is vintage cottage style?

Vintage cottage style is all about the decor. Think antique art, retro patterns and pops of color in the furniture. When it comes to cottage exterior paint color, that means either making it look a little more old-fashioned with wood tones or picking a neutral white that allows vintage decor to pop. 

What colors make the outside of your cottage look bigger?

Light, neutral, and reflective cottage exterior paint colors create an illusion of spaciousness, making your house appear larger. We recommend using colors like soft whites, light grays, beiges, and pale pastels to make your cottage look bigger. 

What exterior colors make a cottage look expensive?

Utilizing rich paint tones give your cottage a luxurious presence. Colors like charcoal or navy blue can make your home feel sophisticated. High-contrast colors are a great way to make your home pop! Darker paints are less susceptible to weathering and are great at hiding imperfections.
 

Exterior Paint Colors for Cottages

Now that we’ve covered the difference that a coat of paint can make on your cottage, let’s see some examples of cottage color schemes that will deliver the relaxation you crave for your getaway home.

White

White is a classic cottage exterior paint color that works for both interior and exterior. For a truly classic look, you can go all white, with both white siding and trim. If the beach style is what you're after, pair it with a light colored trim. For a more classic all-American look, pair your white siding with two other bright accent colors like red and blue. For this concept, keep the brightest color to pieces like a door or outdoor furniture, with the more neutral color on the trim.

Earth Tones

More natural colors like brown or beige are perfect options for your cottage, especially if you want it to blend in with the surroundings. Look to the natural elements of your cottage, like stone work for color palette inspiration. Trees, plants, or water can help you find the perfect accent colors too!

Light Yellow

A soft yellow exterior paired with white trim is a classic look for any cottage. This gorgeous color combination creates a sunny, bright look that instantly gives your cottage a relaxed, beachy feel. You can throw in a bit more color with pops of bright red or blue on your door, furniture, or other outdoor accessories.

Gray

This classic neutral is a great option for a cottage. A more washed out gray is perfect for a beachy look, while a slightly darker gray works well for blending into the natural surroundings in the woods. As for trim, a crisp white is always a safe bet, creating a classic and sophisticated look.

Stained Wood

If you really want to keep a rustic, yet sophisticated look, consider using a stain on natural wood siding instead of traditional paint. This really helps your cottage blend into the surroundings and creates a warm and cozy feel. If you still want some color to shake things up, use color on the trim of your home to add some contrast. On the other hand, if it's a classic look you're after, crisp white trim paired with light wood siding is a great way to give your cottage that traditional Hamptons vibe.

All images via Pinterest.

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