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7 Simple Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color in the Bay Area

7 Simple Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color in the Bay Area

It’s not too hard to get excited about choosing interior paint colors, right? You know you’ll be able to love and appreciate those new colors every day, and that if your tastes change you can alway switch to a new look pretty easily. This makes it feel less risky to go bolder, too, maybe trying something that pushes the boundaries of your color comfort zone.

Exterior painting, on the other hand, can feel like a more of a commitment. This is because, well, it really is. Your home’s color and curb appeal is an undertaking, and it can be a little intimidating to commit to a particular option.

We have a few practical tips to help you make sure you find the right color for your Bay Area home, but let’s first start with a local case study that might just inspire you.

Trying Something New with Your Exterior Paint Color Can Pay Off!

Before we share a few more conservative tips, take a look at this home we recently painted. The owner stepped out and chose a totally new look, and we think it paid off in a big way.

So, here’s our first color selection tip: talk to a local, professional painter. This is the ideal way to gain quick, practical insights into trending colors of the day, and (perhaps even more importantly) what style might really draw the most character and beauty out of your house.

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6 Ways To Find Your New House Color

  • Don’t Rush - This may sound simplistic, but it’s important. Take your time researching color options, and don’t be afraid to paint a few samples directly on your home. This is the best way to make sure you like the color after it has dried, and that it looks the way you want it to as the lighting changes throughout the day. You can’t pick a house color from a handful of cardboard swatches!

  • Explore Color Consultation Services - Many local painters (like us at MB Jessee) can connect homeowners with professional color services. There’s no substitute for brainstorming with a pro!

  • Research Sites Like Houzz.com - Whether you search for homes of a specific architectural style or a specific color you’re interested in, Houzz.com has millions of photos to peruse.

  • Start with Your Fixed Colors - Architectural stone, your driveway, chimney, and other fixed elements of your property will help narrow your options. And, don’t forget to consider your roof! Many homeowners overlook this essential component of your overall style and color palette.

  • Explore Your Neighborhood - There is nothing wrong with stealing color ideas from the neighbors, or taking a concept and modifying it a bit. In fact, especially if your neighborhood is fairly compact, they might appreciate you picking a color scheme that goes with the flow.

  • Add Your Personality - Even if you don’t want to drastically change the primary body color, you might consider adding a brighter, bolder door color, or selecting a more unique option for the shutters or trim. Make it your own!

Connect with a Quality Exterior Painter You Can Trust

It is so crucial that the process is handled carefully, from color selection to the final cleanup. We encourage you to thoroughly research your painter, avoiding just the best deal (find out why here!) and instead looking for the best product and experience as a whole.

If you have questions for the team here at MB Jessee, we hope you’ll contact us. It would be a pleasure to serve you.

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Our Credentials

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Customer Reviews

“Matt, We are very happy with how all of the painting worked out. We were extremely impressed with the quality of the work in the bathroom. I liked working with Victor, he and Marvin were extremely conscientious about doing a great job, not just the minimum. I know the front door took a lot longer than you'd expected. But they did it PERFECTLY. We never thought it could turn out like that! Thanks again for the great work. We'll be calling you again in the future!”

— Craig
Alameda, CA

“MB Jessee just finished our exterior and we couldn't be happier with our experience. The foreman (Pedro) and lead painter (Ricardo) were incredible to work with: they communicated scheduling clearly, Ricardo was a joy to be around every day, the showed up early every day, were incredibly tidy and did great paint work. The final walkthrough experience was incredible. Pedro pointed out items I missed demonstrating a clear desire to complete another quality project. I highly recommend them. As others have noted they definitely aren't the cheapest but you quickly realize that you're getting what you pay for. The 3-year guarantee is also a nice touch since there are likely touch-up items that will show up after the job is done.”

— Joshua J.
Oakland, CA

“MB Jessee painters are stellar! As a designer I've worked with numerous companies over the years, and MB Jessee is a top-notch firm. From the first phone call to the final clean up, every person is courteous, professional, and hard working. The owner, Matt, is a charitable leader who has instilled his team with integrity and honesty providing the customer with a first class experience at a fair price with a paint job that is guaranteed to last. I highly recommend MB Jessee. Thank you Matt and your STAR crew-Daniel, Rigoberto, Vicente, Edy, Pedro, and Mario, for a job well executed! Cynthia Brian, ASID, Starstyle® Productions, llc”

— Cynthia Brian
Morgan, CA

“Very easy to work with, they did an outstanding job with our project of re-painting our painting our kitchen cabinets. Given the scope of the job and that our kitchen is roughly half of our upstairs living area they did a fantastic job of minimizing the mess. Workmanship was top notch, would definitely recommend.”

— Vince Scola

“Julie, by the way, I have never been so impressed with the service of a painting job before! It was like magical elves came and painted our walls without us having to do a thing! It looks amazing and just wanted to let you know how happy we are. Thanks”

— Anja
Piedmont

“Julie,Just to let you know I am very appreciative of your crew catching the plumbing/mold problem. It was very astute of them. I wanted to let you know that again your crew has done excellent work here, please pass this along to Mr. Jessee. There are some bumps in the road here, but the painting and your crew has not been one of them. Their work is the only thing going right currently, and this crew is very nice and respectful. It is much appreciated. Thank you again.”

— Beth
Oakland

“Thank you for the support you have given the Women's Cancer Resource Center over the past year!”

— Margo - Director Women's Cancer Resource Center

“I cannot imagine finer painters--and I have worked with many. They work exceptionally hard. It is a joy to see their workmanship!”

— Alicia R.
Oakland

“Our paint crew did a great job and the foreman, Gersson was exceptionally great to work with. He was always available to answer questions, good at problem-solving, very patient, kind, and highly professional with great customer service. We definitely recommend this company, and Gersson and his crew.”

— Andrea Y.
Berkeley, CA

“I want to express my thanks for a job well done. The rooms look great and there is no problem with any marks on the all the trim, floor, carpet, etc. The paint job is lovely. I also want to express my thanks for the level of professionalism the foreman showed in running the job. He was very attentive to any changes I needed to make, was extremely careful in getting the faux paint color and effect correct. Thanks so much for a job well done.”

— Suzan D’Arcy

“I had my wooden kitchen cabinets painted white. Anabal and Danielle were doing the job. I have nothing but praise for them. They came on time, cleaned up every day, were respective, friendly and helpful. If the rest of Jessee's crew are as great as Anabal and Danielle, this company will go far.”

— Anni S.
Oakland, CA

“I loved working with M.B. Jessee from start to finish on a relatively small paint job that grew a bit. I felt in very good hands from the moment Matt Jessee came out to give me the estimate and talk about my job. He was very easy to talk to and he handled my changes very well. Then the actual work done by Rigoberto and Mario was impeccable. They were neat and meticulous and the paint job looks beautiful. I could not have asked for more and when I did, they accommodated me 100%. I will not hesitate to call M.B. Jessee again and to refer them to friends.”

— Nancy Kurkjian