Arts, Music, and Recreation Visual Arts Everything You Need to Know about Painting Your House Guide to House Painting Resources Share Flipboard Email Print Visual Arts Architecture Tips & Tools for Homeowners Basics Styles of Architecture Theories & Approaches Historic Periods Buildings & Structures Famous Architects Famous Houses Skyscrapers Art Comic Books Anime & Manga by Jackie Craven Jackie Craven, Doctor of Arts in Writing, has over 20 years of experience writing about architecture and the arts. She is the author of two books on home decor and sustainable design and a collection of art-themed poetry. Updated July 01, 2017 Need a new look? Cross-discipline teams have created this house paint encyclopedia to help you with all types of interior and exterior painting projects. Save money, save time, and avoid costly mistakes with these tips, techniques, and tools. Also get help choosing colors and finishes and find solutions to common house paint problems. Pick Exterior Paint Colors Village street in Eyeries, Ireland. Village street in Eyeries, Ireland. Photo by Pete Atkinson / Collection: Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images The colors and finishes you choose can transform your house. But, how do you find harmonious color combinations for your siding and trim? Check out these resources for advice, color charts, free online paint color tools, and more. Choosing Exterior Paint Colors - Things to Think AboutHouse Color CombinationsFree Tools to Help You Choose House Paint ColorsHouse Color BooksPaint Colors for a Foursquare - Amy and Tim's Big Adventure See Pictures Queen Anne home in Saratoga, New York. Photo © Jackie Craven Not sure what colors? Look at at photos of similar homes. Browse these photo galleries for Colonial, Victorian, and early 20th century house styles. House Paint PicturesQueen Anne House PicturesBungalow House PicturesCape Cod House PicturesCraftsman House Pictures Pick Interior Paint Colors Coral colored walls and carpeting give this room a warm glow. Photo © Paul Conrath/Getty Images The right colors and finishes will bring out the beauty of any room. Some color combinations can make a small room seem larger, or a large space cozier. The choice between flat, semi-gloss, and glossy finishes can also make a dramatic difference. Watch Videos A woman on a ladder restores a fresco on a ceiling. Photo © Lisa F. Young / iStockphoto.com Your house painting project will seem easier after you've seen painters in action. Paint Like a Pro Barack Obama paints at the Sasha Bruce House, a shelter for teens in Washington, DC. Obama volunteered at the shelter to promote his 'Day Of Service' program on January 19, 2009. Photo © Joshua Roberts-Pool/Getty Images Professional painters have mastered strategies to make projects easier. Find out how pros minimize mess and create professional, long-lasting paint finishes. Paint to Fool the Eye Bookcases With Decorative Painting. Photo (cc) Flickr Member Danielle Blue Sponging, crackling, color washing, and other decorative paint techniques add excitement and an air of fantasy. Even if you are a beginner, you can learn simple decorative painting techniques that will transform your rooms. Start here. Put Texture on Your WallsApply Color WashSponge PaintConsider Trompe l'oeil Paint Any Surface Porcelain tiles painted with ceramic paint. Photo (cc) Flickr Member Patti Haskins Paint isn't just for walls! Even smooth, shiny surfaces can be painted if you choose the right products and follow simple guidelines. Solve Paint Problems Cracked Blue Paint. Photo © Background Abstracts / Getty Images Paint isn't prefect and problems will mount if the surface hasn't been prepared properly. Here's how to prevent common problems that lead to paint failure, and how to fix them. Paint Problems on Historic woodRepair Stucco Siding Shop For Paint So many choices... Photo © Digital Vision / Getty Images All paint is alike, right? Not! Use these resources to select the right kind of paint and paint supplies for your project. Before & After Paint Color Wheel. Photo © Digital Vision / Gettty Images Still stumped? Here's help. A Gallery of Houses, A Paint Bucket of TipsJoin us as we choose colors for houses submitted by our readers. See color solutions and ask questions.Join the Conversation on Facebook Continue Reading