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How Fresh Paint Can Boost the Value of Older Wilkes-Barre Homes

Interior & Exterior Painting Tips, Tricks and Local NEPA Stories

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Let the Masonry Lead

Stone and brick give a home something paint alone cannot: texture, permanence, and natural variation. They can make a property feel established and connected to its surroundings, particularly in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where older homes often combine masonry with painted siding, trim, shutters, porches, and other architectural details.

But those same qualities can make exterior color selection more complicated.

Stone and brick are rarely one flat color. A single wall may contain several shades of gray, brown, tan, red, cream, or even subtle blue and green undertones. Choosing a paint color that looks attractive on a small sample can therefore produce a very different result once it is placed beside the masonry.

The best approach is usually not to find a paint color that matches the brick or stone.

Instead, find one that works with it.

For homeowners in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Dallas, Shavertown, Mountain Top, White Haven, and the surrounding Poconos, this distinction can make all the difference between an exterior that feels naturally coordinated and one where the painted areas seem disconnected from the masonry.

What Is an Accent Color on a Home Exterior?

The Difference Between Matching and Coordinating

Trying to match brick or stone exactly is often unnecessary — and sometimes impossible.

Natural masonry contains too much variation for a single paint color to reproduce it accurately.

Coordination is a better strategy.

For example, if your stone contains warm gray, cream, and brown tones, a soft greige may coordinate beautifully without looking like an attempt to imitate the stone.

Likewise, if your brick has deep red and brown tones, a muted green or warm charcoal can provide contrast while still feeling connected to the masonry.

Think of the exterior as a palette rather than a collection of separate materials.

Why Accent Colors Affect Curb Appeal

A home exterior is something people typically see from a distance before they notice individual details.

The primary siding or exterior color establishes the overall impression. Accent colors then help the eye understand where to look.

A darker front door can make the entryway feel more prominent. Contrasting shutters can frame windows. A carefully selected trim color can emphasize rooflines, dormers, or other architectural features.

In design terms, contrast creates visual hierarchy.

Instead of every exterior element receiving equal attention, the accent color tells the eye which features deserve emphasis.

That can make an otherwise plain exterior feel more architectural and considered.

Choosing White Paint Around Brick and Stone

White is one of the most popular exterior paint choices, but “white” is not one color.

Some whites have strong yellow undertones. Others lean gray, blue, cream, or beige.

This becomes especially noticeable beside masonry.

A bright, cool white may look crisp beside cool gray stone but can appear harsh next to warm red brick.

A softer warm white may blend beautifully with traditional brick but look yellow against certain cool-toned stones.

Before selecting white exterior paint, examine the masonry in natural light.

A white sample should be tested directly against the brick or stone whenever possible.

Consider the Roof, Too

Brick and stone are not the only permanent materials affecting exterior color.

The roof is another major visual element that typically remains in place for many years.

If the home has a dark charcoal roof, for example, a warm tan exterior may need different supporting colors than it would with a brown roof.

Consider the relationship between:

Masonry + Roof + Paint + Trim + Landscaping

These elements do not need to match.

They need to make sense together.

A home with red brick, a dark gray roof, cream trim, and muted green shutters can have significantly more visual depth than one where every element is painted a similar shade.

Consider the Roof, Too

Brick and stone are not the only permanent materials affecting exterior color.

The roof is another major visual element that typically remains in place for many years.

If the home has a dark charcoal roof, for example, a warm tan exterior may need different supporting colors than it would with a brown roof.

Consider the relationship between:

Masonry + Roof + Paint + Trim + Landscaping

These elements do not need to match.

They need to make sense together.

A home with red brick, a dark gray roof, cream trim, and muted green shutters can have significantly more visual depth than one where every element is painted a similar shade.

Accent Colors Should Support the Masonry

Once the main paint color has been selected, accent colors can provide another layer of definition.

Common accent areas include:

  • Front doors
  • Shutters
  • Garage doors
  • Porch railings
  • Window trim
  • Gables
  • Architectural details

The accent color can pick up a subtle tone from the brick or stone.

For example, a stone facade containing small amounts of dark charcoal might provide the inspiration for a charcoal front door.

A brick exterior with subtle dark brown tones might pair beautifully with a deep brown or muted green accent.

This creates a visual connection without making the entire exterior look overly coordinated.

Don’t Ignore Mortar Color

One detail homeowners sometimes overlook is the mortar between bricks or stones.

Mortar can have a surprisingly strong influence on how the masonry appears from a distance.

Light mortar can make brickwork appear brighter and softer. Darker mortar can emphasize individual bricks and create stronger contrast.

That means the overall appearance of the masonry is not determined by the brick or stone itself.

When selecting paint, consider the mortar as part of the visual field.

A warm white exterior may relate beautifully to light mortar, while a cooler gray could create a more contemporary contrast.

exterior house painting tan and dark shudders siding painting
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Color Choices for Wooded Homes in the Poconos

Homes in wooded areas have a particularly rich backdrop.

Instead of treating the trees as a challenge, use them as part of the color selection process.

Deep greens, natural grays, muted taupes, warm creams, and earthy neutrals can create a strong relationship between the home and its surroundings.

For a property surrounded by mature trees, a very bright exterior may create dramatic contrast. That can be beautiful, but it should be intentional.

A softer palette can create a quieter, more integrated appearance.

There is no requirement that a house in the woods look rustic.

A sophisticated neutral palette can feel just as appropriate while giving the property a polished presence.

The Bottom Line

Brick and stone give a home a head start when it comes to character. The right paint color should preserve that character while creating a cohesive relationship between masonry, siding, trim, roofing, and the surrounding landscape.

The most successful exterior palettes do not try to make every material look the same.

They let each material do its job.

Brick can provide warmth and texture. Stone can provide natural variation and permanence. Paint can frame those materials, highlight architecture, and introduce just enough contrast to make the entire exterior feel finished.

For homes throughout NEPA — from established neighborhoods around Wilkes-Barre to wooded properties near Harveys Lake and the Poconos — the surrounding environment is part of the design.

Start with what is already there.

Study the brick. Look closely at the stone. Notice the roof, mortar, landscaping, and natural light. Then choose paint colors that support those elements rather than fighting them.

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New Paint Job = New Home Value

If you live in one of Wilkes-Barre’s charming older homes, a fresh coat of paint can be one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to boost your property’s value and curb appeal. A well-chosen color palette doesn’t just transform the look, it influences how your home is perceived, signals that it’s well-maintained, and even protects surfaces from the elements. Beyond the monetary benefits, a newly painted home simply feels fresher, brighter, and more inviting… both for you and for anyone who visits or views it.

Book An Appointment

 Instant Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. A freshly painted exterior gives your home a clean, well-cared-for look that immediately boosts curb appeal. Whether you’re selling or just want to impress the neighbors, clean lines and modern color choices make your home stand out in a positive way.

  • Higher Resale Potential – Homes with strong curb appeal often attract more buyers and command better offers.

 

  • Positive Neighborhood Impression – A well-kept exterior can elevate how your property is viewed within the community.

 

  • Standout Aesthetic – Fresh, modern colors help your home catch the eye in a competitive market.

 

  • Perceived Quality – A polished exterior signals that the home is cared for inside and out.

 

  • Faster Sales – Attractive homes often spend less time on the market.

Highlights Character Details

Older homes often have amazing architectural details—trim, molding, porches, and eaves—that get lost under old, peeling paint. Repainting can restore and highlight these historic features, showcasing your home’s original beauty.

 Protects Against NEPA Weather

Fresh exterior paint does more than improve appearance… it adds a vital layer of protection against rain, snow, wind, and sun, which is especially valuable in Northeastern PA’s unpredictable seasons. By sealing and shielding surfaces, it helps prevent wood rot, water intrusion, and long-term wear. A quality paint job can also reflect heat in the summer, retain warmth in the winter, and even contribute to lower heating and cooling costs. Over time, this protection not only preserves your home’s structure but also saves you money on repairs and energy bills.

Call Today

Adds Perceived and Appraised Value

Buyers notice fresh paint. Appraisers do too. A clean, modern color scheme inside and out suggests that the home is maintained, move-in ready, and worth a higher price. Studies show painting offers one of the best returns on investment for home improvement projects.

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 Creates a Modern, Cohesive Feel

  • Neutral, On-Trend Colors – Warm grays, soft beiges, and creamy off-whites make a home feel fresh, clean, and move-in ready. Buyers often see neutral walls as less work—they won’t need to paint right away—and it’s easier for them to picture their own furniture in the space. Neutrals also help unify older floorplans, connecting rooms visually and making the home feel more open and harmonious.

 

  • Bold or Dark Accent Colors – Deep navy, charcoal, or forest green can make a statement without overwhelming the space. They add depth and drama, perfect for highlighting fireplaces, built-ins, or unique architecture. For buyers, these touches can feel “designer” and high-end, which subtly increases perceived value—even if the rest of the home is simple. Darker tones can also create a cozy, intimate atmosphere in larger rooms.

 

  • Earthy, Nature-Inspired Hues – Sage green, clay, terracotta, and warm browns bring a sense of comfort and stability. These colors resonate with buyers who value warmth, tradition, and connection to nature. In Northeastern PA, they also complement seasonal changes—feeling light and refreshing in summer while adding warmth and coziness in winter. Earth tones tend to age gracefully, so the home looks timeless rather than trendy.

 

  • Light & Airy Pastels – Soft blues, muted lavenders, or pale yellows can make rooms feel cheerful and inviting. These colors appeal to buyers looking for a “happy” home environment and work especially well in kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms. They also help smaller spaces feel brighter and more open.

Ready to See the Difference?


Painting your home—inside and out—is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to add real value. If your Wilkes-Barre home is starting to show its age, start with a brush and a bold new color. You’ll be amazed at the transformation… and so will everyone who sees it.

Call Today

Contact Us For Your Free Estimate Today!

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New Paint Job = New Home Value

If you live in one of Wilkes-Barre’s charming older homes, a fresh coat of paint can be one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to boost your property’s value and curb appeal. A well-chosen color palette doesn’t just transform the look, it influences how your home is perceived, signals that it’s well-maintained, and even protects surfaces from the elements. Beyond the monetary benefits, a newly painted home simply feels fresher, brighter, and more inviting… both for you and for anyone who visits or views it.

Book An Appointment

 Instant Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. A freshly painted exterior gives your home a clean, well-cared-for look that immediately boosts curb appeal. Whether you’re selling or just want to impress the neighbors, clean lines and modern color choices make your home stand out in a positive way.

  • Higher Resale Potential – Homes with strong curb appeal often attract more buyers and command better offers.

 

  • Positive Neighborhood Impression – A well-kept exterior can elevate how your property is viewed within the community.

 

  • Standout Aesthetic – Fresh, modern colors help your home catch the eye in a competitive market.

 

  • Perceived Quality – A polished exterior signals that the home is cared for inside and out.

 

  • Faster Sales – Attractive homes often spend less time on the market.

Highlights Character Details

Older homes often have amazing architectural details—trim, molding, porches, and eaves—that get lost under old, peeling paint. Repainting can restore and highlight these historic features, showcasing your home’s original beauty.

 Protects Against NEPA Weather

Fresh exterior paint does more than improve appearance… it adds a vital layer of protection against rain, snow, wind, and sun, which is especially valuable in Northeastern PA’s unpredictable seasons. By sealing and shielding surfaces, it helps prevent wood rot, water intrusion, and long-term wear. A quality paint job can also reflect heat in the summer, retain warmth in the winter, and even contribute to lower heating and cooling costs. Over time, this protection not only preserves your home’s structure but also saves you money on repairs and energy bills.

Call Today

Adds Perceived and Appraised Value

Buyers notice fresh paint. Appraisers do too. A clean, modern color scheme inside and out suggests that the home is maintained, move-in ready, and worth a higher price. Studies show painting offers one of the best returns on investment for home improvement projects.

6 + 12 =

 Creates a Modern, Cohesive Feel

  • Neutral, On-Trend Colors – Warm grays, soft beiges, and creamy off-whites make a home feel fresh, clean, and move-in ready. Buyers often see neutral walls as less work—they won’t need to paint right away—and it’s easier for them to picture their own furniture in the space. Neutrals also help unify older floorplans, connecting rooms visually and making the home feel more open and harmonious.

 

  • Bold or Dark Accent Colors – Deep navy, charcoal, or forest green can make a statement without overwhelming the space. They add depth and drama, perfect for highlighting fireplaces, built-ins, or unique architecture. For buyers, these touches can feel “designer” and high-end, which subtly increases perceived value—even if the rest of the home is simple. Darker tones can also create a cozy, intimate atmosphere in larger rooms.

 

  • Earthy, Nature-Inspired Hues – Sage green, clay, terracotta, and warm browns bring a sense of comfort and stability. These colors resonate with buyers who value warmth, tradition, and connection to nature. In Northeastern PA, they also complement seasonal changes—feeling light and refreshing in summer while adding warmth and coziness in winter. Earth tones tend to age gracefully, so the home looks timeless rather than trendy.

 

  • Light & Airy Pastels – Soft blues, muted lavenders, or pale yellows can make rooms feel cheerful and inviting. These colors appeal to buyers looking for a “happy” home environment and work especially well in kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms. They also help smaller spaces feel brighter and more open.

Ready to See the Difference?


Painting your home—inside and out—is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to add real value. If your Wilkes-Barre home is starting to show its age, start with a brush and a bold new color. You’ll be amazed at the transformation… and so will everyone who sees it.

Call Today

Contact Us For Your Free Estimate Today!

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