ROBBIE CAPONETTO; STYLING: BUFFY HARGETT MILLER

A firm handshake and a timely arrival.

A well-turned out appearance.

A thoughtful host gift or a prompt thank-you note.

Birmingham Home Rennovation

Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO; STYLING: BUFFY HARGETT MILLER

Confidence or a kind smile.

There are lots of ways for a person to make a good first impression.

Do you match your siding for a cleaner, elegant look?

Ellen Kavanaugh’s Pink Ranch House in Florida

Credit: Carmel Brantley; Styling: Matthew Gleason

Or perhaps a dose of high contrast is in order?

Explore all three approaches as well as popular color combinations in each category.

Matching also feels more timeless to me, says Patti Wilbourne of PWD Studio in Charleston, South Carolina.

Randolph Cottage, Plan #1861

Credit: Southern Living

House exterior

A fresh coat of Benjamin Moore’s Simply White (OC-117) lightened up the exterior of the 1924 charmer.Credit:ALISON GOOTEE; Styling by Dakota Willimon