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19 Popular Exterior House Colors for Fall 2023
Revive your house with one of these popular home exterior paint choices.
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Blue-Gray
Blues and grays have been a popular exterior paint color for the last decade. Now designers are combining the two for blue-gray tones that result in a welcoming color choice for home exteriors. The hue is a great complement to stonework and wood trim.
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An Unexpected Pairing
An emerging trend is to paint a home in two hues that normally wouldn’t be found in the same exterior color scheme. For example, try a gray paint on the siding with turquoise accents or a warm green with shutters in a cooler green hue.
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Pick Primary Exterior Home Colors
Mix and match reds, blues and yellows for your home’s exterior colors. Try a sunny yellow with a deep blue. By the way, save time and effort with this colorimeter instead of trying to match paint colors with a physical fan deck.
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Wood for Warmth
Warm up nearly any home’s exterior color with wood, which works extremely well when paired with a medium to dark color. And try wood shake siding, wood shutters or a wood garage door.
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Updated Yellow
Prepare your home for an exterior color update. Bright yellow is out, but deeper mustard yellows are trending. And mustard tones go well with both browns and whites as accent exterior home colors.
So try Classic Gold (PPU6-17) from Behr.
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Try Stain
Instead of using a bold exterior color on your home’s all-over exterior. And try outdoor stain, which works well on a variety of home styles. Then use a bold pop of color on your home’s front door.
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Rich Greens
Greens, particularly sage and olive exterior color hues, work well with Craftsman-style homes. And while the color is rich, greens allow a home’s design to shine. So try Renwick Olive (SW 2815) from Sherwin-Williams.
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Classic White
White as an exterior color never goes out of style. And the classic look can be updated with a bold front door and colorful landscaping.
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Ocean Blues and Greens
Ocean blues, greens and aquas are a welcome update to the pale blues of yesterday.
Prepare your home’s exterior for painting and try pairing a seaside aqua hue with ivory for refreshing look.
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Peaches and Cream
It’s not quite pink, not quite orange. Trending peach and apricot evoke a warm feel and work well in nearly every part of the country. And pair peach with black and white for a classic look, or try greens for an unexpected twist.
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Black
With the explosion of minimalist modern styles, layers of black are trending as a striking home exterior color. Blacks pair well with brick and wood and will work with both primary exterior home colors and grays for accents.
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Updated Neutrals
Classic exterior home colors such as tan and beige are getting an upgrade.
And whether your home is a traditional Victorian, Colonial or a Craftsman bungalow, gray-beige or a warm tan will look nice. Try as Colonial Revival Stone (SW 2827) from Sherwin-Williams. And it pairs well with classic white and black, along with a door painted in a deep burgundy or a classic wood stain.
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Warm and Cool Tints
Light and easy warm greens, yellows and blues can make your home appear larger. Using the warmer tints of color themes with a simple white trim visually brings the home closer to the curb to make your home stand out in your neighborhood. Once you’ve selected a basic color, it’s easy to create many different and warmer versions within the same family. All you need to do is combine that color with a neutral in order to make it warmer or cooler, lighter or darker. This is known as tint and shade. Tint is lightening a color by adding white. Shade is darkening a color by adding black.
Check out this resource on how to choose paint colors.
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Monochromatic
Monochromatic colors on the wheel are one basic color (hue), but have different values — lightness (tints) or darkness (shades). A dramatic and bold way to use the monochromatic paint trend is to paint your home all black. While contrasting trim and siding colors is typical, choosing monochromatic — especially black or gray with a darker or glossier black for the trim — really enhances the architectural and structural features of the home. Be careful when choosing your exterior paint colors in the store because they may appear lighter on the home exterior than on the paint chip in the store because of the natural lighting.
Plus: Exterior Painting Tips and Tricks
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Bold Color
Trim draws attention to your home’s architectural details.
Dramatic exterior trim paint is one way to feature your home’s beautiful windows or doors. Try dark red trim, dark blue or black trim, or other bold trim colors for a classy exterior statement.
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Roof Color
The roof can be up to 40% of your home’s exterior. If you have to replace your roof, take the opportunity to consider your color choices. Bring home samples and see how they look with your other exterior colors.
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via Valspar
Tech-Inspired Colors
Senior Color Designer, Sue Kim of Valspar, believes 2019 will be all about high-intensity shades that mimic artificial light. “Smart technology in the home is driving the color experience differently,” Kim said. Twilight Mist from Valspar is a blue-lilac hue that pairs well with ultra white.
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Citrus
Bold and unexpected, citrus colors will be popular in 2019.
Whether lime green or citrus orange, add something unexpected to your home’s decor this year. Citrus make a statement and are especially effective on an exterior door. “If you’re looking to make a change, look at the shades of colors that your neighbors have selected and avoid making the same choice,” said Bruce Schmidt, chief brand officer of CertaPro Painters.
These tips will help you paint a door perfectly.
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Sky Blue
Sky blue is a bit of a classic but it’s seeing a resurgence as an alternative to the darker earth tones that people like. Sky blue naturally pairs well with white trim, gutters and gray shingles. Plus the gray stonework like with this house, looks great, too!
Originally Published: July 14, 2021
Best Exterior Home Color Combinations: 15 Top Picks
Photo: istockphoto.com
Selecting a single color for your home’s exterior can be difficult enough, but trying to find two or more hues that work well together in a whole house color scheme makes the decision even more challenging.
Whether your aim is to highlight architectural details or simply to find a complementary shade for shutters and trim, the choice is an important one.
“Color can make a big impact on the look of a house,” confirms architect Jim Rill, principal of Rill Architects, in Bethesda, Maryland. For inspiration, consider your home’s style and scale as well as architectural styles typical of your neighborhood and region. “The best exterior colors are contextual to their environment,” Rill observes. Here, 15 color scheme combinations that hit the mark.
1. Two-Tone OlivePhoto: rillarchitects.com
Deep natural colors that recede into the landscape are typical of Craftsman-style houses. For this renovation, Rill Architects chose a duo of Benjamin Moore olive greens: Gloucester Sage (HC-100) and Dakota Woods Green (2139-20). A yellow-orange stain on the front door adds a lighthearted dash of color. “Front doors should always have character and draw subtle attention to themselves,” Jim Rill points out.
RELATED: The Best Accent Colors for Your Home Exterior
2. Straw and SagePhoto: kerriekelly.com
“A balanced look always provides plenty of curb appeal,” says interior designer Kerrie Kelly, principal of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, in Sacramento, California. “Starting with a neutral shade in straw yellow sets a welcoming palette, while accents in sage green give a lively look to traditional architecture. This combination is an approachable classic year-round.”
3. Putty and GrayPhoto: highmark-builders.com
Older neighborhood dwellings guided the color choice for this Midwest home. “We chose a soft neutral for the body of the house that would allow it to stand out and yet still complement the other homes around it,” reports Kristen Schammel, interior designer for Highmark Builders, in Burnsville, Minnesota. “This exterior is simple, traditional, and admired!”
RELATED: 7 No-Fail Exterior Paint Colors
4.
Red and BlackPhoto: grossmuellers.com
“Red is a classic color,” says interior designer Cindy McClure, owner of Grossmueller’s Design Consultants, in Washington, D.C. “I love using it on smaller homes because they handle the color so well. Black accents like the front door and shutters look great when set off by white trim.”
5. Gray and BluePhoto: sherwin-williams.com
“Gray is a great neutral that can match just about any style of home and is a beautiful complement to brick,” says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “The slightly more saturated shutters and door provide a sophisticated accent and bring in the tones of sky and sea.” Seen here are Sherwin-Williams’s Comfort Gray (SW 6205) and Rain (SW 6219).
RELATED: How to Paint Vinyl Siding and Make Your Home Look New Again
6. Green, Cream, and BurgundyPhoto: behr.com
“The combination of green, cream, and burgundy is a favorite for Victorian-style homes,” reports Erika Woelfel, director of color marketing for Behr Paints.
“The bold color scheme gives this home a dramatic yet warm appearance.” The trio of Behr colors used here are Ivy Wreath (QE-46), Terra Sol (QE-20), and Country Lane Red (QE-07).
Photo: awarchitect.com
A wonderful way to make a bold color statement on modern houses—even the smallest ones—is to start with a strong neutral and add a bright pop of color on the front door. This home, designed by Ana Williamson Architect, in Menlo Park, California, combines two Benjamin Moore hues: Gunmetal (1602) for the siding and Tequila Lime (2028-30) on the door.
RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The 12 Best Paint Brands of the Year
8. Greige and TealPhoto: Zillow Digs home in Edmonds, WA
You can still achieve a modern look without using shocking hues if those colors just aren’t for you. Here, greige—that’s gray and beige—with a teal door and natural wood and stone accents puts a modern spin on the traditional neighborhood home.
This combination still looks warm and welcoming without feeling dated.
Photo: ashleyavila.com
Blue is a popular exterior color for homes in waterside settings like this one. Adding red and tan to highlight trim and architectural features was a eye-catching choice by designers at New Urban Home Builders, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The trio of hues also gives the lakefront compound a Scandinavian feel.
RELATED: How Much Does it Cost to Paint a House?
10. Black and WhitePhoto: Zillow Digs home in Laguna Beach, CA
Black and white never goes out of style. Whether you have an old home or a new build, this classic combo looks fresh forever—plus it really pops against a green lawn.
11. Black and TaupePhoto: Zillow Digs home in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
A twist on the traditional black and white color scheme. If crisp white and classic black looks classy, swapping in taupe warms up the look and brings a touch of warmth and coziness to your home exterior.
RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: The Best Exterior Paints
12. Yellow and BluePhoto: Zillow Digs home in Coronado, CA
Some might think that a double dose of primary colors is too bold for a house, but when executed with finesse, it’s a real charmer. Here, aqua blue and mellow yellow keeps play off each other for a quaint effect.
13. Brown and SandPhoto: neimantaber.com
Nearby houses inspired the color scheme of this charming home. “The sandy color on top resembles the muted tones common on neighboring houses,” says architect David Neiman, of Neiman Taber Architects, in Seattle, Washington. “The brown is a darker complement that provides a strong visual base. Red window frames add an extra punch of color.”
RELATED: 12 Exterior Paint Colors That’ll Help Sell Your House
14. Turquoise and WhitePhoto: Triton Builders; Uneek Images
Turquoise is a fun choice for those who live in warmer climates; it evokes sunny skies and the sea.
If you’re nervous that it’s too bold of a color for your neighborhood, cool it down with white accents. When used in combination, the palette is bright and cheerful.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Honor the history of your home with a simple palette. The white columns maintain the old house charm, but the soft taupe and red give it a 21st-century twist.
Get HGTV by Sherwin-Williams paint at Lowe’s
Get Benjamin Moore paint at Ace Hardware
Get Behr paint at The Home Depot
A version of this article appeared first on BobVila.com on June 11, 2018.
Planted and forgotten: 7 most unpretentious indoor flowers We talk about the seven most "indestructible" colors that will enliven any interior and will not cause trouble. It's beautiful and aesthetic. Such living decorations not only create an atmosphere of comfort, but also have a beneficial effect on the health of their owners.
They purify the air from harmful impurities, effectively regulate humidity and enrich the apartment with oxygen. However, the rhythm of modern life does not always allow one to pay enough attention to plants. For busy people and novice flower growers, there are special unpretentious indoor flowers. They easily tolerate dust, dryness, drafts, deep shade and temperature changes. At the same time, such plants are beautiful and sometimes bloom. We talk about the seven most hardy colors that will withstand almost any conditions.
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Echeveria is one of the brightest representatives of unpretentious succulents. The special structure of the leaves and stems allows these plants to do without water for a long time. Even in summer, it is enough to water Echeveria only once or twice a month. This graceful flower is sometimes called the "stone rose". In nature, it is found in the deserts and rocky gorges of Mexico. However, Echeveria will also feel comfortable on Russian window sills.
Sometimes at the end of winter, orange-yellow and red-brown inflorescences appear on its leaves. The plant is rarely affected by pests, loves dry air and plenty of sunlight. In addition, he needs very little land. Thanks to this, echeveria can be planted in special multi-level pots and used to create vertical panels. One of the fashion trends in landscaping is succulents on a snag or branch.
Lithops are better known as "living stones". In appearance, these plants really look like ordinary pebbles. In the semi-desert rocky areas of Namibia and South Africa, this feature allows them to merge with the environment. In nature, they have an interesting property: in the hot and dry months, “living stones” are buried in the sand to wait out the drought. Depending on the varieties, lithops differ in their shape and color. But the love of bright sunlight is a characteristic feature of all representatives of the species. To provide comfortable conditions for unusual green "pets", put the pot on a sunny windowsill and do not forget to water at least once a month.
At the same time, it is important that water does not fall on the leaves of lithops, especially in the gap between them. In summer, the plant can become an exotic decoration for a balcony or an open veranda. The main thing is that the air temperature does not fall below 10 o S.
Nolina is distinguished by a bizarre appearance, for which she is popularly called the "elephant leg" and "horse tail". The plant consists of a spherical trunk and chaotic foliage, as if gushing at its top. Extravagant appearance allows the flower to fit into almost any modern interior. And due to the unpretentiousness of nolina, it is often used for landscaping offices and shopping centers. Water the plant with extreme caution. Here the principle applies: it is better to dry the earth than to flood it. In summer, it is enough to moisten the soil a couple of times a month, in winter - half as often. It's all about the ability of the flower to effectively accumulate moisture. Its thick cork trunk is an excellent reservoir for water.
Therefore, if you have a long business trip or vacation, you should not worry about nolina. With a lack of moisture, it begins to use its internal resources.
Mother-in-law's tongue is an amazingly viable plant. It can go without water and sun for several weeks. Moreover, even after such a test, the color and shape of its leaves are restored in record time. The flower is no less resistant to dust, dry air, drafts and a complete lack of fertilizers. In the summer months, it is enough to water sansevieria once every ten days, in winter - twice a month. For residents of dark apartments, this flower is the perfect solution. Its strict and concise forms will harmoniously fit into both a brutal loft interior and a high-tech room. The British call sansevieria "leopard lily", the Americans - "snake skin", the Germans - "African hemp". She gained such great popularity not only due to her vitality. This elegant flower actively absorbs harmful substances and destroys pathogenic bacteria.
The second name of this flower is “women's happiness”. Flower growers love it for its spectacular appearance and ease of care. In addition, the plant moisturizes the air well and purifies it of industrial and domestic toxins. Spathiphyllum is native to the tropics of South America. In nature, it can be found in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela. Despite its exotic origin, spathiphyllum is one of the most undemanding plants. It is shade-tolerant and does not like excessive soil moisture, especially in the cold season. But the plant must be protected from drafts and cold. If you choose a suitable place for a spathiphyllum, it will bloom almost all year round. "Women's Happiness" will fit into the interior of any apartment and will be a good gift for newlyweds. It is believed that this flower brings harmony and family well-being to the house.
This hardy plant is native to Madagascar. Kalanchoe also "knows how" to accumulate moisture, withstands sudden changes in temperature, loves the sun and easily tolerates drought.
It does not need spraying, frequent fertilizers and transplants. The basic rule of care: use only settled water at room temperature and do not allow it to stay in the pot. Unlike most other unpretentious plants, Kalanchoe has beautiful lush inflorescences. They come in a variety of shades and almost do not smell. At the same time, Kalanchoe is not just a beautiful flower. Many diseases are treated with its juice, and at night the plant actively releases oxygen and disinfects the air. This natural decor is perfect for decorating a bedroom and a children's room. And in the warm season, Kalanchoe can be moved to the street or to the balcony - fresh air will do him good.
Zamioculcas has appeared on the indoor plant market relatively recently. It almost does not bloom, but retains its freshness and rich color both in the shade and in the sun. The composition of the soil is also not important for him. An adult zamiokulkas grows up to 1.5 m and is more suitable for spacious rooms.
This tropical plant is often found in airports and shopping malls. Being a native of Africa, the flower gets along well on the desktop - next to sources of hot and dry air. If you accidentally forget to water it, nothing bad will happen. The second name of Zamioculcas is "dollar tree". Some flower growers are sure that this desert guest is able to bring wealth and prosperity to his master. The only negative of zamiokulkas is poisonous juice, which causes skin irritation. Therefore, it can only be transplanted with gloves.
Indoor plants that don't need a lot of sunlight and special care
Indoor flowers that don't need sunlight
It's hard to believe, but such flowers really exist. They are shade-loving, meaning they don't need direct sunlight to grow well. In addition, they can adapt to a lack of light, bloom and delight the eye with bright green foliage. And some even feel great in full artificial light.
What kind of plants do not need light? We will tell you about the most stable and picky colors.
Dracaena
Dracaena is one of the most adaptable plants. The dracaena family is very large. This is fragrant, characterized by a thick trunk and wide dark green foliage with yellowish stripes, and capitate with oval medium-sized leaves with light green small specks.
When choosing a dracaena, keep in mind that lighter foliage requires more light than rich dark foliage. Periodic pruning is also required. Watering is needed regularly, but rather rare.
Chlorophytum
Literally translated means green flower. It has many faces, therefore it has several names: Flying Dutchman, Spider Plant. The uniqueness of chlorophytum lies not only in the bright spreading foliage, but also in the ability to purify the surrounding air from harmful formaldehyde, toxic impurities. And all thanks to the phytoncides, which are released by the foliage. They also contribute to the destruction of toxins, as well as pathogens.
But that's not all the amazing properties. Chlorophytum will help to establish a comfortable microclimate in the room. This is possible due to the foliage, which accumulates moisture in itself, and then releases it to humidify the air.
No special care is required for Chlorophytum. Temperature from +12 to +30°С is considered comfortable for growth. To provide your pet with comfortable conditions, it must be placed on a surface that receives diffused light and provide abundant watering.
Sansevieria
These houseplants are ideal for dark rooms with no windows. They are almost impossible to kill, even if you do not water the bushes for a half month. The foliage will remain the same bright and will not fall off. Watering abundantly and often, you can simply destroy the three-lane sansevieria or pike tail (mother-in-law's tongue), as it is popularly called.
The only thing to consider when caring for a pike tail is the water temperature.
It should be at room temperature. And it is better to take distilled or filtered water.
Sansevieria food is an unnecessary item in care, it adapts perfectly anyway. The ambient temperature for a comfortable existence should be above +16°C.
Maranta
The Marantaceae family has more than 25 types of flowers. They are distinguished by oval-rounded or elongated foliage with an interesting pattern of different colors. Maranta practically does not bloom at home, and if it blooms, it does it very rarely.
Unlike the above-described plant species, arrowroot is more picky about environmental conditions. You need a lot of light, but it should be diffused. If this is not possible, then the flower will feel good under artificial lighting. However, the duration of daylight hours should be increased to 15-16 hours.
The optimum ambient temperature is from +18°С. Abundant watering is required in the warm season and moderate - in the cold.
Maranta loves humidity. So that the leaves do not fade, they must be sprayed from a spray bottle. Under poor environmental conditions, the plant does not lower the foliage down, but rather raises it. Therefore, in addition to regular watering and moistening, you need to introduce fertilizer into the soil mixture every 2 weeks.
Calathea
Calathea belongs to the Marantaceae family, therefore the vast majority of plants have round-oval leaves of rich green color with a pattern. She also needs more care. The flower does not like overdried soil: as soon as you see that the earth has dried up, water it.
Since calatheas, like the entire arrowroot family, come from the humid tropics, moisturizing and maintaining temperature are very important. It is necessary to prevent drafts from entering the plant, to minimize temperature differences.
The plant is considered shade-loving, but it is important to find a middle ground.
A room without windows will not work, but diffused light is what you need.
If there is a lack of light, the plant will give a signal - the color of the leaves will become less saturated, and the pattern may disappear.
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllums, called Women's happiness, are very unpretentious and hardy. If you often forget to water your home garden, then female happiness will forgive you. But he will declare the need for watering with the help of leaves drooping to the bottom.
Many types of spathiphyllum grow well even in the most shaded corner of the apartment. But it is desirable that diffused light still penetrate the room. But the bright sun should be avoided. If you keep the plant on a windowsill in the summer, there is a high risk that the foliage will burn, turn brown and fall off.
Spathiphyllum likes to have its foliage abundantly moistened with a spray bottle or periodically wiped with a damp cloth.
The root system of women's happiness needs some tightness. It is in a small pot, when the roots occupy most of the soil and seem to braid it, that the plant begins to produce beautiful white flower stalks. Therefore, do not rush to transplant it.
Dieffenbachia
You can tell the really shade-loving Dieffenbachia by its foliage. The fewer specks and patterns on it, the more hardy the plant. The uniform color of the foliage makes it possible to keep it even in relative shade.
Dieffenbachia is moisture-loving, so be prepared for frequent watering. But do not pour the soil, otherwise the underdeveloped roots of the flower will quickly begin to rot.
The foliage tends to grow rapidly, which indicates the need to transplant young plants at least once a year. To do this, cover the floor with newspaper, put a large bowl or a baking sheet from the oven. Then remove dieffenbachia, after moistening the soil to make it easier to pull the roots out of the pot.
Disassemble the flower into several bushes and transplant into a smaller pot, feed the "kids" and water.
Then carefully collect the rest of the soil and wash the floor with Glorix. Add 1 cap of gel to 4 liters of water.
It turns out that there are many types and subspecies of indoor plants that do not require much light. They adapt well to any light conditions, except, perhaps, scorching direct sunlight. It is already a matter of taste: choose a heat-loving calathea, blooming female happiness or sprawling chlorophytum.
Frequently asked questions about which plants do not need a lot of light:
Which flowers do not like light?
A very limited number of plants like direct sunlight. But diffused indirect light is ideal for both the moisture-loving dieffenbachia and the highly adaptable dracaena.
Which flowers can grow without direct sunlight?
All plants described can grow without direct sunlight.
