Ideas for exterior house paint colors

70 Exterior Paint Colors For a Better Looking Home

Upgrade your curb appeal with paint color ideas that range from neutral to bold

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 12/09/22

The Spruce / Almar Creative

Deciding what color to paint your house is a big decision that will have daily consequences for years to come. Choosing a light neutral exterior paint color such as white, beige or gray is a safe bet that won't upset the neighbors and will ensure that your house remains buyer-ready if you don't plan to live in it forever. Darker neutrals such as charcoal or black are a popular choice with a bit more edge but require more elbow grease to repaint if you or your real estate agent decides it's time to brighten the mood.

Timeless, crowd-pleasing colors like blue, yellow, red, or green are go-to exterior paint colors that add a hint of personality without stealing the show. And if you love bold color, live in a place where you are allowed to paint your house any color that you want, and are looking to make a statement, there is a world of vibrant hues to choose from that will give your home some stand-out personality and unforgettable curb appeal.

Here are some wide ranging exterior paint color ideas on a variety of houses in a range of styles and settings that will give you some inspiration for choosing a paint color for your home. Remember that paint colors look different in online image galleries and on paint store swatches than they do in real life, where everything from the time of day to the orientation of your home and the light quality where you live will have an effect on the overall look.

To save yourself from disappointment and unnecessary expense, architect Jimmy Crisp of Millbrook, NY-based Crisp Architects offers this wise piece of advice: "Always paint samples on the exterior before ordering the paint."

Here are 70 exterior paint colors to inspire you.

The Best Exterior Paints of 2023

Watch Now: Exterior Paint Colors and Design Ideas for Your House

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White

Blanco Bungalow

This 1920's Spanish-style home in Long Beach, California from Blanco Bungalow was a fixer-upper that was restored to its original charm, painted with low lustre paint in a clean shade of white that highlights the curves of the stucco and adds contrast with the traditional terracotta tile roof.
Paint used: Behr Ultra Pure White
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Black

Design by AHG Interiors / Photo by Nick Glimenakis

A coat of warm-toned black paint that leans towards the color of tree bark makes this A-frame cabin from AHG Interiors feel warm and inviting, and perfectly at home in its woodsy storybook setting in the Catskills of New York surrounded by lush green mountains and towering trees.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Black Beauty 2128-10
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Swedish Barn Red

Fantastic Frank

Dark, saturated Falu red barns, fisherman's cottages, and other structures are iconic architectural fixtures in Sweden, and the style has long since captured the world's imagination and been copied around the globe. In this Swedish country house from Fantastic Frank, deep red siding is contrasted with bright white trim, a classic combination that could work anywhere for a timeless feel that will never go out of style.
Paint suggestion: Clare Vintage
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Navy Blue

Design by AHG Interiors / Photo by Nick Glimenakis

This renovated Cape Cod-style home from AHG Interiors is painted in a deep, dark shade of navy blue, with green undertones that help it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. White trim adds contrast and a gray slate roof is the perfect complement.
Paint used: Farrow & Ball Hague Blue Number 30
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Salmon Pink

A Beautiful Mess

While original Craftsman bungalows were typically painted in earth tones such as greens and browns, today you can find them in a rainbow of colors. This renovation from A Beautiful Mess traded traditional earth tones for a cheerful shade of salmony pink, contrasted with white paint on the trim to accentuate the historic architectural details on the columns, front porch, and window and door frames.
Paint used: Sherwin Williams Salmon River Run
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Olive Green

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

This lakefront home from Crisp Architects is painted in a soothing medium-toned olive green with a subtly grayish cast that adds definition while blending in with the tranquil natural surroundings. A rhubarb red front door adds contrast and marks the entrance.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Kennebunkport Green (siding), Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 (trim), Benjamin Moore Rhubarb (front door)
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Bright Yellow

Design and Photo by Annie Sloan

Paint designer Annie Sloan used two shades of mood-boosting yellow on the red brick exterior of this Victorian U.K. home that brings on the sunshine in any weather and gives the historic facade with its stunning stained glass doors a cheerful and vibrant lift.
Paint used: Annie Sloan English Yellow (door frame) and Annie Sloan Tilton (porch)
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Taupe

Interior Design by Martha O'Hara Interiors / Built by Olson Defendorf Custom Homes / Cornerstone Architects / Photo by Cate Black

The stucco exterior of this home from Martha O'Hara Interiors is painted in a soft taupe that adds warmth to the sprawling facade. Black trim adds a graphic modern touch and echoes the sculptural trunks of the trees that define the front landscaping.
Paint used: Sherwin-Williams White Heron 7627 (exterior stucco), Sherwin-Williams Black Magic 6991 (exterior soffit/fascia)
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Chocolate Brown

Fantastic Frank

In this charming Swedish cottage from Fantastic Frank, siding painted chocolate brown adds warmth that complements the earthy tones of the red tile roof and contrasts with crisp white trim, shutters, and picture perfect picket fence.
Paint suggestion: Clare Coffee Date
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Warm Gray + White Trim

Finding Lovely

Finding Lovely painted this 1879 New England farmhouse in a moody dark gray with indigo undertones. The gray paint is set off by creamy white paint that highlights the character of the Victorian window trim and front porch detailing. The front door is painted in a high gloss pale aqua with a blue-green cast and a hint of gray to add a touch of modernity to the historic facade.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Charcoal Slate (exterior), Benjamin Moore Catalina Blue (front door)
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Pale Yellow

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

Pale yellow paint adds a hint of glowing color to the facade of this historic home renovation from Crisp Architects set in horse country and surrounded by rolling hills. White trim and black shutters maintain the classic look.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash HC-174 (siding), Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 (trim), Benjamin Moore Black HC-190 (shutters)
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Dark Blue + White + Pink Door

Design by Martha O'Hara Interiors / Construction by MDS Remodeling / Spacecrafting Photography

Martha O'Hara Interiors painted this family home in Prior Lake, MN in a deep blue, with off-white trim and a soft pink door with a touch of gray that complements terracotta planters flanking the entrance and outdoor fabric on the front porch furniture that is set up to accommodate a crowd.
Paint used: Sherwin-Williams Still Water 6223 (exterior), Sherwin-Williams Origami White 7636 (trim), Farrow & Ball Calamine (door)
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Light Gray

Randell Design Group / Construction by King & Drury / Photo by Sophia Voce

Randell Design Group used pre-weathered zinc cladding in a soft shade of gray on the exterior of this U.K. house, combined with gray brick for a textural feel that looks modern and complements the lush green lawn.
Cladding used: VMZINC Quartz
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White + Black

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

This home from Crisp Architects demonstrates why an elegant white house with black shutters is a timeless choice that looks good day or night and in any season or weather. With a blanket of snow on the ground and golden light emanating from every window, it's a textbook definition of a warm and welcoming home. While the house appears stark white from a distance, a closer look reveals that the exterior paint color has a touch of off-white warmth. The trim is painted in a cooler shade of white to add definition. And those black shutters are actually painted in a deep nearly black shade of green that reveals the nuances of faux black. A mahogany stained front door adds elegance.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Crisp Linen CSP-305 (exterior), Essex Green HC-188 (shutters), Benjamin Moore Super White OC-152 (trim)
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White + Pink Door

A Beautiful Mess

This brick house from A Beautiful Mess has a painted satin white exterior and a blushing pink door, with cacti lining the entry steps that adds some greenery and visual interest to the facade.
Paint used: Sherwin-Williams Marshmallow (house exterior), Noble Blush by BEHR (front door)
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Dark Blue

Photo by Allison Corona

This 1930s Tudor revival home in Boise, ID has a storybook allure. Smoky deep blue paint stands in for the brown tones that are typically used to highlight the signature half timber detailing of Tudor architecture, providing contrast with the white and brick of the rest of the facade.
Paint suggestion: Clare Goodnight Moon
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Pistachio Green

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

Pistachio green paint on the exterior with lighter and darker shades on the gable and front door gives this artists retreat from Crisp Architects a wash of color that blends in with the palette of greens in the surrounding landscape.
Paint suggestion: Sherwin-Williams Jardin SW6723 (siding), Sherwin-Williams Glimmer SW6476 (gable siding), Simply White OC-117 (trim), Benjamin Moore Essex Green HC-188 (front door)
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Soft White

Design by Martha O'Hara Interiors / Architecture by PKA Arch / Spacecrafting Photography

Martha O'Hara Interiors used clean off-white paint to give this modern farmhouse-style new build a classic feel.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
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Lake Blue

Jessie Tobias Design / Photo by Sarah Szwajkos

Jessie Tobias Design painted this waterfront house in a deep blue shade that echoes the lake and is carried through to the deck chairs on the weathered wood dock.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball Ultra Marine Blue
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Timeless White

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

This New England country home from Crisp Architects shows off the simple beauty of a clean coat of white paint that complements the classic architecture, brick chimneys, gray roof, pretty windows, and natural mahogany front door.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore White OC-151
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Sandy Beige + Raw Stone

White Sands Design Build

This coastal Southern California modern farmhouse-style home from White Sands Design Build is painted in a sandy shade of beige that complements the raw stone facade and feels right in the beach-adjacent setting.
Paint suggestion: Clare Neutral Territory
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Flat White

Design and Photo by Sandra Foster

Sandra Foster used flat white paint on her tiny Victorian cottage in the Catskills of New York to highlight its fairy tale charm, while a green-colored roof blends in with the woodsy surroundings.
Paint suggestion: Clare Snow Day
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Pale Blue + White

Design by Maite Granda

This Florida home from interior designer Maite Granda has a two-tone wash of sky blue and clean white that gives it a breezy coastal feel.
Paint suggestion: Clare Frozen (upper siding), Benjamin Moore Chalk White (exterior)
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Soft Green

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

The color of your home will vary according to the time of day and the quality of the light. A soft shade of pistachio green on this Litchfield County, CT home from Crisp Architects has a taupe-y appearance as night falls that sets it apart from the dark greens of the surrounding landscape.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Kittery Point Green (exterior), Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 (trim)
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Denim Blue + Cream

Photo by Lara Kimmerer

Rich denim blue is complemented with wintry white trim to highlight the columns and architectural details of this classic two-story home.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Bainbridge Blue 749 (exterior), Benjamin Moore Frostine AF-5 (trim)
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Soft White + Slate Gray Trim

Design by Maite Granda

This Coral Gables, FL home by Maite Granda is painted in a soft shade of white, with gunmetal gray paint on the door frame, handrails, and trim that adds definition.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore White OC-151 (exterior), Benjamin Moore Gunmetal 1602 (trim)
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Green-Gray

adamkaz / Getty Images

This 1923 Craftsman bungalow has a fresh coat of greenish-gray earth toned paint that honors the original aesthetics of the home.
Paint suggestion: Sherwin-Williams Mountain Road
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Blush Pink + Pale Green

Fantastic Frank

This Mediterranean-style home from Fantastic Frank is softened with pale salmon pink paint complemented with delicate sage green exterior wood shutters and doors that look like they've faded naturally in the sun.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball Pink Ground (exterior), Farrow & Ball Vert de Terre (shutters and doors)
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Soft White

Mindy Gayer Design Co.

Mindy Gayer Design Co. favors neutral paint on home exteriors, like this Southern California home painted in a bright and rich shade of white with warm undertones that make it feel inviting rather than stark.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
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Weathered Teal

Michelle Berwick Design

Teal blue paint with a touch of gray gives this beach house from Michelle Berwick Design a slightly weathered allure that pays homage to the coastal Canadian setting.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Bella Blue
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White + Black + Red

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

This modern farmhouse style New York home designed by Crisp Architects has a traditional palette of white and black, with a bright red door to give it some sass.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 (siding), Benjamin Moore Black (shutters), Benjamin Moore Heritage Red (front door)
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Soft Yellow

Charles Almonte Architecture / Interior Design

This classic soft yellow house from Charles Almonte Architecture / Interior Design has white trim and a factory finish black roof and door. A stained Ipe hardwood staircase with a reddish tint adds contrast.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Pale Moon OC-108 (siding), Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 (trim), Minwax Currant (staircase)
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Contemporary White

Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Will & Fotsch Architects / Tom Waters Construction

Mindy Gayer Design Co. used soft white paint to contrast with the glass and black metal doors and outdoor sconces of this Spanish-style Southern California contemporary home that complements the Moroccan limestone flooring that runs from the entryway to the backyard.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
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Greige

Interior Design by Martha O'Hara Interiors / Architecture by Derek Barcinski of Atlantis Architects / Andrea Calo Photography

Martha O'Hara Interiors painted the facade of this home in a soft greige, adding definition with steely gray shutters and a deep gray hue on the front door.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Nimbus 1465 (exterior), Benjamin Moore Gunmetal 1602 (shutters), Benjamin Moore Graphite 1603 (front door)
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Orange Stucco

Fantastic Frank

This Mallorca home from Fantastic Frank is finished in a warm and vivid orange stucco that adds eye-catching color and texture that fits in with the Spanish island setting.
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Opaque Black

Randell Design Group / Construction by King & Drury / Photo by Grant Ritchie

Randell Design Group chose pre-painted Russwood Scotlarch cladding with an opaque black finish to give this modern A-frame home a crisp and graphic feel.
Paint used: Teknos Jet Black RAL9005 and Ebony F1046
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Pink + Gray

Barry Winiker / Getty Images

Bubblegum pink paint on the exterior and warm gray shutters is a classic color pairing that gives this imposing two-story Andover, MA home a friendly and approachable feel.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Elephant Pink 2087-70 (exterior), Benjamin Moore Gray Gardens CSP-55 (shutters)
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Neutral Off-White

White Sands Design Build

White Sands Design Build chose a soft neutral off-white without gray or yellow undertones to complement the Moorish facade of this 1929 bungalow in Manhattan Beach, CA.
Paint suggestion: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
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Buttercup Yellow

Fantastic Frank

This Swedish lakeside house from Fantastic Frank stands out from the natural landscape thanks to a coat of buttercup yellow paint that glows in any weather.
Paint suggestion: Clare Golden Hour
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Optic White + Blue + Brick

Design by Melinda Kelson O'Connor Architecture and Interiors / Photo by Wendy Concannon

"We used a classic palette for this historic brick estate addition and renovation," says designer Melinda Kelson O'Connor of Melinda Kelson O'Connor Architecture and Interiors. "Brilliant white siding and trim with black shutters are failsafe on the historic red brick. It feels timeless and smart. Adding a light or medium blue hue to the door lightens the feeling and gives the house an approachable look."
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Brilliant White (siding), Benjamin Moore Britannia Blue (door)
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Cornflower Blue

Photo by Allison Corona

This Colonial-style home built in 1935 and located in Boise, ID is painted in a fresh shade of cornflower blue that makes it look like it was born yesterday.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball Cook's Blue
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Black + Stone

Randell Design Group

Matte black cladding adds contrast with the stone facade of this waterfront home from Randell Design Group.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Blacktop 2135-10
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Green-Gray

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

This Connecticut home designed by Crisp Architects is painted in a soothing shade of grayish green that makes a change from the usual white without altering the classic feel of the facade.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Gettysburg Grey HC 107 (exterior), Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 (trim), Benjamin Moore Black HC-190 (shutters)
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Whitewashed Brick + Off-White

Mindy Gayer Design Co.

This Southern California home from Mindy Gayer Design Co. has a whitewashed brick chimney and a warm off-white exterior that looks fresh and welcoming.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45
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Orange + Yellow

Peter Unger / Getty Images

This French Quarter home is painted in cheerful shades of yellow and orange that show off the architecture and embrace the anything-goes color palette of the city of New Orleans.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Yellow Marigold 2155-30 (siding), Benjamin Moore Tangy Orange 2014-30 (shutters)
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Deep Charcoal

Design by Kate Marker Interiors

Kate Marker Interiors traded pale yellow for deep charcoal paint with clean white trim on this inviting cottage renovation.
Paint suggestion: Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze
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Whispery Blue

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

This Berkshires home designed by Crisp Architects is washed in a barely there blue-gray-violet hue that subs in for classic white, adding a bit of nuance to the facade.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Blue Heather 1620 (siding), Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 (trim), Benjamin Moore Black Iron 2120-20 (shutters and front door)
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Blue + Yellow

Photo by Lara Kimmerer

A palette of complementary colors including a deep blue-green facade, pale conch shell pink and yellow-orange trim, and a rich burgundy-colored door highlight the architecture of this three-story home.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Fair Isle Blue CSP-715 (exterior), Benjamin Moore Morning Sunshine 2018-50 (trim), Benjamin Moore Shell Pink 883 (trim),
Benjamin Moore Classic Burgundy HC-182
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Clean White

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

This little house from Crisp Architects set on a lush green lawn in the shadow of some mature trees has clean white paint with just a touch of soft gray and crisp blue, a matching fence, and a greenish-black front door, making a case for keeping it simple and classic.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Pure White OC-64 (siding), Benjamin Moore Essex Green HC-188 (front door)
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Tonal Grays

Photo by Lara Kimmerer

A tonal palette of dark and silvery grays and an orange-red door gives this lakeside home a cozy feel that harmonizes with the slate roof and gray shingle siding.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Silvery Moon 1604 (exterior), Benjamin Moore Calico Blue 707 (trim), Benjamin Moore Merlot Red 2006-10 (front door)
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Shades of Purple

krblokhin / Getty Images

Bold shades of purple make this New Orleans, LA home stand out from the crowd.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore 1406 (siding), Benjamin Moore Victorian Purple 1370 (front door)
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Pewter Gray

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

This lakeside home in the Berkshires designed by Crisp Architects is covered in a pale pewter gray paint that blends in with the natural setting.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Vintage Pewter CSP-110 (siding), Benjamin Moore Super White OC-152 (trim)
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Beige Pink + Blue

Photo by Lara Kimmerer

Pale beige-pink paint softens the exterior of this home, while teal blue trim and russet red doors add definition to the facade.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Early Sunset 2096-70 (exterior), Benjamin Moore Baltic Sea CSP-680 (trim), Benjamin Moore Rich Chestnut 2090-20 (windows and doors)
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Farmhouse White

Liz Marie Blog

Blogger Liz Marie re-sided her 1800s farmhouse to make it look closer to the original design, using pre-painted siding in a pure white hue to create an all-white aesthetic that is carried through to the interior of her rustic farmhouse-style home.
Paint used: LP SmartSide Snowscape White
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Two Tone

Mindy Gayer Design Co.

Mindy Gayer Design Co. collaborated with Dana Webber Design Group and Fairbank Construction Company to build this Puget Sound vacation home. The front entryway to the home is defined by warm off-white paint that gives the sprawling facade some dimension and contrasts with the darker siding and mixed tone wood accents.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45
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Granite Blue

Interior Design by Colleen Simonds / Emily Gilbert Photography

This home from interior designer Colleen Simonds is painted in a moody shade of blue-gray that is soothing by day and showcases the golden glow of the interior when night falls and the inside lights are on.
Paint suggestion: Sherwin-Williams 6250 Granite Peak
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White Brick + Pale Pink Doors

A Beautiful Mess

This brick home from A Beautiful Mess has a soft white exterior that give it a fresh look, while pale pink double doors add a dose of personality.
Paint used: Romabio Masonry Flat in Richmond White
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Reddish Brown + Blue-Green

Photo by Lara Kimmerer

Deep reddish-brown stained siding with contrasting medium-toned blue-green trim make the facade of this home stand out from the leafy green surrounding landscape.
Paint suggestion: Sherwin-Williams 3507 Riverwood Stain (exterior), Benjamin Moore Spirit in the Sky 676 (trim)
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Periwinkle

Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

A soothing periwinkle blue with purple undertones is contrasted with cool white trim in this home from Crisp Architects.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Swiss Blue 815 (siding), Benjamin Moore Ultra White CC-10 (trim)
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Peachy

Fantastic Frank

Soft pale coral is a peachy choice for this Spanish villa from Fantastic Frank that is softer and warmer than stark white.
Paint suggestion: Clare Pop
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Red + Black

franckreporter / Getty Images

Crimson red siding and black shutters give this rural New England home a classic look that is timeless but especially appealing when the autumn leaves are turning.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Candy Cane Red 2079-10 (exterior), Benjamin Moore Black HC-190 (shutters)
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Medium Gray

Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Sven Lavine Architecture

Mindy Gayer Design Co. added rich dark gray paint to this 1910 Victorian home renovation in San Francisco.
Paint suggestion: Dunn Edwards Charcoal Smudge DE6370
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White + Blue-Gray Shutters

Design by Kern & Co.

Interior designer Susan Spath of San Diego-based Kern & Co. added blue-gray paint to the wooden shutters of this Spanish style home that illustrate how versatile the nearly neutral shade can be.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Wales Gray 1585
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Purple + Red

Douglas Keister / Getty Images

Lilac paint gives this classic Craftsman bungalow a modern twist, and a cherry red door frame adds a vivid accent.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore California Lilac
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Cool Gray

Design by Calimia Home / Photo by Kelly Boyd

Cool medium gray paint gives this 1918 Colonial-style house in Savannah, GA from Calimia Home a soothing feel.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Storm
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Blue + Stone

Amy Peltier Interior Design & Home / Mary Pat Collins Photography

This house from Amy Peltier Interior Design & Home has a mixed facade that pairs deep cool blue and stone.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue HC-155
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Light Beige

Fantastic Frank

This contemporary Denver, CO home from Fantastic Frank is softened with a coat of off-white paint with beige undertones that complement the eco-friendly landscaping.
Paint suggestion: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
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Soft Black

Mindy Gayer Design Co.

Mindy Gayer Design Co. choose a cool-toned soft black for the outside of her home office showroom that makes a nice foil for green plants and white flowers that soften the facade.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Blacktop 2135-10
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Pale Gray

ucpage / Getty Images

Pale gray paint softens the exterior of this large new build, while a teal door and some red flowers dotting the front yard landscaping adds a smidgen of color.
Paint suggestion: Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015
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Shades of Blue

K Shan Design

This cozy Costa Mesa, CA home from K Shan Design is painted in two shades of blue that make the facade and front porch feel homey and inviting.
Paint suggestion: Clare Summer Friday (siding), Clare Blue Ivy (trim and porch railing), Benjamin Moore Midnight Navy 2067-10 (door frames)

What to Consider When Picking a Paint Color for Your House

There are several factors to consider when choosing an exterior paint color, from the history and architectural style of your home to the construction materials used on the facade, to the natural setting and surrounding landscape. It's up to you to decide whether you want an exterior paint color that blends in or provides a vivid contrast, whether you live in a beachfront cottage, a suburban new build, a cabin in the woods, or a historic country farmhouse. While painting the house red can give it a whole new lease on life, keep in mind that you can also create a new mood with something as simple as changing the door color.

FAQ

Even if you decide to paint your house white, keep in mind that finding the perfect shade of white for your particular home can be more complicated than it seems, and take some time and effort to nail down. What looks fresh and bright on one house exterior can look too stark on another; that soft creamy white you think you see in an inspiration photo can end up looking too yellow when you see it in person. Just when you think you have it all figured out, that seemingly simple shade of pure white can end up looking too gray, or too cool, or not cool enough when you see it up close and unfiltered in real life.
If you want to sell your home, realtors advise that you stick to crowd-pleasing colors such as white, beige, gray, and earthy, natural tones.
Lighter neutrals and earthy tones will make a smaller house appear larger. Consider off-white, light yellow, light gray, or other pale hues to reflect higher amounts of light than darker hues, creating an optical illusion or tricking the eye.

House Color Schemes - 15 Paint Colors for Your House

Find the Perfect Pairing for Exterior Paint Colors

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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.

istockphoto.com

1. Two-Tone Olive

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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: Welcome Home: 11 Fresh Ways to Spruce Up Your Front Door

rillarchitects.com

2. Straw and Sage

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"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."

Related: 9 Ways to Crank Up Curb Appeal with Nothing But Paint

kerriekelly.com

3. Putty and Gray

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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

highmark-builders.com

4. Red and Black

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"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."

Related: Before and After: DIY Facelifts for 8 Home Exteriors

grossmuellers.com

5. Gray and Blue

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"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: The Most Popular Paint Colors in America

sherwin-williams.com

6. Green, Cream, and Burgundy

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"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).

Related: 18 Victorian Homes We Love

behr.com

7. Charcoal and Lime

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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: 9 Bold Rooms That Will Make You Rethink Black Paint

awarchitect.com

8. Greige and Teal

9/17

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.

Related: America’s 50 Favorite Streets

Zillow Digs home in Edmonds, WA

9. Blue, Red, and Tan

10/17

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: 11 Paint Colors Designers Pick for Their Own Homes

ashleyavila.com

10. Black and White

11/17

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.

Related: The Most Popular House Styles in America Right Now

Zillow Digs home in Laguna Beach, CA

11.

Black and Taupe

12/17

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: 12 Outdoor Upgrades That Make Your Home More Valuable

Zillow Digs home in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

12. Yellow and Blue

13/17

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.

Related: 9 Paint Color Rules Worth Breaking

Zillow Digs home in Coronado, CA

13. Brown and Sand

14/17

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: 19 Rooms That Prove Beige Isn’t Boring

neimantaber.com

14. Turquoise and White

15/17

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.

Related: 15 Tiny Beach Bungalows for Your Next Vacation

Triton Builders; Uneek Images

15. Taupe, Red, and White

16/17

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.

Related: 13 Homes from the Original Colonies that Still Stand Today

istockphoto. com

A Perfect Match

17/17

There's a color combo perfectly suited for every kind of design preference and home style.

bobvila.com

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Design of painting at home outside (77 photos)

dyed facades of houses

Facades of houses

Facade Breed
4

Facade Boynet

Beautiful plaster facade

9000 9000 2

Facade Facade Plastic Stracles with plastering plastering plastering plastering plastering plastering plastering plastering plastering plastering plastering plastering plaster.

Stucco house facades

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Facade decoration

Facades of houses

13,0002 interprofil Ivanovo

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15,0002 House

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Beautiful colors of house facades

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Blue house facade

Tikkurila Vinha 2664

House Tikkuril Vinha Green

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Country houses

Fibrim -cement siding RAL 7024
32

DAY HOUSE
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HOUSE wooden

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Vinyl siding Brik House

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Decoration of a country house

Bright facade of a country house

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Tikkurila Vinha 2683

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JV 185 Good Wood

Painting the house outside beautiful

Bright facades of houses

Color of a summer house

Pistachio Framaic House

Decorative plaster facade

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House facade colors

Village house facade color

House facade color - which one is better to choose? 100 photos of new designs

When designing a façade, take into account factors such as climatic and weather conditions, nearby buildings, and landscape. Harmoniously combining colors, you can create beautiful architectural ensembles. Photos of examples of a beautiful facade with successful color combinations clearly demonstrate this. nine0003

The texture and properties of cladding materials sometimes suggest the color solution itself. Wood and stone have their own unique natural tones, which significantly affect the whole look of the house.

Brief content of the article:

Facade decoration

The texture of natural material in the cladding and lighting affect the perception of color in different ways. Structural elements must be in harmony with each other, creating a single ensemble. Stone and wood can be successfully combined with glass, mosaic or metal. The combinations of shades of the roof, facade and plinth are carefully thought out to create a holistic image of the building. nine0003

Plastered walls are usually finished with weather and temperature resistant paint. Black steel paint is suitable for painting metal surfaces. Metal alloys are coated with vinyl chloride or varnish.

Features of the choice of color

A competent specialist will help you decide which color is best for decorating the facade. For selection, you can use special programs online. In any case, adopt the basic rules that will help you avoid common mistakes. nine0003

It is always best to go for lighter colors. Too bright, saturated and dark are more difficult to harmoniously include in the space, besides, they quickly tire the eye.

Shades of the same scale are well combined with each other: brown with beige, blue with light blue, etc. White is versatile and goes with any color.

Try to use colors that are close to natural - this will provide you with the best combination of facade color with nature and adjacent buildings. Proper coloring will help to emphasize the advantages of the finish and slightly smooth out the flaws. nine0003

When choosing a bright color, keep in mind that it will visually increase the size and highlight the house against the surrounding background. Most often, warm yellow, brown, red are used to paint the walls.

Be careful with dark tones and use them in limited quantities. Shades of green are quite popular, which look very organic in the bosom of nature and are perfect for suburban buildings.

A fashionable modern trend is the use of terracotta. You can choose both bright and more calm, muted shades that set you up for rest and relax. You can find the right solution by using the color charts for the façade. nine0003

A common variant is brown-red tones, ranging from copper to chocolate. It is optimal to use them in the decoration of buildings with a simple architecture.

Choose paint according to the weather and climate. Paint of organic origin tends to quickly fade from sunlight, and dark colors will increase the heating of the facade, which will lead to its accelerated destruction.

Combination with adjacent objects

Coloring should be done, focusing not only on your taste preferences, but also taking into account the color scheme of buildings and buildings nearby.

If the building is located in a historic area, the color scheme must be respected, characteristic of the area. Traditionally, for houses located outside the city, the most acceptable solution would be the use of soft pastel shades.

If the house is surrounded by greenery, bushes and trees, it is best to use very light shades for painting. A building standing in an open area can be enlivened with bright colors. nine0003

The south side of the house requires the use of muted colors - intense sunlight will make the facade lighter and brighter. Think about how the house will look at different times of the year - against the backdrop of white snow or bright green spaces.

With the help of coloring, you can focus on what you want to emphasize and make some imperfections invisible.

Nuances of choosing a shade

Color creates a mood, affects the psycho-emotional state. It is better that professionals who will take into account all the nuances are engaged in its selection. However, you can easily understand how to choose the color of the facade yourself if you have at least a little experience in this. nine0003

The general rules are as follows

the choice of shade is significantly influenced by the style in which the building is made - from classic to modern solutions;
well-chosen tones will emphasize the features of the style and beauty of the building, and unsuccessful tones level the features of architecture;
for a building in a classic style, beige, white, milky shades are suitable;
dark tones have the ability to attract the sun's rays and heat, so they are best used for buildings located in cold climates; nine0326
take into account in advance the fact that bright colors fade faster in the sun;
to highlight small elements, use light colors;
rich and dark colors are best used if the building has a simple shape;
dark tones emphasize the shape of the object, light tones increase its volume.

Multicolour facade

Several shades can be used for decoration at once, provided that they are correctly combined. This option will draw attention to the building, and living in it can become more comfortable psychologically. If your project involves a combination of several tones, you need to take into account the nuances that will facilitate this choice. nine0003

With bright colors it is convenient to create an accent by painting windows and doors with them. Use the help of special architectural programs - this will save you a lot of time.

Evaluate the overall style of the building to select the best combination. Facade and roof can be made in the same color. In modern projects, interesting contrasts are allowed for these parts of the building. Looks great, for example, a combination of black and yellow.

Wooden houses are best painted with glossy paints. But if the building is located in a sunny area, give preference to matte paint.

Monochrome facade

This option is considered classic, it is suitable for conservatives who adhere to the traditional style of home decoration. If you are inclined to such a decision, it is worth considering some points that affect the correct choice of the main tone.

Natural colors are suitable for wooden houses, buildings in the style of "Russian hut". It can be all kinds of shades of brown, pastel colors. The castle-style house looks very nice in gray. nine0003

Consider the combination with the landscape and nearby buildings - it must be harmonious. As the main one, it is better to choose the dominant gamut in the environment.

In addition, it should be in harmony with green spaces and various small buildings on your site.

When designing the facade, it is worth remembering that this part of the house is the visiting card of its owners. She will eloquently tell about the lifestyle that is familiar to them, will make the first serious impression on any guest.

Ideas for exterior house paint colors

70 Exterior Paint Colors For a Better Looking Home

Watch Now: Exterior Paint Colors and Design Ideas for Your House

White

Black

Swedish Barn Red

Navy Blue

Salmon Pink

Olive Green

Bright Yellow

Taupe

Chocolate Brown

Warm Gray + White Trim

Pale Yellow

Dark Blue + White + Pink Door

Light Gray

White + Black

White + Pink Door

Dark Blue

Pistachio Green

Soft White

Lake Blue

Timeless White

Sandy Beige + Raw Stone

Flat White

Pale Blue + White

Soft Green

Denim Blue + Cream

Soft White + Slate Gray Trim

Green-Gray

Blush Pink + Pale Green

Soft White

Weathered Teal

White + Black + Red

Soft Yellow

Contemporary White

Greige

Orange Stucco

Opaque Black

Pink + Gray

Neutral Off-White

Buttercup Yellow

Optic White + Blue + Brick

Cornflower Blue

Black + Stone

Green-Gray

Whitewashed Brick + Off-White

Orange + Yellow

Deep Charcoal

Whispery Blue

Blue + Yellow

Clean White

Tonal Grays

Shades of Purple

Pewter Gray

Beige Pink + Blue

Farmhouse White

Two Tone

Granite Blue

White Brick + Pale Pink Doors

Reddish Brown + Blue-Green

Periwinkle

Peachy

Red + Black

Medium Gray

White + Blue-Gray Shutters

Purple + Red

Cool Gray

Blue + Stone

Light Beige

Soft Black

Pale Gray

Shades of Blue

What to Consider When Picking a Paint Color for Your House

House Color Schemes - 15 Paint Colors for Your House

Find the Perfect Pairing for Exterior Paint Colors

1. Two-Tone Olive

2. Straw and Sage

3. Putty and Gray

4. Red and Black