The Latest Trends in Exterior House Painting: Pop Those Colors!

You're ready for a change and want to freshen up the look of your home. What better way than with a new coat of exterior house paint! The latest trends in exterior house painting are all about being bold and mixing unexpected color combinations. Gone are the days of drab beiges and boring whites. Now is the time to pop those colors and make a statement with your home's exterior. Whether you prefer deep, dramatic shades, bright pastels, or funky patterns, there are so many options to choose from. Get ready to turn some heads and transform your curb appeal. A fresh coat of vibrant paint is an easy and affordable way to update your home's style and value. The hottest looks for this season are all about color, so grab your paintbrush and get creative! Express yourself and have fun with the latest color trends. Your home will thank you.

Introduction to Exterior House Painting Trends

Bold and bright colors are in! If you want your house to pop this season, consider a vibrant color scheme for your exterior paint job.

Primary colors

Red, blue and yellow - the basics are making a comeback. A bright cherry red door or navy blue shutters can do wonders for a otherwise neutral facade. Feeling bold? Paint your siding or the entire house in a primary color for major curb appeal.

Tropical hues

Vibrant tropical colors like sea foam green, coral and turquoise are perfect for a beachy vibe. These fun, lively shades bring a sense of escapism and whimsy to any home.

Retro revivals

Midcentury modern palettes featuring retro shades of olive, burnt orange and teal are popular again. For a nostalgic 1950s look, combine a olive green body color with teal or robin's egg blue accents.

Dark and moody

Deep, saturated shades of eggplant, forest green and charcoal are an elegant choice for exterior house paint. Use dark colors on doors, shutters or accent walls balanced with lighter neutral siding for a stylish look.

Combining colors

Don't be afraid to combine complementary shades on different parts of your exterior for extra flair. A yellow house with blue shutters or a red door is a classic combo. Or go bolder with a teal body color, coral accents and a olive green roof!

When choosing a color scheme, consider your home's architecture and surrounding landscape. Bold colors on a small bungalow may overwhelm, while dark hues blend nicely with lots of greenery. Follow your instincts and have fun with it - your home is the perfect canvas to express your unique style!

The Comeback of Earth Tones and Neutrals

Earthy tones are making a comeback in a big way. After years of bright colors dominating house exteriors, neutrals and natural hues are popping up all over neighborhoods.

The Comfort of Neutrals

There's something soothing about neutral and earth-toned houses. Tans, browns and grays blend into natural surroundings, creating a calming curb appeal. These muted shades are versatile and pair well with most architectural styles. They're also timeless, so you won't have to worry about your house looking dated in a few years.

The Warmth of Browns

Chocolate brown remains a popular choice for siding, trim and front doors. Deeper shades of brown, like espresso or coffee, create drama and sophistication. Lighter browns, such as sand or khaki, give off a casual, beachy vibe. Brown also complements most roofing materials, from black shingles to terracotta tiles.

The Tranquility of Grays

Charcoal, slate and pewter grays are neutral yet stylish alternatives to basic beige. Gray exteriors have an air of refinement and work well for traditional, craftsman or modern homes. Pair different shades of gray for a custom look, or combine gray siding with white or black accents.

The Versatility of Tans

Warm camel, almond and biscuit tans are natural-looking and versatile. Tan house colors blend in with surrounding nature, complementing landscapes with lush greenery. They're also easy to decorate around, pairing nicely with accent colors like navy blue, olive green or brick red for a customized color scheme. Overall, tan is a foolproof choice if you want an easy-to-love neutral exterior.

Say Hello to Bolder Hues

Want to make a dramatic statement with your house exterior? Bold, vibrant colors are trending for home paint jobs. Forget subtle, muted earth tones—it’s time to pop some bright color!

Bright reds, rich plums, and deep teals are popular choices for front doors, shutters or accent walls. A punch of color gives instant curb appeal and a stylish first impression. For the adventurous homeowner, consider painting the entire house in a bold hue like cobalt blue or burnt orange. These vivid shades are sure to turn heads!

Blue is a perennial favorite for house exteriors and new takes on the color include navy, teal and bright azure. Blue is a classic, versatile color that pairs well with white or gray for a crisp, nautical look. It’s also stunning when combined with yellow, red or green for a vibrant complementary color scheme.

Speaking of green, emerald green and forest green are lush, dramatic options for exterior house paint. Green conjures up natural themes and a sense of tranquility. For a bolder look, consider an electric shade like lime green which is energetic, youthful and guaranteed to make your home pop against any backdrop.

If you prefer warmer colors, deep reds like crimson, scarlet or brick red will heat up your home’s facade. Red is an eye-catching, stately color that provides an opulent first impression. It pairs beautifully with cream or tan for a rich color combination.

No matter which bold color you choose, make sure to consider your home’s architectural style and any restrictions from neighborhood HOA's. A color that complements the style and era of your house will give the most cohesive, stylish result. And be prepared for all the compliments from neighbors on your gorgeous, colorful new look!

The Enduring Popularity of White and Gray

White and gray remain hugely popular exterior house colors. Their neutral, clean look provides a blank canvas that allows other design elements like trim, shutters, and landscaping to take center stage.

Crisp White

A fresh coat of bright white paint is a classic choice for any home style. White reflects lots of light, making spaces seem more open and airy. It also provides a seamless base for adding pops of color with plants, furniture, and accessories. Popular white shades for home exteriors include:

• Snowdrift: A bright, icy white that creates contrast.
• Creamy: A soft, warm white that blends in.
• Ivory: A mellow white with subtle yellow undertones.

Charcoal and Slate Gray

Darker grays like charcoal and slate have become trendy exterior colors in recent years. Their moody, dramatic look creates a stylish first impression. Gray also does a great job of hiding imperfections in building materials. Some popular gray options include:

• Charcoal: A deep, inky gray that makes a bold statement.
• Slate: A medium, blue-tinged gray inspired by natural stone.
• Mist: A light, airy gray with hints of blue that’s perfect for cottages or beach homes.

To add contrast, pair gray exteriors with white trim, doors, windows and architectural details. You can also incorporate wood and stone accents. Landscaping that includes greenery and colorful blooms helps prevent an overly dark, dreary look.

If you can’t decide between white or gray, consider a colorwash or limewash technique. These create a mottled, uneven finish with subtle variations in tone that give depth and texture. A colorwash or limewash in white or light gray provides the best of both worlds—a neutral base with pops of character.

With so many shades of white and gray to choose from, you can create a custom look that suits your home’s style. Their versatility and timeless appeal guarantee your color choice will remain stylish for years to come.

Choosing Colors That Complement Your Home's Architecture

When choosing exterior paint colors for your home, consider how they complement its architectural style. If you have a craftsman bungalow, earthy tones like sage green, rusty red or chocolate brown are perfect. For a Victorian house, deep jewel tones such as plum, navy or forest green highlight the ornate details.

A bold accent wall

An accent wall in a contrasting shade draws attention and adds visual interest. For example, paint your front door a bright teal or sunflower yellow to make a cheerful statement. You can also paint just one section of siding like a side wall or the area around windows. Using a complementary color from the color wheel opposite your main shade creates a vibrant look.

White or off-white for trim

Painting trim like windows, doors, corners and railing in white or off-white helps accentuate their shape and provides a crisp finish. An off-white shade with subtle warm or cool undertones blends well with most color schemes. For the boldest look, choose a darker trim color for contrast like charcoal gray with sage green siding or chocolate brown trim with red brick.

Consider natural and manufactured stone

If you want to enhance your home’s rustic appeal, consider adding natural stone like slate, limestone or river rock. Manufactured stone veneer provides an authentic look at a lower cost. Blend tones of gray, beige and brown or choose a color that complements your siding. Stone accents also work well when painting brick exterior walls.

A new roof for the finishing touch

A new roof is the crowning glory that pulls your exterior color scheme together. For the most cohesive look, choose roof shingles within a similar tone range as your siding and trim. A cedar shake or asphalt shingle roof in weathered wood or slate gray works with many color palettes. A metal roof provides a sleek, modern accent and comes in a variety of colors from bright red to matte black.

With some planning, you can create an exterior color scheme for your home that highlights its best features and gives it a stylish, put-together look. Consider how colors interact and balance each other for a result that is harmonious and visually appealing.

Mixing and Matching for Visual Interest

Mixing and matching colors is a fun way to create visual interest on the exterior of your home. You don’t have to stick with a single color scheme to make a statement. Blending complementary colors, analogous colors, or contrasting shades can result in an eye-catching look.

Complementary colors

Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, like blue and orange or red and green, provide high contrast when paired together. Use one color for the siding and the other for trim, shutters or accent details. The contrast will make each color pop.

Analogous colors

Colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel, such as yellow, yellow-green and green, create a harmonious look when combined. Select three shades in the same color family and apply the lightest to the siding, the medium to the trim and the darkest to the shutters or accent details. The gradual progression of color leads the eye across the façade.

Contrasting shades

For major impact, choose two contrasting shades of the same color, such as navy blue and baby blue or brick red and pale pink. Use the darker shade on the siding and the lighter shade on the trim and accents. The high contrast in tone highlights the architectural details of your home.

Don’t be afraid to mix in additional accent colors on shutters, the front door, planters or outdoor lighting fixtures. Pops of purple, orange or teal can inject vibrant personality. Start with two main colors for the siding and trim, then add accent shades gradually until you achieve your desired look.

Stepping outside the box with an eclectic color scheme may be just what your home needs to make a memorable first impression. Play around with different color combinations—you can always repaint if you want to try another daring look! A house that showcases its owner’s bold and whimsical style is a house that feels like home.

Accent Trims in Contrasting Colors

Accent trims in contrasting colors are a fun way to make a statement with your exterior house paint. Using complementary colors for trim, doors, shutters or other accents creates an eye-catching pop. Some popular color combinations include:

• Blue siding with orange or red trim and accents. The contrast between the cool and warm tones is vibrant and whimsical.
• Green siding with yellow trim. Fresh and bright, evoking nature. Yellow trim also pairs well with darker green and forest green sidings.
• Gray siding with navy blue or burgundy trim. Both combinations create an elegant look with a touch of drama. The darker trim helps ground the lighter gray.

You can also choose a complementary accent color for just your front door to make it a focal point. A bright red or turquoise door is an easy way to transform an otherwise neutral exterior color palette. Whatever color combo you choose, limit it to one or two accent colors to avoid a cluttered look.

When selecting accent colors, consider the style and time period of your home’s architecture. Colors that complement a Craftsman bungalow may not suit a Victorian mansion. Look to color theory for guidance on creating cohesive and balanced color palettes. Refer to the color wheel to find shades that are complementary, analogous or triadic. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the wheel, while analogous hues are adjacent. Triadic colors form an equilateral triangle.

Once you determine your color scheme, apply accent colors judiciously by painting just doors, window trim, corner boards or other architectural details. You can also paint decorative elements like shutters, planter boxes, railings or trellises. For the biggest impact, paint your front door an accent color and add matching outdoor accessories like a welcome mat, potted plants, outdoor pillows or a mailbox.

With some careful color selection, accent trims in contrasting hues can make your home exterior pop in an artful, stylish way. But remember, less is more when it comes to using multiple colors. A little color goes a long way!

Landscaping Tips for a Cohesive Look

To create a cohesive look for your newly painted exterior, consider these landscaping tips:

Plant Flowers that Complement the House Colors

Choose flowers, plants and shrubs that share shades with your home’s exterior paint scheme. If you have a blue house, plant light blue or violet flowers. For a red brick home, opt for red or pink blossoms. Repeating colors from the house in the yard helps connect the two areas visually.

Add Accent Plants

Accent plants with contrasting foliage or blooms also help tie everything together. Bright yellow or orange flowers pop against a blue house. Purple blooms stand out nicely next to red brick. But use accent colors sparingly for the most cohesive look.

Repeat Materials

Using the same or similar materials for walkways, patios and retaining walls as on your home’s exterior also creates cohesion. Brick, stone and concrete are traditional, natural-looking options that pair well with most house styles and colors.

Pay Attention to Hardscapes

Consider how driveways, walkways and patios lead the eye to and from your home. Curved paths feel more natural. Straight lines and right angles complement a traditional house. Choose materials and patterns that balance your home’s geometry.

Include Outdoor Accents

Outdoor accents like decorative planters, welcome mats, house numbers, mailboxes, outdoor lighting fixtures and yard ornaments should also coordinate with your home’s style and paint colors. Keep these details simple so they don’t distract from the overall look you’re aiming to achieve.

By coordinating the colors, materials and details in your landscaping with those of your home’s exterior, you can create a polished, magazine-worthy look. The key is sticking to a cohesive style and color palette so all the elements flow together naturally. With some planning, you can make your yard the perfect complement to your newly painted home.

FAQ on the Latest Trends in Exterior House Painting Styles and Color Schemes

What are the most popular exterior house painting styles right now? There are a few trends dominating curb appeal.

Bold, bright colors

Vibrant shades of blue, green, yellow and red are popping up on houses everywhere. If you want to make a statement, consider painting your front door or shutters in a bold color. For a more dramatic look, paint the entire exterior of your home in a bright, cheery hue.

Two-tone color schemes

Using two complementary colors, especially for the siding and trim, creates a stylish contrast. For example, a light gray siding with navy blue trim is a popular combination. Or go bolder with a deep forest green siding and burnt orange trim. The options are endless!

White and light neutrals

An all-white or light beige exterior remains a timeless, elegant choice. For a touch of contrast, consider charcoal gray or black accents like shutters, front doors, roofs or walkways. The clean, crisp look of white and light neutrals is perfect for making a small space appear more open and airy.

Natural wood accents

The warmth of wood provides a perfect accent for stone, brick or stucco exteriors. Use natural wood for front doors, garage doors, porches, siding, shingles or beams. Cedar and redwood are great for high-impact but low-maintenance exteriors. Let the wood age naturally or apply a clear sealant to enhance the rustic look.

Eclectic mixes

Why choose just one style when you can have several? An eclectic exterior incorporates a mix of siding, accents and color in a cohesive way. For example, pair wood shingles and white-washed brick with a metal roof. Or combine manufactured stone, board and batten siding and a brightly colored front door. When done right, an eclectic home exterior exudes charm and visual interest.

What's your favorite from these latest trends in exterior house painting styles? With so many options, you really can't go wrong. Have fun with it and choose what reflects your unique sense of style! Your home's curb appeal will thank you.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, the latest trends in exterior house painting to make your place the hottest on the block. Don't be afraid to experiment with some bold colors and dynamic color schemes. Your house is your canvas, so go wild with your creativity. Painting the exterior of your home is a chance to express yourself and boost curb appeal all in one. Whether you go for a retro atomic age palette, coastal chic hues, or keep it classic with timeless earth tones, choose a style that makes you smile every time you pull up to your freshly painted dream home. What are you waiting for? Grab those paintbrushes and get to work making your exterior pop! The colorful transformation will be so worth it.