Selecting the right exterior house colors can be a major decision when it comes to a new build or home renovation. A project’s outer shell serves as a vital first impression and can be a statement in and of itself. Though classic neutral exterior paint colors will never go out of style, there’s something to be said for a bold, saturated hue. AD PRO asked a few professionals from across the industry to share the exterior house colors they tend to use over and over again. Keep reading for their selections—and our tips—for choosing the best exterior paint color. (Looking for even more house color inspiration? Let the AD archive be your guide.)
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What are the best exterior house colors?
The truth is, there’s really no one-size-fits all solution. The best exterior paint ideas will depend on a number of factors, ranging from the location of the house to its architectural style. What works for a seafront villa in a warm climate won’t necessarily work for a rustic barn-style home in the woods, a suburban Victorian, or a townhouse in the city.
First, you’ll need to check to see if there are any restrictions on the house paint colors in the area, which could be the case in historic districts or gated communities. You should also consider the materials used to construct the home, such as brick, wood shingles or siding, stone, or terra-cotta roof tiles. You may also want to take the neighbors into account so that the home doesn’t stick out too much from theirs—unless that’s the goal, of course.
What are the most popular exterior colors in 2023?
It may come as no surprise that understated neutrals make extremely popular exterior house colors—a short drive through the suburbs makes that clear enough, with shades of white, beige, and gray being very common. Earth tones like olive or sage green and variations of brown also appear prominently in exterior color palettes.
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For bolder hues, primary shades (red, yellow, and blue) can work well, depending on the kind of home you’re painting. Craftsman homes, for instance, often feature primary colors, as well as secondary shades like green. In the Mediterranean and in coastal areas, pinks and ochres are popular. Even on homes painted in neutral tones, a bold accent shade on the exterior trim, front door, window frames, garage door, or shutters can offer a delightful pop of color, as you can see in this Normandy-style compound on the California coast. There, French blue window frames and doors help offset the otherwise white exterior.
What exterior colors increase home value?
We’re seeing exterior house colors trend towards more vibrant shades, but a classic white or other neutral may be the safer bet when it comes to resale value. Jennifer Patchen, a broker at Opendoor, shares with AD PRO that “neutral and warm tones” are preferred exterior shades right now for houses on the market. “As a general rule, the exterior color of the home should complement other homes in the neighborhood,” she says. “Otherwise, it might stick out like a sore thumb!” She suggests opting for a beige, tan, or camel color that will act as a neutral canvas that can create a positive first impression for buyers. And according to data from Opendoor, the preference for subdued shades extends to the front door as well, with 44% of homeowners valuing white, gray, gray-blue, and gray-green at an entrance.
