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Be THAT house on the block.
Few tricks transform a space quite like a fresh coat of paint. And while you may have gone ham on the
walls of your domicile, you’re ready to think outside the box (er, home) with an updated exterior makeover. Choosing the right modern paint color for your home’s exterior can have a major effect on the vibe (and value) of your house and provide an opportunity to showcase the geographical region or time period in which your home was built.
Of course, painting the outside of your home can be costly and cumbersome, so do your research and choose your colors wisely. Whether you’re highlighting your home’s architectural details or bringing some vibrance to your neighborhood, adding color to a lackluster front facade or aiming to transform your drab backyard into a Beverly Hills–worthy oasis—we’ve got just the inspiration you need for your next home renovation project. From woodsy neutrals to vibrantly painted stucco, your before-and-after is bound to leave a lasting impression on you and your neighbors.
The most popular exterior color by miles, a clean, white exterior is never a bad idea, whether you’re lucky to own a luxe Hollywood estate or a sleek, modern aesthetic. For design firm Chango & Co., based in Brooklyn, “we like Benjamin Moore’s Super White color because it doesn’t feature a lot of strong undertones and it feels fresh.”
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The blush-colored exterior walls of this Roman penthouse designed by the firm Alvisi Kirimoto match the terra-cotta floor tiles—an effect only heightened by the warm Italian sun.
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For a home that exudes a nonchalant attitude, try painting your exterior a cream or off-white shade like the exterior of this Spanish-style hacienda. According to a survey by Alside, 20 percent of homeowners would opt for a cream or off-white shade for their siding in 2023, and 14 percent would pick a true white. Designer Audrey Sheck would consider herself among those, noting that she loves cream paint for its versatility. “It has a historic feel to it thanks to the dimension and character infused into the color,” she says.
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Take a note from this country guest barn by Hendricks Churchill for your next exterior paint job. A hunter green pulls from all the surrounding nature and is great for those looking for a bold yet understated shade. Studio Green by Farrow & Ball is a favorite among designers like And And And Studio and Studio DB.
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Whether you want your home to become one with nature or are simply looking for a dark statement like this striking shou sugi ban residence, a rich, mahogany brown paint can achieve both. It will mimic the tree bark and natural tones of your home’s surroundings, and the paint color will feel fresh for years to come.
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Lean into the midcentury modern trend that is sweeping interiors, and take it outside. Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home boasts a vibrant red exterior that is brown enough not to read too firetruck red.
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Inspired by Scandinavian architecture, the owners of this San Franciscan home opted for a dusty blue exterior that perfectly contrasts the cedar planks and luscious greenery.
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For maximum impact, we recommend going all in and painting your exterior a matte black, like A-Lister Sheila Bridges did on her Hudson Valley farmhouse. “An inky black shade is the perfect complement to both dark and white windows and looks beautiful against a green landscape,” says Austin, Texas–based interior designer Laura Pankonien.
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If you’re looking for a softer alternative to a stark black exterior, try a black paint that has a hint of green. A rich forest green can help transition your home into the nature or landscaping that surrounds it. Plus, the shade works well with warm and cool trim and roofing colors alike.
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In areas with strict historic guidelines, navy blue is often a fail-safe. Regal and timeless, a deep blue adds personality while still feeling timeless and understated.
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