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Home Exterior Color Ideas and Inspiration

White coastal house with blue-gray shutters, a metal roof with a dormer, a front porch and palm trees
Blog, Colors, Exterior Painting, Home Renovation, Tips

When painting the exterior of your house and other outdoor features, you have two important characteristics to keep in mind: how well it lasts and how good it looks.

Pink townhouse with gray green shutters beside a pale blue townhouse with black shutters

Painting a house is no small investment, so choosing the best paint color for the exterior surfaces of your house means picking colors that look great and last. We can help you select a durable paint that resists the punishing effects of weather and will last a long time. Check out this post from Benjamin Moore.

White clapboard farmhouse with a teal front door, rounded boxwood shrubs and a stone path

Foolproof Color Picks

To narrow down your color choices, build an exterior palette around the elements of the house that won’t change, such as roofing materials and stone or brick components. Pick contrasting but complementary colors to highlight architectural elements and add dimension. Similar color undertones will link the elements together.

Navy board and batten barn house with white trim and open sliding doors showing a stone fireplace

Take a Look Around

The best inspiration may come from stepping outside. Select hues that are compatible with your neighborhood, architectural style and natural surroundings. For exterior colors inspired by classic American design and architecture, look no further than Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection for tried and true favorites that are perfect for any home.

White raised cottage with gray blue shutters, a metal roof, a front porch, palm trees and a bicycle by the steps

The Right Light

Just like interior paint colors, exterior colors shift depending on how the light hits them, and can look different when applied than they do on a chip. Make regret-free choices by buying a quart of paint and applying it on inconspicuous areas of all sides of your house. Visit your samples throughout the day until you’re comfortable with your choice.

Weathered board and batten cottage with white trim, a covered porch, a bench, a red wheelbarrow and a dog

Finish Lines

Color is only one aspect of an exterior paint choice; sheen is another important factor. Low Lustre finish is a top choice for the main siding color, the low-reflective finish adds a slight gloss, hides surface imperfections and cleans well. Semi-gloss paints add extra durability and clean up easily, making them a good choice for areas such as window sills that bear the brunt of weather shifts. High gloss finishes make color look richer but magnify surface imperfections.

White house with three dormers, a wide front porch, sea green shutters and a turquoise front door

Palette Pro. Beautifully done.

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