Paint Colors That Celebrate Character

One major shift Yeo is seeing this season is a move away from the uniform simplicity of the modern farmhouse and toward a more thoughtful celebration of a home’s character. “Color is being used to optimize inherent charm—bringing warmth, depth, and personality to what already exists,” Yeo shares. She states that a thoughtful exterior palette begins with choosing hues that harmonize across the home’s varied surfaces for a cohesive look that allows materials and architectural details to shine. “When colors are selected with this holistic lens, even subtle shifts in tone can elevate the overall aesthetic,” Yeo says.

She suggests pairing Cloud White OC-130 on exterior walls with Salisbury Green HC-139 on window trim to gently draw out a roof’s earthy undertones. “Similarly, Swiss Coffee OC-45 offers a clean yet welcoming presence. Its creamy warmth lends itself to a wide range of styles, from stucco exteriors to classic Colonials, delivering enduring charm and long-term versatility,” Yeo notes.

Intentional Accent Colors

When it comes to striking a balance between timeless and trendy, Kayla Kratz, senior director of color and design strategy at BEHR, says the strongest approach is to treat the main exterior color as the foundation, as that’s where longevity matters most. From there, you can introduce accent colors to add personality. “Accent elements like front doors, shutters, planters, or patio furniture are where there’s more room to experiment—they allow the palette to evolve over time without needing to rethink the entire exterior,” Kratz explains. She suggests a summer-inspired green like Park Picnic P390-7 or an energetic red like Flirt Alert P150-7.

The front door is a key moment for creativity, but this season, there’s another exterior feature to have fun with: Window trim. “In a similar spirit, adding color to window trim has emerged as an unexpected way to add a wink of color,” Yeo says.

Classic Whites

“Classic whites and creams like Alabaster SW 7008 or Greek Villa SW 7551 are always a great choice because they feel clean and modern, but also create a timeless backdrop that highlights architectural details and landscaping,” says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams.

When it comes to exteriors, she always recommends timeless first, trendy second. “Exterior projects are a bigger investment, so choosing a versatile neutral ensures the home will look relevant for years and appeal to a wider audience,” Kantz says. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with trends—Kantz just recommends being strategic and adding personality through accents that are easy to refresh over time.

Black, Charcoal, and Brown Tones

“The black and charcoal category remains popular, however, browns with black undertones (like Urbane Bronze SW 7048 and Black Fox SW 7020) gain relative prominence and true jet blacks hold steady,” Kantz says. She shares that the Eastern and Atlantic regions have the strongest preference for exterior blacks and charcoals, with Tricorn Black SW 6258 and Iron Ore SW 7069 being two favorites.

Nature-Inspired Neutrals

“In response to trend fatigue, there is a renewed appreciation for palettes that feel enduring and grounded, allowing homes to evolve gracefully over time,” Yeo shares. Silhouette AF-655, the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year, has a lasting quality for both interiors and exteriors thanks to its quiet sophistication. “Similarly, warm off-whites, soft taupes, and nuanced warm neutrals create an inviting foundation, creating harmony with natural surroundings without overpowering them,” Yeo says.

“One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is a move toward nature-inspired neutrals that create a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors,” Kratz says. She suggests a shade like Taupe, BEHR’s 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, which blends soft brown with gentle gray undertones for a balanced feel. “Exterior colors tend to feel most successful when they reflect the setting around the home; that’s why nature-inspired shades continue to resonate—they create a look that feels thoughtful, welcoming, and connected to place,” Kratz explains.

Greens That Seamlessly Blend with Surroundings

Homeowners are increasingly drawn to green exteriors, says Yeo. “From muted sages and refined olives to deeper forest tones, green offers a subtle entry point into color while still feeling timeless and rooted,” she says. Greens are often referred to as nature’s neutral, and they effortlessly blend with the landscape.

Kantz describes green as the new neutral accent for exteriors. “Most lean towards muted gray-green or mossy options over saturated greens, and are most often used on traditional homes or homes located in wooded, suburban, and more rural settings,” she says. Her favorite picks include Evergreen Fog SW 9130, Rosemary SW 6187, and Pewter Green SW 6208.

Dual-Tone Stain Palettes

“Dual-tone stain palettes are gaining traction as homeowners bring a more layered, design-forward approach to exteriors,” Kratz says. She suggests pairing Taupe with a complementary stain tone such as Cordovan Brown to define details like railings, trim, and decking borders without disrupting overall cohesion. “These combinations are especially well-suited to styles like Craftsman and modern farmhouse, where natural materials and clean contrast already play an important role,” Kratz says.

Contrasting Trim

If your home has interesting architectural features, enhance them with contrasting paint colors. Yeo says it’s a way to boost curb appeal while preserving a timeless sensibility. “A rich trim color such as Tudor Brown HC-185 creates definition against Simply White OC-117 exterior walls, allowing distinctive details to stand out,” she says. “Though both hues remain neutral, their contrast introduces freshness and dimension,” Yeo says. To complete the look, she suggests a bright red front door. “The look feels intentional, layered, and full of character,” Yeo says.

Starting with a neutral such as taupe gives you the option to introduce warm- or cool-toned contrasting accents. For a cool palette, Kratz suggests Ocean Abyss MQ6-01, which brings depth and a polished look. For more warmth, she suggests the bold Rumors MQ1-15 on a front door and shutters. “This expressive accent adds warmth and character that complements neutrals and beiges especially well, creating a look that feels inviting and distinctly lived-in,” Kratz notes.

Paint Experts’ Tips for Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

Consider Permanent Exterior Elements

For Yeo, a considered exterior palette typically begins with what’s already in place. “Permanent elements such as roofing, stone, brick, and surrounding greenery offer natural cues for color direction,” she says. When these materials are used as a foundation for color inspiration, the result will be cohesive and intentional, helping the home feel part of the surrounding environment rather than competing with it.

Accentuate Architectural Details

Think about your home’s architectural style and key details when selecting paint colors. “These elements naturally guide the palette and help homeowners choose colors that feel intentional,” Kratz says.

For example, if you have a midcentury modern home, Yeo suggests pared-back, thoughtfully chosen hues that enhance the simplicity of the exterior. On the other hand, if you live in a traditional Tudor, the expert recommends leaning into contrast. Using a light exterior color and pairing it with rich, substantial trim will highlight the Tudor’s distinctive craftsmanship. “In each case, color serves as a tool to reinforce architectural integrity, allowing regional and stylistic influences to coexist,” Yeo notes.

Factor Climate

Something often overlooked when selecting exterior colors is climate and natural light. “Homes with high sun exposure benefit from lighter hues that reflect heat, while darker colors can intensify warmth,” Yeo says. Additionally, the direction and movement of the sun throughout the day influence how color is perceived.

For example, in Southern regions where longer days and stronger sunlight are common, off-white and lighter hues are recommended to minimize heat absorption, while in Northern regions, deeper hues provide a sense of warmth and richness. “To fully understand this effect, we encourage homeowners to test the colors outdoors—paint a foam board, leave it outside, and observe the color throughout the day,” Yeo says.