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Find the Perfect Pairing for Exterior Paint Colors
Selecting a single color for your home’s exterior can be difficult enough, but trying to find two or more hues that work well together in a whole house color scheme makes the decision even more challenging. Whether your aim is to highlight architectural details or simply to find a complementary shade for shutters and trim, the choice is an important one.
1. Two-Tone Olive
A yellow-orange stain on the front door adds a lighthearted dash of color. “Front doors should always have character and draw subtle attention to themselves,” Jim Rill points out.
2. Straw and Sage
“A balanced look always provides plenty of curb appeal,” says interior designer Kerrie Kelly, principal of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, in Sacramento, California. “Starting with a neutral shade in straw yellow sets a welcoming palette, while accents in sage green give a lively look to traditional architecture. This combination is an approachable classic year-round.”
3. Putty and Gray
Older neighborhood dwellings guided the color choice for this Midwest home. “We chose a soft neutral for the body of the house that would allow it to stand out and yet still complement the other homes around it,” reports Kristen Schammel, interior designer for Highmark Builders, in Burnsville, Minnesota. “This exterior is simple, traditional, and admired!”
4. Red and Black
“Red is a classic color,” says interior designer Cindy McClure, owner of Grossmueller’s Design Consultants, in Washington, D.C. “I love using it on smaller homes because they handle the color so well. Black accents like the front door and shutters look great when set off by white trim.”
5. Gray and Blue
“Gray is a great neutral that can match just about any style of home and is a beautiful complement to brick,” says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “The slightly more saturated shutters and door provide a sophisticated accent and bring in the tones of sky and sea.” Seen here are Sherwin-Williams’s Comfort Gray (SW
6. Green, Cream, and Burgundy
“The combination of green, cream, and burgundy is a favorite for Victorian-style homes,” reports Erika Woelfel, director of color marketing for Behr Paints.
7. Charcoal and Lime
A wonderful way to make a bold color statement on modern houses—even the smallest ones—is to start with a strong neutral and add a bright pop of color on the front door. This home, designed by Ana Williamson Architect, in Menlo Park, California, combines two Benjamin Moore hues: Gunmetal (1602) for the siding and Tequila Lime (2028-30) on the door.
8. Greige and Teal
You can still achieve a modern look without using shocking hues if those colors just aren’t for you. Here, greige—that’s gray and beige—with a teal door and natural wood and stone accents puts a modern spin on the traditional neighborhood home. This combination still looks warm and welcoming without feeling dated.
9. Blue, Red, and Tan
Blue is a popular exterior color for homes in waterside settings like this one. Adding red and tan to highlight trim and architectural features was a eye-catching choice by designers at New Urban Home Builders, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The trio of hues also gives the lakefront compound a Scandinavian feel.
10. Black and White
Black and white never goes out of style. Whether you have an old home or a new build, this classic combo looks fresh forever—plus it really pops against a green lawn.
11. Black and Taupe
A twist on the traditional black and white color scheme. If crisp white and classic black looks classy, swapping in taupe warms up the look and brings a touch of warmth and coziness to your home exterior.
12. Yellow and Blu
Some might think that a double dose of primary colors is too bold for a house, but when executed with finesse, it’s a real charmer. Here, aqua blue and mellow yellow keeps play off each other for a quaint effect.
13. Brown and Sand
Nearby houses inspired the color scheme of this charming home. “The sandy color on top resembles the muted tones common on neighboring houses,” says architect David Neiman, of Neiman Taber Architects, in Seattle, Washington. “The brown is a darker complement that provides a strong visual base. Red window frames add an extra punch of color.”
14. Turquoise and White
Turquoise is a fun choice for those who live in warmer climates; it evokes sunny skies and the sea. If you’re nervous that it’s too bold of a color for your neighborhood, cool it down with white accents. When used in combination, the palette is bright and cheerful.
