Top Exterior Paint Colors of 2019: A Homeowner's Guide

Standing in front of a wall of paint chips can feel completely overwhelming. With thousands of shades to choose from, how do you find the one that’s perfect for your home? It’s a big commitment, and the fear of making the wrong choice is real. It doesn’t help that color trends shift so quickly. What was celebrated among the exterior paint colours 2019 might not be what you want on your home today. Instead of getting caught up in what’s popular right now, let’s focus on a simple, practical process for finding a color you’ll love long-term. This guide breaks it down step-by-step, helping you choose with confidence.

Key Takeaways

Build a Cohesive Palette, Not Just a Single Color: A polished exterior comes from a well-planned color scheme. Combine a main siding color with complementary trim and a distinct accent for your front door to create depth and highlight your home’s architectural details.
Test Colors in Their Real Environment: Never choose a color based on a small paint chip. Paint large sample swatches on different sides of your house to see how the color looks in morning sun, afternoon shade, and evening light before you commit.
Choose the Right Product, Not Just the Right Color: The actual paint you use is as important as the hue. Select a high-quality, 100% acrylic latex paint and the correct finish—like satin for siding and semi-gloss for trim—to ensure your color looks great and protects your home for years.

Exterior Paint Colors That Never Go Out of Style

Choosing an exterior paint color feels like a huge commitment, and it is! It’s the first thing you see when you pull into the driveway and the first impression your home makes on guests and neighbors. While color trends can be fun to watch, they also change quickly. If you’re investing in a professional paint job, you want a color that you’ll love for years, not just a season. That’s why turning to timeless colors is always a smart move.

These classic shades have staying power because they work with a wide range of architectural styles and personal tastes. They provide a beautiful backdrop that enhances your home’s best features without overpowering them. Whether you prefer a clean and bright look or something more dramatic and moody, there’s a timeless option that will feel just right. A fresh coat of paint in a classic color is one of the best ways to protect your investment and get that "painting happiness" feeling every time you come home. When you’re ready to bring your vision to life, our residential painting team is here to help you achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish.

Timeless Whites and Off-Whites

You can truly never go wrong with a classic white. It’s a clean, crisp, and endlessly versatile choice that complements nearly any style of home, from a modern new build to a historic bungalow. The key is to understand that not all whites are the same. Some have cool, gray undertones, like Benjamin Moore’s Sea Pearl, which creates a sharp, contemporary look. Others, like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, have warmer, creamier undertones that feel soft and inviting. A timeless white exterior makes a sophisticated statement that always looks fresh and well-maintained.

Versatile Grays and Earthy Neutrals

Gray is another fantastic neutral that has secured its place as a timeless exterior color. It’s sophisticated, calming, and offers incredible flexibility. When choosing a gray, pay close attention to its undertones. Some can lean green or muddy, while cooler grays with a hint of blue tend to feel more modern and classic. You can also create a beautiful, layered look by mixing different earthy neutrals, like a soft gray siding with beige and dark brown accents. This approach creates a welcoming feel that is both grounded and elegant. You can see how we’ve used these shades on local homes in our portfolio.

Deep Blues and Dramatic Darks

If you want to make a statement that still feels classic, consider a deep, dramatic color. Dark exteriors, like black or charcoal, have become a popular way to create a look that is both cozy and incredibly chic. When paired with crisp white trim, a black house has a sharp, graphic quality that is simply stunning. Navy blue is another favorite that offers a rich, classic feel. A deep blue like Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy is a go-to for a reason—it’s a timeless color that adds character and depth to any home’s facade.

Calming, Nature-Inspired Greens

Using green on your home’s exterior is a wonderful way to connect it to the surrounding landscape. Shades ranging from soft sage to deep forest green can make your home feel like a peaceful retreat. These nature-inspired hues are both grounding and refreshing, offering a look that feels sophisticated and unique. The right green can beautifully complement your garden and yard, creating a cohesive and harmonious design. When you choose plants for your garden, you can even select ones that will pop against your new exterior color, creating a truly polished look.

Welcoming and Warm Earth Tones

For a home that feels warm and inviting, you can’t beat earthy tones. Taupe, a beautiful blend of gray and brown, provides a warm and elegant neutral that pairs perfectly with off-white trim or darker brown accents. Here in Southern California, desert-inspired palettes are also a fantastic choice. Think of warm adobe browns, soft clay reds, and even subtle touches of cactus green. These colors reflect our natural environment and create a romantic, sun-kissed look that feels effortlessly stylish and welcoming.

How to Build the Perfect Exterior Color Palette

Choosing a single paint color is one thing, but creating a cohesive palette that makes your home shine is another. A great exterior scheme usually involves three to four colors that work together to highlight your home's best features. Think of it like putting together an outfit: you have your main color, a complementary piece, and a pop of color in your accessories. This approach gives your home depth, character, and a truly polished look. Let's walk through how to build your perfect palette, piece by piece.

Pairing Your Siding and Trim Colors

Your siding and trim are the foundation of your home's look. The siding is your main field color, while the trim frames everything—the windows, roofline, and corners. Creating a strong, pleasing contrast between these two is key to making your home's architectural details stand out. Many popular and timeless looks use a crisp white or off-white trim against a darker siding color, like a deep gray or navy blue. This creates sharp, clean lines.

Alternatively, you can flip it for a more subtle, modern feel with a light field color and darker trim. The goal is to create definition. A well-chosen trim color can make your windows appear larger and give your entire home a more finished, intentional feel. Our exterior painting services always include a detailed consultation to help you find the perfect pairing.

Choosing an Accent for Doors and Shutters

Here’s where you can really let your personality shine! Your front door is the focal point of your home's entrance, so don't be afraid to go for a bold, welcoming color. A dramatic shade that’s much brighter or darker than the rest of the house creates an inviting statement and draws the eye right where you want it. Think of a cheerful yellow door on a gray house or a sophisticated deep red on a white one.

This is your chance to use a color you absolutely love but might not want for the entire exterior. Shutters can either match the trim for a classic, cohesive look or match the front door to carry that pop of color across the facade. You can see beautiful examples of this in our portfolio of Los Angeles homes.

Creating a Scheme for Your Home's Architecture

The most successful color palettes are the ones that feel like they belong to the house. Your home's architectural style provides a fantastic starting point for your color choices. A historic Victorian, for example, can handle complex, multi-color schemes that highlight its intricate gingerbread trim, while a sleek, modern home might look best with a simple, monochromatic palette. A Spanish-style home in the San Fernando Valley naturally lends itself to warm, earthy tones and a classic terracotta roof.

Understanding how to apply color to enhance these features is crucial. The right scheme can make a home look authentic and graceful. This is why working with professional residential painters who stay current on design trends and respect architectural integrity can make all the difference in the final result.

Popular Palettes for Different Home Styles

Need some inspiration? Let's look at a few tried-and-true combinations. The modern farmhouse style is known for its clean contrast, often pairing classic white siding with bold black trim and accents. For a softer take, you could try a light gray body with a deep navy trim. If your home is painted a beautiful shade of blue, crisp white or a light, silvery gray on the trim will make it pop.

Even an all-black exterior can be stunning. With a monochromatic scheme like that, the contrast comes from your surroundings. Think about adding light-colored stone pathways or vibrant green landscaping to create visual interest. You can explore a wide range of these beautiful combinations in our project gallery to see what resonates with you.

A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Paint Colors

Choosing the right exterior paint color can feel like a huge decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to break the process down into a few simple, practical steps. By looking at your home’s existing features and its environment, you can confidently build a color palette that you’ll love for years to come.

Start with Your Home's Architecture

The best place to begin is with the style of your house. Whether you live in a Spanish-style bungalow, a classic Craftsman, or a sleek modern home, its architectural design provides a natural starting point for your color choices. The goal is to select colors that highlight its unique character, not fight against it. Homeowners paint their homes either because they love the new look or to help sell their house, and in both cases, honoring the architecture is key. You can find inspiration by looking at how different exterior painting projects have complemented various home styles.

Work with Fixed Elements (Like Stone or Brick)

Your home has features that aren’t getting painted, like a brick chimney, stone siding, or a slate roof. These are your "fixed elements," and your new paint color needs to work with them. Look closely at the undertones in your stone or brick—do you see hints of gray, tan, or red? Pulling a color from these elements for your siding or trim can create a cohesive, professionally designed look. It's important to mix and balance these colors well. Working with a professional team ensures your new palette perfectly matches your roof, stonework, and even your window frames.

Test Your Colors in Natural Light

Never commit to a color based on a tiny paint chip from the hardware store. Before you make a final decision, always test your top choices. Paint large sample swatches on different sides of your house to see how they look in the morning sun, midday light, and evening shade. How a color looks can change a lot based on natural light, hidden undertones in the paint, and other parts of your property. This step is the single best way to avoid a color choice you might regret later.

Consider Your Landscaping and Surroundings

Your house doesn't exist in a vacuum—it’s part of a larger landscape. The lush greens of your lawn, the vibrant colors of your flower beds, and the mature trees in your yard all play a role in how your paint color will appear. A good rule of thumb is to choose a color that contrasts with your landscaping so your house doesn't get lost in the background. For example, a dark, moody green might be stunning against a backdrop of lighter foliage, while a warm white can pop beautifully in a garden full of colorful blooms.

Look at Your Neighborhood's Vibe

Take a walk around your block and notice the colors of the other homes. While you don't want your house to be exactly like your neighbors', you also don't want it to be the one that sticks out for the wrong reasons. The goal is to find a color scheme that feels harmonious with the street while still reflecting your personal taste. This is especially important if you live in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA), which may have specific guidelines. Choosing a color that fits the neighborhood aesthetic can also be a smart move for your home’s long-term value.

How Your Paint Color Affects Your Home's Value

Choosing an exterior paint color feels like a big commitment, and it is. The color you pick does more than just reflect your personal style—it directly influences how others perceive your home, especially potential buyers. The right color palette can make your home look updated, well-maintained, and inviting, while the wrong one can unfortunately do the opposite. Think of your home’s exterior as its first impression. A great paint job is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your investment and add significant value.

The Direct Link Between Color and Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is simply how attractive your home looks from the street, and it’s a potential buyer's first glimpse into what life could be like there. A fresh, thoughtfully chosen paint color is one of the fastest ways to enhance it. A clean, vibrant exterior signals that a home is cared for and loved, immediately putting buyers at ease. Faded, peeling, or dated paint can suggest neglect, even if the inside is perfect. By selecting colors that highlight your home’s best features, you create an inviting scene that makes people eager to see more. You can browse a project portfolio to see just how transformative the right color scheme can be.

What Colors Do Home Buyers Prefer?

If you're planning to sell your home soon, your personal favorite color might not be the best choice for maximizing its value. The key is to appeal to the widest possible audience. Overwhelmingly, buyers gravitate toward neutral and traditional colors that feel like a clean slate. Think warm off-whites, versatile grays, and earthy taupes. These shades help people envision themselves living in the space. That doesn't mean your home has to be boring. Popular base colors often include sophisticated options like deep navy blues, rich olive greens, and classic blacks, which can feel both timeless and modern when used correctly.

Colors That Protect Your Resale Value

Just as some colors can add value, others can actively detract from it. Bold, highly specific colors can be a major turnoff for buyers who don't share your exact taste and can't see past the work it would take to change it. Similarly, old, cracking, or faded paint sends a clear message of deferred maintenance. Investing in a high-quality residential painting service not only refreshes your home's look but also protects the underlying structure. Choosing a color that complements your home’s architecture and fits with the neighborhood aesthetic is a smart way to ensure your choice supports, rather than hurts, your home's long-term value.

How Color Choice Impacts Longevity

No one wants to repaint their house every few years. Your color choice can play a surprising role in how long your paint job looks fresh. Timeless colors—like classic whites, grays, and beiges—don't fall out of fashion, meaning your home won't look dated in five years. This approach is not only easier on your wallet but also better for the environment, as it reduces the frequency of repainting. By choosing a timeless paint color, you’re making a sustainable choice that ensures your home looks great for years to come, giving you lasting peace of mind.

Maintenance for Light vs. Dark Colors

Beyond style, there are practical considerations for light and dark colors. In sunny climates like ours in Southern California, very dark colors can be a challenge. A black or deep charcoal home will absorb more heat, which can lead to higher cooling bills. Dark pigments are also more susceptible to fading from intense UV exposure over time. On the other hand, pristine white and very light colors can show dirt, dust, and water stains more readily, potentially requiring more frequent cleaning. A professional can help you choose not just the right color but also the right quality of paint and finish to stand up to the elements and minimize maintenance.

A Pro's Advice for Selecting Your Paint

Choosing your home’s exterior color is exciting, but the color itself is only half the story. The actual paint you use—its quality, finish, and formulation—is what truly protects your home and makes the color last. As professionals, we know that the right product is just as important as the right hue. Think of it as the foundation for a beautiful, long-lasting exterior. Here’s our inside advice on how to select the best paint for your home so you can enjoy the results for years to come.

Why the Quality of Your Paint Matters

It’s tempting to try and save a few dollars on paint, but this is one area where quality makes a huge difference. Your home’s exterior paint is its first line of defense against the elements. High-quality paint offers better coverage, which means you might need fewer coats. More importantly, it’s formulated with superior ingredients that provide better adhesion and flexibility, making it far more resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading. A premium paint job enhances your home's curb appeal and can even increase its value. Investing in quality paint from the start means you’ll have a beautiful finish that lasts longer, saving you the cost and hassle of repainting sooner than you need to.

Choose the Right Paint for the Climate

Here in Southern California, the sun is a major factor. That constant exposure can cause colors to fade and paint to break down over time. When selecting paint, it’s crucial to choose a product designed to handle our specific climate. For example, dark colors absorb more heat, which can put extra stress on the paint and even increase your cooling costs. We recommend using 100% acrylic latex paint, which is known for its durability and resistance to UV damage. These paints are also flexible, allowing them to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking. Choosing a paint formulated for our sunny, dry climate is a key step in ensuring your residential painting project stands the test of time.

The Best Way to Sample Paint Colors

Never, ever commit to a color based on a tiny paint chip from the store. The best way to know if you’ll love a color is to see it in its natural environment—on your home. We always advise clients to buy sample pots and paint large swatches (at least 2x2 feet) on different sides of the house. A color can look completely different in the bright morning sun than it does in the afternoon shade. Live with your samples for a few days. Observe them at various times to see how the light changes their appearance. This step prevents costly surprises and ensures the color you choose is one you’ll be happy with from every angle.

Select the Perfect Paint Finish

The paint’s finish, or sheen, affects both its appearance and its durability. For exteriors, you’ll typically choose between flat, satin, and semi-gloss. A flat or matte finish has no shine and is excellent at hiding surface imperfections, but it’s the least resistant to stains. Satin (or eggshell) has a low-lustre sheen that offers a great balance of durability and a beautiful finish, making it the most popular choice for siding. Semi-gloss is shiny, highly durable, and easy to clean, which makes it perfect for trim, shutters, and doors that get a lot of wear and tear. A professional painter will help you select the right finish for each surface to create a polished and resilient result.

Ensure Your Color Looks Great for Years

A successful paint job is one that looks just as good years from now as it does the day it’s finished. The key to this longevity is a combination of quality products and expert application. Choosing a timeless color helps your home avoid looking dated and reduces the need for frequent repainting. But even the best paint will fail if the surface isn’t prepared correctly. Proper prep work—including cleaning, scraping, sanding, and priming—is the most critical step for ensuring the paint adheres properly and lasts as long as it should. This is where a professional team makes all the difference, ensuring every step is done right for a finish you can count on.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a color that works with my home's existing brick or stone? The best approach is to treat your brick or stone as the starting point of your color palette. Look closely at these fixed elements and identify the subtle undertones within them. You might see flecks of gray, tan, cream, or even a deep red. Pulling one of these undertones for your main siding color will create a beautiful, cohesive look that feels intentional and professionally designed.

Is it really worth paying more for premium-quality paint? Absolutely. Think of exterior paint as a protective shield for your home. A higher-quality paint has better ingredients that provide superior coverage, flexibility, and resistance to fading and cracking. While it might cost more upfront, it saves you money over time because the finish will last much longer, pushing back the date when you'll need to repaint.

I'm planning to sell my house in a few years. Should I just paint it white? While a classic white is a safe bet, it's not your only option for boosting resale value. Buyers respond well to any color that makes a home feel clean, cared for, and move-in ready. A sophisticated neutral like a warm gray, a soft taupe, or even a timeless navy blue can make your home stand out in listings. The key is to choose a color that feels classic and helps potential buyers easily imagine themselves living there.

My HOA has a list of approved colors. How can I still make my house feel unique? Even with a limited palette, you can add plenty of personality. Focus on the details you can control. Choose a bold, welcoming color for your front door that's different from your neighbors'. You can also create subtle contrast by using a different paint finish on your trim, which will catch the light differently. Finally, investing in unique light fixtures, house numbers, and landscaping can make your home feel special while still following the rules.

How do I choose a front door color that doesn't clash with my siding? Your front door is the perfect place for a pop of personality. For a guaranteed beautiful result, look for a color that complements your siding. For example, if your house is blue, a warm orange or yellow door will create a stunning contrast. If you prefer a more subtle look, choose a color that is simply a few shades darker or lighter than your main house color. This creates a sophisticated, layered effect that always looks polished.

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