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If you want to boost your home's curb appeal without doing any major renovations, a new exterior house color may be just what you need. Although choosing a new color may sound simple, there's actually a lot to consider. You can go for a classic neutral or pick a more daring shade to show off your style. Plus, you have to think about the siding of your home, the color of your front door, the trim, landscaping and many other exterior aspects. You'll also want to make sure you absolutely love the color before going through with it.
"Exterior paint will always appear brighter outside, so it is wise to start with a sample of the color that is one shade down from what you wish to achieve," says Mary Anne Smiley of Mary Anne Smiley Interiors. Smiley also recommends doing a two-coat sample in the area where the most light hits the house so you can really be sure of the color before painting the whole exterior.
Whether you're just starting to think about repainting your home or you already have some color options in mind, take inspiration from these exterior color combinations before you make that big investment.
1
Sand + Brown
With a fountain and all, Allison Armour transforms this subtle sand-colored home into a peaceful sanctuary. "Neutral colors, such as off-white, cream and pale gray will create a more contemporary, fresh look without calling undue attention to the color, allowing the home design to stand out," says Smiley.
Try Glidden's Sandcastle Symphony
Photo by: Patricia Burke
2
Red + White + Blue
This home’s all-American color scheme makes for a dazzling exterior. Go for a bright, lively design with the colors of the flag. With a red door as the point of contrast, you can't go wrong with this classic color combination.
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3
White + Gray
You can't go wrong with some of the most popular house paint colors out there. Style by Emily Henderson keeps it classic with an all-white design and gray roof. Still, there's always room for an accent. Check out the light blue door that adds a bit of energy to the exterior.
Try Sherwin-Williams' White Snow
Photo by: Kaitlin Green
4
Beige + Gray
Another take on neutrals, this attractive homes pairs a mostly beige exterior with a gray roof and white trim. This home blends in with its surrounding (in the best way possible) for a calm, relaxing environment. Simply grab a seat near the fire or on the front porch and take in the breeze.
Try HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams' Stucco
Photo by: Patricia Burke
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5
Classic Blue + White
This rich shade of blue contrasts nicely with the all-white columns and wood door. If you're going for something a bit more colorful but you don't want to stand out too much, this classic blue look may be right for you. Just don't forget about the white trim!
6
Taupe + Teal + White
Taupe-colored siding is definitely a timeless choice, but that doesn't mean it can't be a lively one. The teal window shades and white trim along the windows and doorway add a subtle brightness to this classic exterior. Plus, there are always plants and flowers you can rely on for even more color.
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7
Charcoal + Stone
Don't be afraid to go bold with a dark color palette like Brepurposed does here. If your house has stone features, or you'd like to incorporate them, complement them with a matching shade that highlights the architecture so it stands out rather than blends in.
8
Light Green + Brown + Yellow
Who doesn't love a light green? This trendy color, when paired with brown and yellow, makes for an exterior that will never go out of style. Just colorful enough to make a statement without being too bold, this home gives off a warm and welcoming vibe.
Try Sherwin-Williams' Soft Sage
Photo by: Patricia Burke
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9
Blue + Gray + Yellow
A Pretty Life in the Suburbs uses bright yellow to add a pop of color to an otherwise more traditional color scheme. This inviting home has a mix of grays and blues. However, the star of the show is, of course, the colorful entryway.
10
Brown + White + Stone
With a combination of brown paint, stone and a white trim, this rustic home has a clean and inviting look. Highlighted by the white paint, the entryway feels larger and more open. Although this home flaunts a neutral color scheme, there's still room for contrast between the white and traditional brown.
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11
Light Green + Blue + Yellow
"Grayed colors such as charcoal, putty, gray green and gray blue will lend an air of tradition, stateliness and classicism," says Smiley. This gray-green exterior is no exception. The blue trim and yellow doorway add a splash of color to this classic home.
12
Slate Gray
Sleek, soothing and bold all at once, this modern home stands out in the best way possible. Chris Loves Julia creates a striking exterior using mostly just one color.
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13
White + Coral Blue
The coral blue door gives this home a bright, friendly demeanor. Take a cue from Tatertots & Jello and draw attention to the heart of your home's exterior with a color that contrasts with the rest of your house. If your home's exterior is already painted a neutral color, this could be just the way to spruce it up without painting the whole house.
14
Sage Green + Brown + Gray
This green home by Patula Builders blends in with the surrounding landscape, giving off a modern farmhouse look. Consider adding light brown, blue gray and white for more color and contrast.
Try Benjamin Moore's Saybrook Sage
Photo by: Patricia Burke
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15
Light Yellow + Dark Green
Go for a playful yellow exterior and contrast with darker hues for an eye-catching color scheme. In this case, the dark green doorways bring balance to the yellow siding. It's a unique take on the classic barn house design.
Try Dunn-Edwards' Spring Buttercup
Photo by: Patricia Burke
16
Sand + Red
Don't be afraid of color when it comes to refreshing your home's exterior. Style by Emily Henderson shows how red is always in style with this stand-out entryway. It's the perfect pick if you're looking for contrast.
Photo by: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
RELATED: 20 Front Door Ideas for Instant Curb Appeal
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17
Baby Blue + White
Go for a more playful design with a light blue exterior, which complements brick details. This attractive home proves that blues aren't just for beach or lake houses — you can go for color regardless of where you live.
18
Pastel Red + White
If a true red feels a bit too bold for your liking, try a lighter shade like Fynes Designs does here. The architectural symmetry of this home is highlighted by the white trim around the entryway and window frames, giving the property a traditional look.
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19
Black + Blue
Black and blue isn't always a bad thing. This home seen in Style by Emily Henderson pairs slate blue with a clean black doorway for a visually appealing design. You can even take it one step further with your home's exterior decor, adding wood accents and purple flowers for an attractive color combination.
Try Farrow & Ball's Black Blue
Photo by: Sara Ligorria-Tramp
20
Blue Gray + Beige
Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors pairs slate with a grayish-brown color for a neutral masterpiece, proving that these colors can be anything but boring.
Try Sherwin-Williams' Downing Slate
Photo by: Steven Gray
Laura Millar
Assistant Lifestyle Editor
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.