Skip to main content

Find the best exterior house color for your home’s architectural style

Choose a new hue based on these exterior color recommendations

If the siding of your home is starting to look drab, it may need a new exterior house color. If you’re wondering which paint color (or colors) to choose, the answer depends on your home’s architecture.

When buying exterior paint for your humble abode, pay attention to the style of the house. Do you have a Cape Cod? A colonial? Or perhaps a farmhouse or contemporary home? Each architectural style has a color or color scheme that suits it best, so if you’re looking to up your property’s curb appeal with a different color, consider the style before buying a can of paint!

Blue cape cod house
rSnapshotPhotos / Shutterstock

Cape Cod

For the most part, Cape Cod houses are pretty traditional. There’s nothing too ornate about the exterior of these homes, so there’s an opportunity to make a statement with a pop of color.

Recommended Videos

To respect the ar while adding a touch of personality, you can’t go wrong with pale yellow or a baby blue. These fun colors will bring out the simple accents of the house without being too ostentatious. If you’re feeling especially bold, consider painting your front door a dark, bold color to contrast the lightness of the exterior paint. Colors like forest green, sapphire blue, and burnt orange can add a little excitement to your home without overdoing it on color.

Colonial 

The colonial home is similar to the Cape Cod style, only more uniform in style. To match the stately facade, we suggest painting the exterior with a dark, warm yellow or a deep blue-gray tone. Whether your colonial features brick or wood shingle siding, these moodier hues can bring attention to the traditional features of the home, especially when paired with white window shutters.

Farmhouse

For farmhouses, we advise using a light cream or beige for the exterior. Farmhouses give off a light, airy, and natural vibe. You want the exterior to reflect that, so keep it simple, clean, and minimal.

Green cottage style home
Mark Byer / Shutterstock

Cottage

Cottage homes are cute and chic, so you will need a fun, playful color like mint green or light pink. These types of homes are evocative of springtime, open fields, and nature, so try to incorporate those elements into the exterior. While many cottages have a white or pale gray exterior, adding a fun, light color can give the home some much-needed curb appeal and excitement. Cottage-style homes tend to be smaller, so stick with lighter shades to catch the light and make your house appear a bit grander.

Ranch 

Ranches are generally angular in style, with at least one — and often more — pointed rooftops. Because of all those hard edges, you’ll often see ranches in neutral colors without anything too bold, as it can make the house look uninviting. However, you don’t need to shy away from color altogether. We suggest opting for forest green or navy blue, two colors that will keep it neutral while showcasing your style. Plus, adding forest green siding will complement the light beige or brown accents that often adorn the exterior of these homes.

Victorian 

Victorian homes are beautiful works of art, and anyone who owns one is surely proud of it and wants to show off its delicate and intricate exterior design. Traditionally, Victorian-style homes have dark-colored exteriors as they are a cousin of gothic architecture, but the tones tend to not be so dark. We suggest going for a mid-toned maroon to help your Victorian home shine in all its glory and show off its unique features.

Tudor style home
Susan Law Cain / Shutterstock

Tudor

When it comes to Tudor homes, we say stick with the basic browns and beiges. Typically, Tudors are two-toned, though, so there is always the option to switch it up by incorporating lighter and darker shades of the base hue.

Contemporary 

Similar to Tudors, contemporary homes have a tried-and-true color scheme that we suggest sticking with. Sleek black, white, and gray colors are perfect for a contemporary home’s modern design. If you do want to switch it up, consider trying gray, blue, mauve, or other understated tones.

Choosing an exterior house color can certainly be tricky. It’s a big decision because you need to commit to buying a lot of paint and staring at the color every single day. It can also impact the curb appeal of your house and potentially its property value when it comes time to sell.

No pressure though! Just remember what the architectural style says about your house. Each type of home has its own best colors that work nicely, so whether you own a Victorian or a cottage, you can pick the right shade without a second thought.

7 surprising home color palette ideas on Instagram that actually work
These unique color palette ideas are quirky and modern. Consider adding them to your space
All blue room with monochromatic color pallet

Are you considering refreshing your home this year? Choosing your color palette is always the most challenging part of planning a room design. But thankfully, Instagram offers a wealth of inspiration for unique and surprising color combinations.

From vibrant tones that make a bold impact to updated classics, you’re sure to discover a professional design that will get your creative juices flowing. We scoured our social media feeds to find some of our favorite color palettes that you may not have considered before. These are seven unexpectedly good color combinations to inspire you in 2024.
Chocolate brown and blue
https://www.instagram.com/p/BymDmUvJDoe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Read more
Spruce up your garden with these stunning flower bed ideas
Incorporate your favorite colors, interest, and fragrances of the season
Various flower beds in a large garden

Creating a beautiful garden doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right flower bed ideas, you can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant, welcoming retreat. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice looking to spruce up your backyard, these ideas will help you create a stunning, aesthetic garden that's both functional and visually appealing. Let's dive into some of the best flower bed ideas to elevate your garden.
Why you need these flower bed ideas

Gardening is more than just randomly planting flowers around your outdoor space. It's about creating an environment where beauty, functionality, and nature coexist harmoniously. From aromatic herbs to wildflower havens, the possibilities are endless. That's why we'll explore diverse flower bed ideas that can turn your garden into a picturesque landscape, perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and boosting your home's curb appeal.
1. Plant a flowering herb garden

Read more
Elevate your deck design with these gorgeous deck railing ideas
Make your outdoor oasis fit your needs
Covered balcony deck made of wood with shiplap ceiling

Your deck is more than just an outdoor extension of your living space — it's a place where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the beauty of nature. The right deck railing can enhance the aesthetics of your deck while providing the necessary safety and functionality.

Whether you're looking for a minimalist design or something more elaborate, there are countless deck railing ideas to suit your style and needs. Let's explore a variety of stunning deck railing ideas that can elevate the design of your deck and create a perfect outdoor haven.
Deck railing ideas: What to consider

Read more