The Top 2023 Exterior Paint Color Trends to Try on Your Home

From earthy neutrals to dramatic black facades, these are the exterior paint color trends that will make your house the envy of the neighborhood.

Paint color trends come and go but, when it comes to exterior paint colors for 2023, many of the palettes popular last year continue to ring true. Maybe you’re letting out a sigh of relief as you went all-in on a black exterior, or maybe you’ve been biding your time to ensure those earthy neutrals aren’t a one-and-done color choice that you’ll regret come springtime.

While some of us will certainly be glad to see familiar paint colors, there are some new hues hitting the scene too. Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, is quick to point out there are plenty of new color families to welcome, "from the softest, almost cool fresh greens to the charming delicacy of the subtlest pinks." These are the top exterior paint colors for 2023 that are made to love both now and for years to come.

Top Exterior Paint Color Trends in 2023

brown and white house with stairway up to door
Edmund Barr

1. Earthy Neutrals

Suggested Exterior Paint Color: Natural Bark N170-6, Behr

"A neutral siding color can serve as a backdrop for other design elements, like landscaping or architectural details,” says Atousa Ghoreichi, SVP, North America marketing, PR, and communications for James Hardie. “Consider the style of your home and narrow down your options to colors that would complement the architecture.”

From there, Ghoreichi recommends looking at the surroundings. Organic shades that mimic the color of clay, earth, or stone allow exteriors to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment rather than stand out. For homes nestled amid lush green landscaping, try a rich chocolaty brown such as Behr's Natural Bark, while warm sepia tones like Über Umber by Sherwin-Williams look great on homes in more arid climates.

White wooden house garage yellow door
Rett Peek

2. Warm Whites and Creams

Suggested Exterior Paint Colors: Shaded White No. 201, Farrow & Ball or White Dove OC-17, Benjamin Moore

Shades of white and cream continue to remain popular exterior paint colors as we move through 2023 and, according to Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams director of color marketing, they show no sign of slowing down. But instead of taking a bright white stance, go with a more subdued option that has a restful energy. "Pure whites are quietly shifting to more nuanced whites that sit more softly on a weatherboarded exterior," says O'Donnell. "A great example is Shaded White with its gentle green tone. It feels less sharp and looks sophisticated when teamed with a dramatic dark, such as Studio Green." Benjamin Moore's White Dove also offers a lighter, creamier version of the shade.

blue Colonial home exterior
Cameron Sadeghpour

3. Dark Blues

Suggested Exterior Paint Color: Newburyport Blue HC-155, Benjamin Moore

According to a 2023 James Hardie survey, dark blue is the most popular choice for homeowners who are looking to douse their exterior in a bold color. Benjamin Moore's Newburyport Blue is a traditional shade that delivers a modern nod. It’s ideal for both classic and contemporary facades and pairs well with several contrasting accents, such as rich yellow or natural wood textures. O'Donnell recommends Farrow & Ball's Inchyra Blue, described as a "dark blue-gray," as another sea-inspired option. For those looking for a serene blue with gray undertones, Wadden suggests Naval.

pale green home exterior

Courtesy of Farrow & Ball

4. Pale Greens

Suggested Exterior Paint Color: Mizzle No. 266, Farrow & Ball

“Pale greens are a great alternative to classic white as they'll neutralize when drenched in sunlight, but become more nuanced and subtle in the shade,” says O’Donnell. “As with all greens, they are ultimately flattering to landscaping around the home.” If you’re looking for a clean take on the pale green exterior paint color trend, O’Donnell suggests Mizzle or Cromarty, but if you’re looking for a slightly fresher hue opt for Eddy.

brick building with green and blue paint
Courtesy of Farrow & Ball Exteriors

5. Vibrant Greens

Suggested Exterior Paint Color: Green Smoke No. 47, Farrow & Ball

If pale greens are too subdued for your style, but you still want to draw on the shades of the surrounding landscape, rich green hues with their rejuvenating qualities and nature-focused lens will continue to resonate in 2023, according to O’Donnell. "We are noticing a shift in how color can impact elements such as structural planting in the garden," he says. "Darker exterior shades are very flattering to greenery. Think of fencing or brickwork painted in Green Smoke to accentuate flowering plants."

Other green paint colors to consider are Pewter Green by Sherwin Williams, Backwoods by Benjamin Moore, and Farrow & Ball's Studio Green.

dark gray home exterior pumpkin fall decor
WERNER STRAUBE

6. All-Black Exteriors

Suggested Exterior Paint Color: Tricorn Black SW 6258, Sherwin-Williams

Wadden says these deeply saturated exteriors show no sign of slowing down. "Black exteriors are so different from what has been done in the past," she says. According to Wadden, even those with more traditional-style homes are getting in on the deep, dark action. "Dark, saturated hues have the power to make any house stand out and look more modern."

In addition to Tricorn Black, consider Sherwin-Williams' Iron Ore or the slightly warmer Urbane Bronze. "These colors pair beautifully with a home's surrounding greenery," Wadden says. If painting your entire exterior is too much, Wadden suggests dipping your toe in with the home’s shutters or front door. “They make for a very classic focal point,” she says.

pink home exterior patio

Courtesy of Farrow & Ball

7. Soft Pinks

Suggested Exterior Paint Color: Calamine No. 230, Farrow & Ball

“Whilst our broader perception of pink may feel like a step too far for the exterior of your home, we are not in the Barbie zone here,” says O’Donnell. “Rather, something much more subtle and elegant.”

He suggests Pink Ground or the cooler Calamine paired with complementary whites for weatherboarded homes. “Often seen on rural properties throughout the UK and even some London townhouses, it’s time to embrace pink,” he says.  “And as with greens, your landscaping will positively sing against them; a deep pink or white rambling rose will look resplendent.”

blue house with cactus
David Tsay

Expert Tips for Painting a Home Exterior

Depending on the scale of the project, hiring a professional for exterior paint jobs is usually recommended. If you're choosing to do the work yourself, consider the following tips before you get started. Here, experts share top tips for ensuring you’re ready to tackle your exterior painting project.

Do Your Homework

While there are plenty of resources online for painting your home exterior, there is also lots of misinformation, cautions Anthony Kulikowski, owner of Five Star Painting of South Bend, a Neighborly company. He recommends seeking out a local pro to share tips, best practices, and DIY how tos. 

Follow Safety Protocols

“Not using proper equipment and ignoring safety protocols can cost much more than what you would pay a professional to do the job,” says Kulikowski. “If an injury were to take place, you could lose time at work, incur medical bills, and still be left hiring a pro.”

Allow Proper Time

When you’re working within time constraints, being realistic about the length of time it will take you to accomplish your project is important—particularly if you’re planning to use vacation time or work on it during the weekends. Kulikowski suggests asking a professional how long it will take for them to complete the project and how big their team will be as this can be a good indicator as to whether you should go ahead and hire professionals. 

Consider Your Neighborhood's Style

Pick colors that complement neighboring facades, but don't replicate them. "When selecting colors for your exterior, I always recommend starting by looking at which colors your neighbors have chosen and avoid using those same shades," Wadden says. "Instead, choose a color that complements it—this curb appeal trick benefits you and your neighbor!"

Be Mindful of Weather

Plan your painting around the weather forecast to avoid extreme temperatures or high humidity. "Avoid painting on days with low temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or in high humidity or rain," Xaykao says. "These factors can easily ruin a fresh coat of paint or significantly delay dry times."

Invest in Quality Exterior Paint Products

Pick high-quality tools, including the applicators, primer, and paint. According to Xaykao, this ensures an easier, more professional paint job. "When selecting your tools, consider the surfaces you are painting and choose those specifically designed for those applications," she says.

Don't Skimp on Prep Work

Surface preparation is critical for every successful paint job. "Make sure the surface is completely clean—which, for exteriors, often means power-washing," Xaykao says. "Then, a fully dry surface is imperative. To ensure proper adhesion, the surface should also be dull and smooth."

Start in the Shade

Be strategic about where you start. After priming and patching, begin painting on the side of the house that will remain in the shade until you finish. "Work from the top down and be prepared to apply two coats of premium exterior paint," Xaykao says.

How Often Should You Repaint a Home Exterior?

“We recommend exterior painting maintenance every 5-7 years, depending on your location and environment,” says Kulikowski. “We also recommend re-painting at the first sight of fading or minor cracks and/or peeling.” If you repaint before major issues arise, you can save yourself a lot of money, time, and prep-work. If you’re a DIYer, Kulikowski recommends staying on top of the work by painting one side of the home each year. This will help maintain the coating and keep your home look its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which exterior house colors attract buyers?

    Buyers are drawn to neutral colors like grey, beige, and white. Neutrals such as these are timeless, bright, and welcoming, and they serve as a clean slate on which buyers can express their own personal style.

  • Which exterior colors have the highest resale value?

    While it is true that statement-making exterior colors are gaining in popularity, a classic white exterior continues to have the highest resale value. 

  • What elements of my home’s exterior should I consider when choosing a color?

    When choosing a new exterior color for your home, consider the elements on and around your home that are unlikely to change colors—like the roof, stonework, windows, and landscaping. For example, if your home has a brick façade, look to the undertones in the brick to help you decide. Does the brick have warm, orange tones? It may look great with navy blue or light teal. Does it have cooler gray-green undertones? Try using soft neutrals. 

  • What sheen of exterior paint should I use?

    The rule to remember is the glossier the paint, the more it will magnify imperfections. A semi or high-gloss paint (often used for trim) will be durable and easy to clean, but its shiny finish will highlight every nick and flaw. Conversely, while flat paint rolls on smoothly and hides blemishes, it is nearly impossible to keep clean. To strike the perfect balance, opt for a satin or eggshell finish which will provide even coverage, hold up well against weather, and be easy to clean. 

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