When designers are picking out a paint color for a house exterior, they don’t just stand in front of a wall of chips at the hardware store and pick whichever hue calls out to them first. They’re much more methodical than that. Take Sibella Court, who decided to match her beach retreat to the soothing green Australian bushland surrounding her house. Or Annie-Laurie Grabiel and Arthur Furman, the couple behind Austin-based firm Side Angle Side, who landed on Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn for their bungalow because of its perfect mix of black and gray with blue undertones. And if you’re a design-loving celeb like Diane Keaton, of course, there’s no other way to go but black-and-white.
Ahead, we asked 13 interior designers to share the best paint color they’ve ever used on a home’s exterior, hands down.
I think a successful exterior paint color is one that is complimented by your window trims, gutters, fascia, doors, roof, and landscaping. My favorite color I’ve personally used on an exterior would be on my own home [pictured above], Dunn-Edwards’ Black Tie. I chose one of the richest, truest black paint colors I could find. I think a dark gray just doesn’t have the same effect. I know it can be a polarizing color, but we get compliments from strangers on a weekly basis. —Amber Sokolowski, founder of Soko Design
When we used this on a recent renovation, we were trying to avoid anything too harsh or jet black. This hue has brown undertones, softening the edge quite a bit. It paired nicely with a warmer stucco hue and nickel window frames. –Abbie Naber, owner and principal designer of a. Naber Design
I love this moody deep green, paired with an over-grouted stone. —Molly Kidd, founder of Molly Kidd Studio
The best exterior paint color I’ve ever worked with is Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy. Its rich, elegant depth instantly boosts curb appeal, effortlessly complementing natural stone, wood accents, or bright white trim. —Lauren Lerner, CEO and principal of Living with Lolo
White Dove’s versatility makes it a perfect match for any roof color, whether you have dark shingles or a light, weathered style. The soft warmth in this white also pairs beautifully with any shutter color, offering endless design possibilities. —Kerith Flynn, principal and founder of Margali & Flynn Designs
Despite its name, it’s not truly gray but a perfectly balanced neutral with just the right depth. —Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors
This is a fresh, warm white that looks great on a modern home or a traditional one. It never reads yellow or blue. It isn’t so stark that it will burn your retinas. And looks good with practically any other trim or accent colors you pair with it. —Tara Lenney, founder of Tara Lenney Design
My go-to soft white is Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster, which lends a welcoming glow to a home’s facade, paired with shutters in Natural Choice, a warm taupe with delicate brown undertones. —Regan Billingsley, founder of Regan Billingsley Interiors
Natural Linen by Sherwin-Williams
The combination of Natural Linen with creamy white accents has been one of our most successful exterior pairings. The softness of both hues creates an inviting warmth, with subtle undertones that shift elegantly with the light. —Margarita Bravo, founder of Margarita Bravo
Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore
This color is rich in dark gray that pairs well also with many colors. It creates a dramatic mood yet maintains elegance. —Tiffany Glasco, founder of Nahla Madison Home
Hickory Smoke by Sherwin-Williams
I’ve used this color on a lake home as well as a home in the city. With its warm and rich undertones, it’s the perfect deep brown color that accentuates earthy tones fit for any style home to feel warm and inviting. —Audrey Frances Doty, founder of Audrey Frances Design
Drawing Room Blue by Farrow & Ball
I love a good strong color for the front door of a home, and you can’t go wrong with Drawing Room Blue. Entry doors should be inviting, and given that the color blue symbolizes trust and serenity, it’s the perfect compliment to any home. —Susan Petrie, founder of Petrie Interior Designs
Decorator’s White by Farrow & Ball
Decorator’s White looks good on warm days, dreary days, and at night. It stands the test of time! —BettyAnn Kraft, co-owner at Bella B Home Designs
Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams
We love Tricorn Black from Sherwin Williams for the exterior of a home. It’s modern but not too heavy. Some black paints on the exterior look like a blob of tar, but this one has a little more warmth to it. —Shauna Jones, founder of Shauna Glenn Design
