What's in your color backpack? Fall is an ideal time to update your exterior!

By Kate Smith.

A new color scheme is one of the most effective updates you can give your home.

Back-to-school season means cooler weather and more time to tackle those home improvement projects you've been thinking about. Fall is also the ideal season for exterior painting. Like a student gathering school supplies, you can prepare for your exterior makeover by stocking up on design tools. For example, a color visualizer can help you explore the latest colors and see how exterior materials like roofing, siding and stone can dramatically change your home's appearance. Updating your home's exterior is sure to add solid value to your property while also boosting its curb appeal.

So, what's in your color backpack this fall? Let's explore some design tools and inspirational exterior color schemes.

Exterior color scheme inspiration

Look to the permanent elements of your house for ideas. For example, if your home has red bricks with a gray color cast, include gray or muted colors in the color scheme to create a cohesive look. For homes with earthy gray or beige stonework, neutrals with warm undertones like cream, warm gray or beige, may work best.

To learn more about choosing colors for a brick or stone home, be sure to download our free ebook, Fresh Color Schemes for Homes with Brick or Stone.

One place to look for color inspiration is your local environment. What colors are predominant in the landscape? What's the climate like? If summers are hot in your area, a lighter paint color helps reflect heat. In a cold environment, darker colors help to absorb more of the sun's warmth in winter.

Exterior color schemes that work

A well-planned exterior color scheme typically includes a primary color and one or two accent colors for details like trim, shutters or the front door. Unless your home is an ornate Victorian, limiting the number of colors is best to avoid a visually cluttered look. A neutral paint color can unify the exterior when a house includes a variety of textures or materials.

Now that you understand how exterior color schemes work let's look at palettes that began trending in 2024 and will continue to be desired in 2025 and beyond.

Neutral exteriors

Neutral palettes are a timeless option that combine whites, grays, beiges and blacks in different ways. These shades create a clean, sophisticated look that lasts years without looking dated. In this example, the roofing is DaVinci Roofscapes Slate in Smokey Gray, the primary color is Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist 1549 and the accent color is La Paloma Gray 1551. Neutral color schemes work exceptionally well for farmhouses, cottages and colonial-style homes. The key is to choose related shades to add depth and interest to the facade.

Bold paint colors

Bold, statement-making exterior colors have been trending for the last several years. If your home is ready for a complete makeover, consider using a dark shade like charcoal or navy blue.

On this house, they used DaVinci Roofscapes Shake in Black Oak, Benjamin Moore Marine Blue 2059-10 for the siding and Benjamin Moore White Heron OC-57 for the trim.

Navy blue creates a bold contrast against white trim, accentuating the home's architecture. Deep, rich colors are popular in Craftsman, Cape Cod and Bungalow-style homes because they help highlight features like dormers and porches.

Earthy nature colors

Nature is a beautiful place to look for color inspiration; use the colors of the landscape to help your home blend into its surroundings. Whether your home is deep in the woods or in the center of farmland, earthy and green shades lend an air of tranquility.

With this project, the roofing is DaVinci Roofscapes Shake in Aged Cedar, the primary color is Benjamin Moore Russell Green CW-495 and the accent color is Benjamin Moore Muskoka Trail 974.

Sage green helps to anchor this large home to the landscape and the contrasting white trim accentuates the cottage-style details. The railings and trim would look beautiful and finished with a wood stain for a more organic look.

Check out our Fresh And Natural Color Guide to learn more about nature-inspired color schemes.

Black and white exteriors

A white exterior with black trim is one of today's most popular exterior palettes. It's a classic look that suits American farmhouse-style homes and offers an instant update to a traditional colonial. The black accents create crisp, clean lines for a modern look.

Here, the DaVinci Roofscapes Slate in Slate Black is paired with Sherwin Williams Pure White SW 7005. There is an accent of Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258 as well. Bright white accentuates this home's cottage lines, while black accents give it a freshly updated look. The sharp contrast between black and white creates a minimalist aesthetic that's modern and stylish.

Coastal exteriors

Coastal color palettes are for more than just beachside homes. Relaxing shades like aqua, soft green and sand can give your home the feeling of a seaside escape no matter where you live. Here, DaVinci Roofscapes Shake in Chesapeake roofing is used with Royal Buildings Products in Blue Gray siding and Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 trim. A lighter color palette is a great way to update an older brick home or an outdated contemporary with wood siding. Coastal color palettes can range from soft shades like sky blue and khaki to bright colors like coral, yellow and turquoise.

No matter what style your home is, our updated ebook, Fresh Color Schemes For Your Home Exterior, offers inspiration for seven different styles.

The best exterior colors for you

When choosing an exterior color scheme, remember that some of the most attractive homes reflect a more personal style. After considering your home's architectural style and its surroundings, think about what you'd like your home to say about you. Should it be welcoming and cozy? Bold and dramatic? Nestle into the landscape or stand out? Using the tips and tools in your color backpack, you're ready to find out.

If you're ready to learn more, check out the latest edition of our helpful ebook, Fresh Colors For Exteriors With Curb Appeal.