2024 Exterior Paint Trends, According to the Experts
From the perfect shade of white to a beautiful black hue, the exterior paint you choose can make or break the entire design of your home. With upkeep, impact, and a nod towards timelessness in mind, five Scouted design experts report on the 2024 exterior paint trends you should consider right now. Ready to make a change to your home? Consult The Scout Guide Directory for a list of designers in your area.
LIGHTS
Cloud White by Benjamin Moore
“The return of classic whites, off-whites, and creamy whites, paired with neutral or matching trim, and minimal accent colors on doors, shutters, or awnings, is one of my favorite exterior paint trends right now. You can’t go wrong with a timeless exterior that lets the architectural elements shine and landscaping pop. Cloud White is the perfect off-white with a bit of warmth and it’s my go-to when I want a clean, crisp exterior that’s not too stark. It looks stunning when paired with contrasting black or dark bronze windows and works well with browns, creams, and natural wood tones” –Jacqueline Capra, founder and principal designer of C&C Interiors in Orlando, Florida
White Dove by Benjamin Moore
“White Dove is the perfect creamy white without being too yellow. This warmer color goes well with other warm exterior materials like brown/black roofs, wood front doors, and brick. It also contrasts nicely with black or bronze windows. Be sure to avoid using a stark white trim with this color as it will make White Dove appear much more yellow.”
–Jacqueline Capra, founder and principal designer of C&C Interiors in Orlando, Florida
Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore
“When it comes to 2024 exterior paint trends, aim for a color that will stand the test of time and tie in with the overall look of the home. Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore is timelessly elegant and pairs well with exterior stone veneer or brick, mahogany architectural accents, dark-colored roofs, and a pop of color on the front door.” –Tim Cross, founder of Merrick Homes in Little Silver, New Jersey
EXPERT TIP
Before you commit to painting your entire home, Capra recommends utilizing color samples. Test your top three color choices on multiple areas of your home’s exterior, observing how the hues look at different times of the day. This is the only way to determine how natural light will affect how the color appears.
MIDTONES
Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams
“An earthy tone that’s inspired by nature is always a safe bet, as nature will never go out of style. A crisp color palette can sometimes become too stark and modern, whereas earthy colors provide a more toned down, cozy palette. Agreeable Gray looks great with copper or dark colored gutters, as well as different wooden features. A dark roof will contrast well and a colorful landscape will only add to the overall image of the home.” –Tim Cross, Merrick Homes in Little Silver, New Jersey
Urban Jungle by Sherwin Williams
“A timeless color, and a wonderful 2024 exterior paint trend, the richness of this shade truly grows with age. It looks excellent with a soft, creamy white trim.” –David Grace, principal and president of A Classical Studio in Roswell, Georgia
Tin Lizzie by Sherwin Williams
“Blue is possibly the most difficult color to beautifully achieve outside. UV rays turn all colors a slight violet, which is why stark whites, blacks, and grays often appear lavender in the sun. This color will appear gray when used inside, but when used on your exterior it transforms into a soft, aged blue.” –David Grace, principal and president of A Classical Studio in Roswell, Georgia
EXPERT TIP
If you want your home to blend seamlessly into the landscape, Cross advises using an earth tone color palette. This ensures you’re not pulling attention away from the natural surroundings but instead complementing them.
DARKS
Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams
“Homeowners and designers alike are starting to branch out a bit and incorporate dark and deep base color schemes like Iron Ore. If you’re not ready to take the plunge, stick with white siding but go dark with the soffit, fascia, windows, entry doors, and overhead garage doors, creating a tuxedo effect. One of the biggest exterior paint trends of 2024 is making a more traditional house look modern with black and white features.” –Andy Fox, president of Fox Co. in Long Lake, Minnesota
Raisin by Sherwin Williams
“Raisin is a fun and unexpected color, almost a dark chocolate plum. It looks great when paired with a dark bronze standing seam roof and dark bronze doors and windows.” –Annie Mistak, senior interior designer of Moontower Design Build in Austin, Texas
Roosevelt Taupe by Benjamin Moore
“Roosevelt Taupe appears brown on a paint chip sample but outside it has a soft and subtle dark green undertone that’s absolutely beautiful. This taupe color is the perfect example of the movement away from stark whites toward a more monochromatic but still traditional palette.” –David Grace, principal and president of A Classical Studio in Roswell, Georgia
Urbane Bronze and Porpoise by Sherwin Williams
“I like to say, ‘brown is the new black’ when it comes to both interiors and exteriors. Both Urbane Bronze and Porpoise feel integrated with nature, soothing to the eye and not as jarring as the black and charcoal paint colors we’ve been seeing used for those going for that Scandinavian look.” –Annie Mistak, senior interior designer of Moontower Design Build in Austin, Texas
EXPERT TIP
While striking, dark shades are highly susceptible to fading, making them a high-maintenance choice that can require yearly upkeep. To mitigate your maintenance, Fox stresses that prep is paramount. Always use a top-of-the-line bonding primer to ensure you’re getting the most out of your colored paint. Follow with high-end products for your top coat, like Duration Home Exterior by Sherwin Williams or Aura Exterior by Benjamin Moore. Their high UV protection will alleviate some of the upkeep.
C&C Interiors appears in The Scout Guide Orlando. Merrick Homes appears in The Scout Guide Two Rivers & The Shore. A Classical Studio appears in The Scout Guide Alpharetta, Roswell & Milton. Fox Co. appears in The Scout Guide Minneapolis. Moontower Design Build appears in The Scout Guide Austin.
