40 Exterior House Color Combos for Inviting Curb Appeal, According to a Paint Color Expert

Choosing the right exterior house color combo is the fastest way to improve your home’s curb appeal, but knowing which exterior paint color combinations work well together can be daunting. After all, painting your house is a big (and often pricey!) undertaking, so you want to get it right and pick exterior house colors that you’ll love for years to come.

That’s why we tapped a paint color expert learn about the latest trends in home exterior paint colors, plus top recommendations for exterior house color combos that’ll boost curb appeal. From classic and timeless pairings to trendy and vibrant mixes, each of these 40 exterior paint color combinations will transform your home’s facade.

How to Pick Exterior House Paint Colors, According to a Color Expert

Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services at BEHR, shares her top tips for how to pick the best exterior house paint colors for your home:

• Do a test patch: “When choosing home exterior colors, we recommend testing patches in different lighting conditions, as colors may vary,” she says.
• Think about maintenance: While a crisp white exterior might seem appealing now, if you want to avoid regular pressure washing, Woelfel says it’s smart to “Consider lighter grays or beiges instead of white, which can highlight imperfections like dirt.”
• If in doubt, go lighter vs. darker: “Also keep in mind that paint dries darker than it appears in the can,” Woelfel reminds us, “so opt for a color that is slightly lighter than what you want.”
• Take a cue from your existing architecture: “For a harmonious look, coordinate your paint colors with existing elements of your home's exterior, such as the roof or brick,” she suggests.
• Don’t skip the primer: Woelfel advises, “Once you’re ready for paint, be sure to prime for a smooth, even finish and better color payoff.”

Choosing Your Main Color vs. Accent Colors

If you’re torn about which color should be your main home exterior paint color and which should be your trim or accent color, Woelfel suggest considering the intensity and undertones of each shade and following this rule of thumb: “Typically, the more neutral and understated color should serve as the dominant tone, covering larger surfaces such as siding,” she explains. “In contrast, the bolder color, or the one with more prominent undertones, should be used sparingly as an accent to highlight architectural features like trim, doors, and shutters. This approach creates a visually balanced and interesting aesthetic.”

Read on for Woelfel’s top tips, plus 40 on-trend paint color combinations for 2025 that’ll give your home a much-needed facelift.

1. Light Gray, White & Yellow

“Painting your front door a bold color offers a low-commitment way to experiment with a new look,” says Woelfel, which is why this cheery yellow door is manageable amidst an otherwise neutral exterior house color combo. “It's a small, easily changeable area that adds personality without overwhelming the house”. The best part: “If you dislike the color, repainting is simple. This allows you to test a trend or express your style in a safe and measured way,” she explains.

2. White & Black

Crisp, clean, and always timeless, a white and black exterior will give any dated house a modern facelift. Even though white paint is as classic as it can get, be aware that whites can have subtle undertone differences—some whites are more peachy, while others are more green-tinged, for example—so do a few test patches to see which white works best for you. Also be aware that white homes show dirt and debris easily, so be prepared to clean it regularly to keep your exterior in tip-top condition.

3. Linen & Ivory

This timeless paint color pairing brings a sense of elegance that works with just about any style of home. The soft, natural tone of linen create a warm, inviting base, while crisp ivory adds a touch of brightness, perfect for highlighting windows, trim, and any other architectural details you want to call attention to.

4. Sage & Brown

If you want to add some color to your home’s exterior without going overboard, consider a calming combo of sage and brown. Sage’s soft green tones create a peaceful base shade for a nature-inspired look, while tasteful brown accents give your home’s exterior some added dimension.

5. White & Bluebird Blue

This refreshing home exterior paint color combination creates a cheerful vibe that’s especially perfect for coastal or cottage-style homes. The crispness of white serves as a clean backdrop, while the vivid bluebird blue shade adds a splash of personality, making your home feel bright and inviting.

6. Gray-Taupe, Brown & White

“Browns and neutrals bring a fresh, modern take on the classic coastal palette,” Woelfel explains. “This combination is successful because it balances warm and cool tones, light and dark values, and classic with contemporary elements. The result is a cohesive and refreshing exterior that's both stylish and welcoming.”

7. Light Gray, Ivory & Fiery Red-Orange

Add some interest to an otherwise classic exterior paint color combo with the addition of a red-orange accent color. Ideal for those who love a bit of drama, this trio of light gray, ivory, and fiery red-orange is a stylish choice for modern homes that can be easily updated down the line by simply switching out your front door color.

8. Ballet Pink & White

You’ll quickly earn a reputation for having the cutest house on the block if you dare to try this bright color combo. This sweet combination is both romantic and charming, adding a sense of whimsy to vintage homes or homes with Victorian-inspired design.

9. Brown, White & Minty-Teal

“Create a harmonious, visually appealing exterior by playing with contrasting tones and values,” suggests Woelfel. “The combination effectively balances cool and warm tones, light and dark values, and classic with contemporary elements, resulting in a cohesive and attractive exterior scheme. Consider pairing a warm brown like Behr’s 2024 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, Tugboat, with Ultra Pure White for a cozy, inviting exterior,” plus a minty-teal door for added interest.

10. Medium-Gray & White

While light grays are a bit more peaceful, a deeper medium-gray hue can quickly made any home’s exterior feel more modern. When paired with white trim and detailing, the result is a sleek and contemporary look that is both stylish and versatile.

11. Dusty Blue, White & Red

This all-American color palette is as nostalgic as it gets, making it the perfect choice for colonial-style or cottage-style abodes. Using dusty blue as your main color will create the perfect calming backdrop, whereas white accents brighten and a pop of red adds spiciness to an otherwise serene color combo.

12. Buttercream Yellow, Taupe & White

Warm and inviting, this trio of buttercream yellow, taupe, and white creates a cheerful atmosphere that’s perfect for family homes. The light, buttery yellow will instantly add joy to your home’s exterior, while the addition of taupe grounds the color palette and adds depth to keep the yellow from feeling too extreme. A few hints of crisp white finish off the look!

13. Light Turquoise, Dark Turquoise & Cream

For a house that makes a statement, try this cheery color trio as shown by Alex of @dayton_architecture! Whether your home is close to the water or not, this delightful combo evokes a beachy feel thanks to its water-inspired color palette of light turquoise, dark turquoise, and cream.

14. Creamy Porcelain & Gray-Green

If you’re going for a stately, elegant look, lean into creamy porcelains and gray-greens as shown here by @marvinreplacement. The contrasting gray-green accent color makes architectural details, like windows or trim, really pop against the subdued porcelain hue, creating a warm, earthy aesthetic that’s both inviting and harmonious.

15. Eucalyptus & Soot

These muted tones from @jameshardie create a dramatic aesthetic that’s perfect for contemporary homes. The soothing green of eucalyptus is light enough to not make your home feel overly heavy, while the soot-colored trim grounds the look and gives it a modern touch that draws attention to the home’s crisp lines and sleek angles.

16. Deep Navy & Grass Green

From photographer Susan Kauffman, who’s the author of Walk With Me: Hamptons featuring tons of aesthetically pleasing home facades, this photo captures the essence of why a color palette of deep navy and vibrant grass creates a bold and refreshing exterior. The navy provides a classic base hue, while the bright green adds a lively touch of vibrancy.

17. Soft Green, Sage Green & Rusty Copper

This natural, earth-inspired palette of soft green, sage green, and rusty copper is equal parts woodsy and modern. Together, the two green shades create an inviting aesthetic that connects well to the outdoors, while the touches of rusty copper-colored paint add warmth, character, and dimension, as shown in this photo from Preservation Idaho.

18. Dusty Blue & Moody Red

If you’re aiming for a timeless aesthetic you’ll love for years to come, look no further than this go-to combination. “Blues and neutrals enhance curb appeal with its classic yet fresh look, making the home feel welcoming and approachable,” says Woelfel. For a pop of complementary color, “Try painting your front door in Behr’s 2025 Color of the Year, Rumors, a moody red,” she suggests.

19. Graphite 

Bring on the drama! If you’re drawn to an edgy, modern look, a nearly-black graphite shade might be for your, since this bold colorway will instantly spice up your home’s exterior. 

20. Navy, White & Yellow

You’ll feel like the sun is always shining (even on days it’s not!) with this adorable color combo designed by color expert Amy Wax. This classic, maritime-inspired base combination of navy and white feels nautical and fresh, while the bright yellow door adds a sunny burst of cheerfulness to the mix that’ll give your home happy vibes.

21. Mint & Sky Blue

For a light and airy feel, copy this look from HGTV star Erin Napier. Here, she paired Valspar’s minty hue called Spring Spirits for the siding with a clear, sky blue called Sky Space to create this delightful home exterior. The result is a cheery, welcoming abode that’ll make you smile every time you come back home.

22. Moss Green, Charcoal & Red

For a rich, earthy palette that still packs some pizazz, try this moss green, charcoal, and bold red combo shown by COOPER Design Build. A predominantly moss and charcoal-hued exterior makes your home blend in with its surrounding landscaping, while the bright red door adds a little wow-factor that can’t be missed and takes the overall look from traditional to eye-catching.

23. White, Sage & Graphite

The mix of white, sage green, and graphite evokes a fresh and modern vibe that beautifully balances light and dark tones, as shown in this photo snapped by Minnesota-based realtor Julia Loken. The bright white lightens the exterior making it feel fresh and new, while the sage accent adds a soft, natural touch. Finishing the look with subtle touches of graphite provides a bold contrast that helps ground the overall aesthetic.

24. Off-White & Dusty Blue

For a tranquil, traditional look, consider pairing an off-white exterior with dusty blue accents, as pictured by Rachel Cobbs of Old Line Home. Whether you’re using dusty blue to accent shutters, your door, or the peaks of your gables, this combination is sure to charm passerby's and boost your home’s overall curb appeal.

25. Reddish-Taupe & Brown

“Reds and browns—such as Cordovan Brown—offer a rich and inviting combination for home exteriors, drawing inspiration from the natural world and creating a warm and welcoming feel,” says Woelfel. Lean into this all-brown look for classic coziness.

26. Dark Turquoise, White & Clementine Orange

Give your house the cutest makeover when you lean into this dark turquoise and white color combo that adds a playful pop of interest with a clementine orange-colored front door! This vibrant trio is packed with personality, adding a bold, modern touch to your home’s exterior, as shown in this makeover by Strata Architects.

27. Palest Gray & Chantilly Lace

The combo of Benjamin Moore’s Stonginton Gray and Chantilly Lace white creates an ethereal and sophisticated look that works beautifully for both traditional and modern homes, as these paint selections by The Phinery prove. The soft gray serves as a subtle backdrop, while the crisp white adds brightness and elegance. The result: a timeless and refined exterior you’ll love for years to come.

28. Dusty Taupe & Gray-Blue

Architectural color consultant Amy Krane dazzles with this house painted with Benjamin Moore’s Sag Harbor and adorned with a gray-blue trim. This muted, taupe hue has greenish undertones, adding to its earthy, grounded appeal.

29. Off-White & Light Gray

For a clean and elegant exterior, a warm off-white and crisp light gray create a timeless, subtle contrast that isn’t too overpowering, since the combination of these shades adds the barest hint of layering and visual interest. Even better: This monochromatic palette is versatile enough for all types of homes, from Tudor-style dwellings—as shown in this photo from Austin-based realtor Dana Ambs—to cottages to more modern exteriors.

30. Deep Blue-Gray & Pale Pink

“Deep blues, like Midnight Blue, paired with neutrals like Whisper White and a warm, inviting pink like Seaside Villa create a modern, coastal look,” says Woelfel, who loves that “The unexpected pop of soft peachy-pink adds a touch of personality and playfulness.” This color combo works because the pink is "a warm and inviting accent that softens the formality of the blues and whites.”

31. Sage, Gray-Green & Golden Taupe

Come one, come all! This earthy combination of sage and gray-green feels rustic and natural, while the small pops of a golden-hued taupe give this home’s exterior some added warmth and depth. This combo is especially perfect for homes with lots of architectural angles or details, since the tone-on-tone combo of sage and gray-green subtly highlights these features without being overbearing.

32. Icicle Blue & White

A frosty icicle blue base coat paired with crisp white accent details will make your house look like it came right from the pages of a storybook, whether your home has Victorian flair, cottage vibes, or a modern exterior. It’s a light and bright palette—similar to an all-white house—but with that little extra oomph of added interest.

33. Greenish-Gray & Black

For a striking exterior, this paint color combination of a greenish-gray house—a paint color called Deep River by Benjamin Moore—accented by black detailing is as handsome as it gets. While bold, this sophisticated pairing does a great job at accentuating the architectural details of your home in a modern, totally on-trend sort of way, as shown in this house design by Grande Custom Builders.

34. Taupe, White & Red

The warm tones of this cozy neutral by Benjamin Moore called Cabot Trail, combined with bright white and bold red, create a classic and inviting look that’s sure to boost your home’s curb appeal in a flash. Taupe serves as a versatile base, while white and red accents bring a modern freshness to the overall look, as shown in this pretty home design aesthetic posted by Mallory Paint Store.

35. Dark Gray, Warm White & Buttery Yellow

“Dark grays—like this Dark Ash color from Behr—and warm whites make for a sophisticated, modern palette with a touch of warmth. This combination is successful because it balances cool and warm tones, creating a dynamic yet harmonious look,” explains Woelfel. “Dark grays can add drama while whites can provide lightness, resulting in a modern, inviting exterior with subtle contrast and visual interest.” A pop of buttery yellow on the front door softens the look and adds a hint of vibrancy.

36. Navy & Brick Red

For a striking yet classic combo, give Benjamin Moore’s Old Navy and Tricycle Red a try! The bright red creates a playful contrast with the traditional dark blue hue that’s perfect for a variety of home styles.

37. Soft Gray, White & Coral

A soft gray exterior with white accents and a coral door is like a breath of a fresh air for your home’s exterior. It’s simple but sweet, offering a romantic and inviting look that will have guests swooning as soon as they walk up to your front door, as shown in this photo from Explore Charleston.

38. Olive & White

There’s something extra inviting about this exterior paint color combination of warm olive green with crisp white details. Olive green is a classic enough choice that will stand the test of time—but, when brightened up with white accents (versus taupes, ivories or grays)—it looks extra perky and fresh, as shown in this home featured by Parks Compass real estate.

39. Coral & Seafoam Green

Emily at Classy Casita knows that the ultimate beachy or Spanish-styled home color combo is a mix of coral and seafoam green! While it might be hard to full this color combo off in your typical suburban neighborhood, if you have an adobe-style home or live in a coastal town by the water, you can safely lean in to this happy-go-lucky color combo.

40. Moss Green & Bright Purple

For a charming cottage-style home, moss green with a punchy purple door could bring your house to life! The bold purple hue adds a playful look, perfect for eclectic homes or anyone wanting their property to stand out amongst the rest, as this photo from Washington-based realtor Anne Jones shows.

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