8 Exterior Paint Colors That Make Your House Look More Expensive, According to Designers
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Curb appeal is something that wraps in a lot of factors. There’s the landscaping to consider, the lighting, and the general appearance. And then, perhaps most important of all, is your exterior color selection. Whether you’re selling your home or simply want to beautify its facade, the exterior paint color you choose can actually boost resale value (or they can make your house look cheap, eek!).
As Chris Reebals, president and principal architect of Christopher Architecture & Interiors, says, color selection, like any material selection, speaks to the level of detail and commitment to quality of the designer and owner: “If considered as an afterthought or an insignificant component, it usually tells a deeper story about the other decisions made on a home,” he observes. “A thoughtful and well-selected color represents a commitment to taste and quality.”
Allison Babcock, founder of Allison Babcock Design in Sag Harbor, New York, agrees. She says, “One of the first things people notice about the exterior of a house is the paint job, so if the paint is peeling, faded, cracked, or if the finished results do not look professional, this will negatively impact the first impression of the house.”
She adds that a well-maintained house that is painted beautifully in appropriate color and finish choices for the neighborhood, architectural style, period of the house, and the geographic location will contribute to an increase in property value, become the statement house on the street, and provide you with a sense of pride.
Whether you’re painting a brand-new house or looking to give your current home a well-deserved refresh, consider these paint colors that will make your home’s exterior look expensive.
Dark Gray
It should come as no surprise that trending interior colors typically make their way to the exteriors of homes as well, and dark gray is no exception in this instance. Reebals says that Off-Black by Farrow & Ball provides “a bold and powerful statement” in its not quite gray, not quite black appearance.
Another choice if you’re leaning toward the dark side of the spectrum is Railings by Farrow & Ball. “Gray or dark color selections can easily feel cold, but not Railings,” Reebals says, “It has a warmth and depth while remaining powerful and rich.”
Light Gray
Maybe dark gray feels like too much for your home’s exterior. To keep things looking neutral and still expensive, consider a shade of light gray instead. As Reebals says, grays in general are often considered “safe,” but Gray Lake by Benjamin Moore pushes the envelope a bit to create visual interest. It’s “beautiful and powerful,” Reebals says.
Another light gray to ponder is Coventry Gray by Benjamin Moore, which Babcock calls “a true medium gray.” She says, “It has slight blue undertones, keeping it cool and away from ever having a dark appearance. This is the workhorse of neutral grays, and it works equally well on the exterior of modern and traditional homes alike.”
Dark Green
Looking for a way to make an elegant impact on your home’s overall appearance? Then look no further than Carriage Green by Farrow & Ball. This dark green hue “makes a strong statement” as Reebals says, and also communicates “layers of nature.”
“Green has made a powerful comeback in recent years,” Reebals reflects. Whether you cover your entire home or simply paint your shutters in a verdant hue, it's sure to make a beautiful (and expensive-looking) impact.
Soft Blue
A classic yet eye-catching color for a home’s exterior is any shade of soft blue. Reebals points out that, for instance, Berrington Blue by Farrow & Ball is a “bold color for a cottage or small house.”
Another soft blue to think about is Instinct by Benjamin Moore, which Reebals describes as “rich and bold, a natural color that will blend well with nature and, when landscaping is curated well, will make a strong statement.”
White
Fresh and clean, bright whites will never go out of style for a home’s exterior, and this sense of timelessness can create an expensive feel. Babcock says that one such white is Pure White by Benjamin Moore. It's a “soft white that has gray undertones with a touch of blue that will make the trim on a house really pop,” she adds.
Off-White
Perhaps a creamy look feels better for your home’s exterior. Calling Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams “a classic color that has a timeless quality,” Reebals is partial to this shade of off-white.
Make sure to swatch several off-white colors and look at them throughout the day to make sure you've chosen the right shade, since different lighting can change the paint's undertones.
Navy Blue
You can’t ever really go wrong with shades of navy blue for an interior or exterior, and Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore just might be the best navy of them all.
“I love this classic navy blue with gray undertones,” Babcock says. “This timeless maritime blue is elegant, incredibly versatile, and instantly elevates the curb appeal of a house.”
Chocolate Brown
For a slightly unexpected choice that will still look very expensive, consider a chocolate brown hue for your home’s exterior. Reebals particularly leans toward Tucker Chocolate by Benjamin Moore.
“Darker colors have, thankfully, found their way back onto exteriors as more than just an accent,” Reebals says. “Painting a well-designed home in Tucker Chocolate is bold and will stand out.”
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