Choosing the right exterior paint colors transforms your home's curb appeal and can significantly impact value. This guide covers the top exterior color trends for 2026, from popular house colors to designer-approved palettes. Whether you're selling, renovating, or simply refreshing your home's look, these exterior painting ideas will inspire your next project.
🎨 Top Exterior Colors 2026
2026 Exterior Color Trend Overview
The exterior color trends for 2026 reflect a desire for warmth, connection to nature, and timeless sophistication. Here are the key themes:
- Warm over cool: Creamy whites replacing stark whites
- Earth tones: Sage, olive, terracotta, and warm browns
- Bold contrast: Dark bodies with light trim, or vice versa
- Natural elements: Wood accents, stone integration
- Minimal palette: Cohesive 2-3 color schemes
White Exterior Paint Colors
White houses remain timelessly popular but 2026 favors warm whites over cool, stark whites. These create a welcoming, organic feel.
Benjamin Moore White Dove
The designer favorite. Soft, creamy white that works with any trim color. Warm without being yellow.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
Clean, versatile warm white. Perfect for modern farmhouse and transitional styles.
Benjamin Moore Simply White
Bright yet warm. Great for traditional homes and Southern architecture.
Green Exterior Paint Colors
Green exteriors are having a major moment in 2026. From soft sage to deep forest, green connects your home to nature and creates calming curb appeal.
Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage
Perfect muted sage. Pairs beautifully with white trim and black accents.
Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog
2022 Color of the Year that's still trending. Gray-green sophistication.
Benjamin Moore Hunter Green
Deep, dramatic forest green. Stunning on colonial and traditional homes.
Best Green Exterior Combinations
- Sage + White trim + Black accents: Modern farmhouse perfection
- Forest green + Cream trim: Classic, elegant appeal
- Olive + Natural wood + Black windows: Contemporary organic
Navy & Blue Exterior Paint Colors
Blue exterior paint remains a sophisticated choice, especially navy exteriors which work beautifully on shingle, clapboard, and craftsman homes.
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
The quintessential navy. Rich, deep, and always elegant. A designer go-to.
Sherwin-Williams Naval
SW's signature navy. Deep blue with slight warmth. Classic and versatile.
Charcoal & Black Exterior Paint Colors
Dark exterior paint creates drama and modern sophistication. Black houses and charcoal exteriors are especially popular on contemporary, modern farmhouse, and Scandinavian-inspired homes.
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore
A soft, warm charcoal that's dark but approachable. Extremely popular in 2026.
Benjamin Moore Black
True black for maximum drama. Best with natural wood and white accents.
Best Exterior Color Combinations 2026
The most appealing exteriors use a thoughtful color scheme with body, trim, and accent colors that work together:
White + Black + Navy
Classic and timeless. White body, black windows/hardware, navy shutters or door.
Sage + White + Black
Modern farmhouse perfection. Sage body, crisp white trim, black accents.
Charcoal + White + Wood
Contemporary elegance. Dark body, white windows, natural wood accents.
Navy + White
Coastal classic. Navy body with crisp white trim for nautical appeal.
Colors by House Style
Different architectural styles suit different exterior color palettes:
🏡 Modern Farmhouse
Best colors: White, soft sage, charcoal
Trim: White or black
Accents: Black metal, natural wood
🏠 Colonial/Traditional
Best colors: White, cream, navy, hunter green
Trim: White or cream
Accents: Black or matching shutters
🏢 Contemporary
Best colors: Charcoal, black, white, warm grays
Trim: Minimal, matching or contrasting
Accents: Wood, metal, glass
🏘️ Craftsman
Best colors: Greens, browns, warm neutrals
Trim: Cream or contrasting earth tones
Accents: Stone, wood details
Colors That Increase Home Value
If you're painting before selling, these exterior colors boost resale value:
- White/Off-White: Broadest appeal, up to 5% price premium
- Gray/Greige: Modern and neutral, appeals to most buyers
- Black accents: Creates attention-grabbing curb appeal
- Avoid: Unusual colors (purple, bright yellow, orange) can hurt value
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 trending colors include warm whites, sage and olive greens, navy and deep blues, charcoal and soft black, earthy terracottas, and natural wood tones. Two-tone combinations with bold accents are particularly popular.
Neutral colors like white, gray, greige, and black consistently increase home value. Homes in these colors can sell for 5-6% more. Avoid overly bold or unusual colors for resale.
Popular combinations: white body with black accents, gray body with white trim, sage green with cream trim, navy with white accents, and charcoal with natural wood elements. Aim for contrast between body, trim, and accents.
Ready to Transform Your Home's Exterior?
Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes provides expert exterior painting in Charlotte and surrounding areas. We'll help you choose the perfect colors and deliver professional results. Get your free estimate today!
Get Free Estimate 📞 (980) 408-8122