24 Exterior Color Schemes For Every Architectural Style

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Introduction

Choosing the right exterior color scheme is essential for enhancing the beauty and appeal of any architectural style. Whether you have a modern, traditional, farmhouse, Mediterranean, craftsman, or contemporary home, the colors you choose can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your property.

In this article, we will explore 24 exterior color schemes that are suited for different architectural styles. From neutral elegance to bold and vibrant hues, there’s a color palette for every taste and preference. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect color scheme to transform your home’s exterior!

Note: Before selecting any color scheme, it’s essential to consider your neighborhood association rules, climate, and architectural guidelines.

Modern Style Color Schemes

1. Neutral Elegance: Embrace a sophisticated and timeless look by combining shades of gray, white, and black. This color scheme creates a sleek and modern aesthetic that can complement various modern architectural designs.

2. Bold and Vibrant: Add a pop of color to your modern home by incorporating bold and vibrant shades like electric blue, fiery red, or sunny yellow. These eye-catching colors can create a striking contrast against a predominantly neutral backdrop.

3. Cool and Crisp: Achieve a cool and refreshing look with a color scheme featuring shades of blue, green, and white. This combination evokes a sense of tranquility and harmony, perfect for modern homes with a calming atmosphere.

4. Earthy and Natural: Connect with nature by opting for an earthy color palette that includes tones of brown, green, and beige. These natural hues can create a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for modern homes surrounded by lush landscapes.

Traditional Style Color Schemes

5. Classic Neutrals: For a timeless and elegant look, stick to classic neutral colors such as white, beige, and taupe. These hues complement traditional architectural styles and create a sense of understated sophistication.

6. Warm and Inviting: Infuse your traditional home with warmth and coziness by opting for warm color tones like rich browns, deep reds, and golden yellows. This color scheme creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

7. Timeless Blues: Solidify the classic appeal of your traditional home with a color palette featuring shades of blue. From pale sky blues to deeper navy hues, these colors bring a sense of tranquility and elegance to any facade.

8. Soft and Subtle: Create a subtle and refined look with a color palette composed of pastel shades such as light pink, soft gray, and creamy white. This color scheme adds a touch of femininity and sophistication to traditional homes.

Farmhouse Style Color Schemes

Modern Style Color Schemes

In modern architectural styles, the color scheme plays a crucial role in creating a sleek and sophisticated look. Here are four modern style color schemes to consider:

1. Neutral Elegance: Embrace a timeless and luxurious look by opting for a neutral color palette. Shades of gray, white, and black are perfect for creating an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. These understated hues allow the architectural features of your modern home to take center stage. A combination of different shades of gray can add depth and dimensionality to the exterior, while pops of white create a clean and polished look. Black accents, such as window frames or doorways, can add a bold and modern touch to the overall design.

2. Bold and Vibrant: If you’re looking to make a statement with your modern home’s exterior, consider a bold and vibrant color scheme. Opt for eye-catching hues like electric blue, fiery red, or sunny yellow to infuse energy and personality into your property. A monochromatic approach with a single vibrant color can create a striking contrast against a predominantly neutral backdrop, adding drama and visual interest. Use these bold colors strategically on doors, trim, or architectural elements to create focal points and draw attention to specific areas of the home.

3. Cool and Crisp: For a cool and refreshing look, consider a color scheme that features shades of blue, green, and white. These serene and calming colors can create a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Light shades of blue or aqua can evoke a sense of openness and serenity, while hints of green can bring a touch of nature into the design. Crisp white accents can add contrast and brightness, enhancing the overall freshness of the color scheme. This combination works particularly well in coastal or modern homes that aim to create a relaxed and peaceful ambiance.

4. Earthy and Natural: If you want to connect with nature and create a harmonious blend of the built and natural environment, an earthy color palette is a great choice. Use warm tones of brown, green, and beige to bring a sense of comfort and tranquility to your modern home’s exterior. Earthy colors can create a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape and evoke a sense of grounding. Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, or metal finishes to enhance the organic and contemporary feel. This color scheme works well in modern homes that aim to create a sustainable and eco-friendly living environment.

Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of neutral tones, the boldness of vibrant hues, the freshness of cool colors, or the warmth of earthy tones, there is a modern style color scheme that will perfectly complement your architectural design. Consider the overall aesthetic you aim to achieve and the surrounding environment when selecting the ideal color palette for your modern home’s exterior.

Traditional Style Color Schemes

Traditional architectural styles exude a classic and timeless charm. The right color scheme can enhance these qualities and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Here are four traditional style color schemes to consider:

1. Classic Neutrals: For a timeless and elegant look, stick to classic neutral colors such as white, beige, and taupe. These versatile hues complement traditional architectural styles effortlessly. White provides a clean and fresh backdrop, while beige and taupe add warmth and depth to the facade. This color scheme allows the architectural features of your home to shine and creates a sense of understated sophistication. Add accents in darker shades of brown or black to create contrast and emphasize the traditional elements of your home.

2. Warm and Inviting: To create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, choose warm color tones like rich browns, deep reds, and golden yellows. These earthy colors evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Use warm-toned neutrals, such as creamy whites or soft beiges, as the base color. Then, incorporate deeper shades of brown or red for accents like shutters, doors, or trim. These warm colors can create a sense of intimacy and make your traditional home feel inviting and charming.

3. Timeless Blues: Shades of blue can solidify the classic appeal of a traditional home. Opt for pale sky blues, soft baby blues, or even deeper navy hues to add a touch of serenity and elegance to your exterior. Light blue colors can create a refreshing and tranquil ambiance, while deeper blues provide a sense of depth and sophistication. Consider using blue for accents like doors, shutters, or window frames to highlight key features and create visual interest.

4. Soft and Subtle: For a more delicate and refined look, choose a color scheme composed of soft and subtle shades. Light pastel colors, like soft pink, pale gray, or creamy white, can create a sense of femininity and elegance. These colors work well in traditional homes with intricate architectural details. Use these subtle hues as the base color, and incorporate deeper shades as accents to add depth and dimension. This color scheme can create a serene and romantic ambiance for your traditional home’s exterior.

When selecting a color scheme for your traditional style home, it’s important to consider the architectural details and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Classic neutrals, warm and inviting tones, timeless blues, or soft and subtle hues can all enhance the traditional charm of your home and create a welcoming exterior that stands the test of time.

Farmhouse Style Color Schemes

Farmhouse architectural styles evoke a sense of simplicity and rustic charm. The right color scheme can enhance these qualities and create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Here are four farmhouse-style color schemes to consider:

1. Vintage Charm: To embrace the classic farmhouse aesthetic, opt for a color palette that exudes vintage charm. Soft and muted hues like pastel blues, sage greens, and antique whites can create a nostalgic and timeless look. These colors evoke a sense of tranquility and simplicity, reminiscent of a bygone era. Incorporate aged and distressed finishes to enhance the vintage appeal, and consider using earthy tones like sepia or taupe for accents to add warmth and depth to your farmhouse’s exterior.

2. Rustic Hues: Embrace the natural beauty of the countryside by incorporating rustic hues into your farmhouse color scheme. Earthy tones like warm browns, burnt oranges, and deep reds can evoke a sense of warmth and coziness. These colors create a connection to nature and can be further accentuated with natural materials like wood or stone. Consider using these rustic hues for the siding of your farmhouse, and add contrasting lighter or neutral colors for trim and accents to create a balanced and charming look.

3. Fresh and Clean: If you prefer a more modern farmhouse style, opt for a color palette that feels fresh and clean. Opt for shades of white, light grays, and crisp creams to create a bright and airy feel. This color scheme can make your farmhouse appear open and spacious. Use these light colors for the main body of your home, and pair them with darker shades for accents like shutters or doors. The contrast will create depth and add visual interest to your farmhouse’s exterior.

4. Cozy and Warm: To emphasize the cozy and inviting atmosphere of your farmhouse, choose warm and earthy colors. Shades of warm browns, creamy yellows, and deep oranges can create a sense of warmth and comfort. These colors work well for farmhouse exteriors, creating a welcoming and homey feel. Consider using warm-toned neutrals as the base colors, and add pops of deeper shades as accents on doors, trim, or architectural features. This color scheme can make your farmhouse feel like a cozy retreat.

When selecting a color scheme for your farmhouse, consider the surrounding landscape and the overall ambiance you want to create. Vintage charm, rustic hues, fresh and clean tones, or cozy and warm hues can all contribute to the farmhouse’s distinct aesthetic, bringing character and charm to your home’s exterior.

Mediterranean Style Color Schemes

Mediterranean architectural styles are known for their vibrant and warm color schemes that evoke the essence of the Mediterranean region. These color palettes create a sense of warmth, relaxation, and coastal charm. Here are four Mediterranean-style color schemes to consider:

1. Vibrant Mediterranean: Capture the vibrant and lively essence of the Mediterranean with a colorful palette inspired by the region’s landscapes. Embrace bold and saturated colors, such as deep oranges, sunny yellows, and bright reds, to create a lively and energetic vibe. These warm and vibrant hues can be used as accents on doors, windows, or architectural details to add a pop of color against a neutral or light-colored backdrop. Pair these vibrant colors with earthy neutrals like sandy beige or terracotta to balance the overall look.

2. Coastal Blues: Embrace the calming and refreshing feel of the Mediterranean coast by incorporating shades of blue into your color palette. From pale turquoise to deep navy, blue hues evoke the hues of the sea and the sky. Opt for lighter blues for the main body of your home and use darker blues for accents, shutters, or doors. These blues can create a tranquil and soothing ambiance reminiscent of the coastal towns. Pair the blues with crisp whites or sandy neutrals to enhance the coastal Mediterranean look.

3. Warm Terracotta: To create a warm and earthy color scheme, consider using terracotta tones inspired by traditional Mediterranean tiles and clay. These warm reddish-brown hues evoke a sense of warmth and rustic charm. Use terracotta as the main color for your exterior or as accents on roof tiles, trim, or decorative elements. Combine the warm terracotta with lighter creamy tones or natural earthy neutrals to balance the overall look and embrace the essence of Mediterranean architecture.

4. Tuscan Inspired: The Tuscan region of Italy is famous for its picturesque landscape and rich color palette. To create a Tuscan-inspired Mediterranean color scheme, opt for warm earthy tones like golden yellows, rusty oranges, deep olive greens, and warm browns. These colors can create a sense of rustic elegance and warmth. Use them as accents on shutters, doors, or architectural details. Pair these warm tones with creamy whites or sandy neutrals to bring out the Mediterranean charm in your home’s exterior.

When choosing a color scheme for your Mediterranean-style home, consider the cultural heritage and natural landscape of the Mediterranean region. Vibrant Mediterranean colors, coastal blues, warm terracotta tones, and Tuscan-inspired hues can all contribute to creating an inviting and visually appealing exterior that celebrates the beauty and charm of the Mediterranean.

Craftsman Style Color Schemes

Craftsman architectural styles are known for their emphasis on natural materials and earthy color palettes. These color schemes enhance the warmth and richness of the architectural design, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. Here are four craftsman-style color schemes to consider:

1. Nature’s Palette: Embrace the beauty of nature by choosing a color palette inspired by the surrounding landscape. Look to the vibrant greens of the forests, the warm browns of the earth, and the soft blues of the sky. These natural colors work harmoniously together to create a serene and peaceful exterior. Use shades of green for the main body of your home, complemented by accents of earthy brown and hints of blue. This color palette connects your craftsman-style home to its natural surroundings.

2. Earthy Tones: To create a grounded and organic look, choose earthy tones such as warm browns, deep rusts, and golden yellows. These colors reflect the natural materials used in craftsman architecture, like wood and stone. Use rich brown hues for the siding of your home, and enhance the color scheme with accents of rust or golden yellow for architectural details, doors, or trim. These earthy tones create a sense of warmth and coziness, making your craftsman home feel inviting and harmonious.

3. Rich and Warm: For a color scheme that exudes richness and warmth, consider deep tones such as burgundy, burnt orange, and deep red. These colors create a bold yet comforting look for your craftsman-style home. Use darker shades for the main body and lighter or contrasting hues for accents and trim. This rich and warm color scheme provides a sense of elegance and sophistication while maintaining the craftsman architectural spirit.

4. Arts and Crafts: Craftsman architecture is closely associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, which valued simplicity, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. To achieve an authentic Arts and Crafts color scheme, look for muted earthy colors like olive greens, warm grays, and soft yellows. These colors create a subtle yet refined look that celebrates the craftsmanship of your home’s design. Use these muted tones for the main body of your home and add accents of deeper or contrasting colors for trim or architectural features.

When selecting a color scheme for your craftsman-style home, consider the architectural details and the natural surroundings. Nature’s palette, earthy tones, rich and warm hues, or an Arts and Crafts-inspired color scheme can all enhance the unique beauty and character of your craftsman-style exterior.

Contemporary Style Color Schemes

Contemporary architectural styles embrace sleek and minimalist designs with clean lines and a focus on modern aesthetics. The right color scheme can enhance the contemporary look and create a stylish and sophisticated exterior. Here are four contemporary-style color schemes to consider:

1. Bold and Dramatic: Create a striking visual impact by opting for a bold and dramatic color scheme. Bold colors such as deep blues, vibrant reds, or intense blacks can add a sense of energy and create a strong architectural statement. Use these bold colors sparingly on doors, accents, or architectural features to create focal points and draw attention. Pair them with neutral or lighter shades for the main body to balance the overall look and create a sense of contrast and drama.

2. Minimalist Neutrals: Achieve a sleek and sophisticated look with a minimalist color palette that focuses on neutral shades. Choose monochromatic tones such as shades of gray, beige, and white to create a clean and timeless appearance. These neutral colors allow the architectural details and lines of your contemporary home to stand out. Incorporate a variety of textures and finishes to add depth and visual interest to the neutral color scheme. This minimalist approach creates a sense of simplicity and elegance.

3. Pop of Color: Add a vibrant and playful touch to your contemporary-style home by incorporating pops of bold colors as accents. Choose a neutral base color for the main body and use a single bright color, such as yellow, orange, or red, to create focal points on doors, window frames, or architectural features. The pop of color adds a sense of energy and excitement to the overall design. Use it strategically to create visual interest and draw attention to specific elements of your home.

4. Urban Chic: For a contemporary color scheme that exudes a trendy and urban vibe, consider a combination of grays, blacks, and metallic accents. These colors create a sleek and stylish look reminiscent of modern urban landscapes. Use shades of gray, black, and charcoal for the main body, and incorporate metallic finishes like silver or brushed steel for accents or trim. This urban chic color scheme creates a sophisticated and cosmopolitan feel for your contemporary home’s exterior.

When selecting a color scheme for your contemporary-style home, consider the overall vibe and aesthetic you want to achieve. Whether you opt for bold and dramatic colors, minimalist neutrals, pops of vibrant hues, or an urban chic scheme, the right colors will enhance the modern and stylish appearance of your contemporary-style exterior.

Conclusion

Choosing the right color scheme for your home’s exterior is an important decision that can significantly impact its overall appearance and curb appeal. Whether you have a modern, traditional, farmhouse, Mediterranean, craftsman, or contemporary architectural style, there are color schemes available that can enhance the unique features and aesthetic of your home.

For modern style homes, you can opt for neutral elegance to create a timeless and sophisticated look, or choose bold and vibrant colors to make a statement. Cool and crisp color schemes evoke a refreshing aura, while earthy and natural palettes connect your home to the surrounding environment.

Traditional homes benefit from classic neutral color schemes that exude elegance and timelessness. Warm and inviting palettes create a cozy atmosphere, while timeless blues bring a sense of tranquility. Soft and subtle color schemes add a touch of refinement and femininity to traditional homes.

Farmhouse style homes often embrace vintage charm, with soft and muted hues. Rustic color schemes evoke warmth and a connection to nature, while fresh and clean schemes create a bright and airy feel. Cozy and warm color palettes enhance the welcoming and comforting ambiance of farmhouse style.

Mediterranean style homes can be brought to life with vibrant Mediterranean or coastal blues color schemes. Warm terracotta creates a sense of authenticity and richness, while Tuscan-inspired palettes invoke a rustic and romantic feel.

Craftsman style homes benefit from nature-inspired color schemes, utilizing earthy tones that create a harmonious and organic look. Rich and warm colors evoke a sense of sophistication, while arts and crafts color schemes reflect the movement’s values of simplicity and craftsmanship.

Contemporary homes can embrace bold and dramatic color schemes to make a strong statement, or minimalist neutrals for a sleek and sophisticated appearance. Pops of color bring vibrancy and playfulness, while urban chic color schemes exude a trendy and cosmopolitan vibe.

Ultimately, the right color scheme for your home’s exterior should reflect your personal taste, complement the architectural style, and harmonize with the surrounding environment. Take into consideration the natural lighting, surroundings, and the overall feel you want to achieve when selecting the perfect color scheme for your home.

By carefully choosing the right color scheme, you can transform your home’s exterior into a visually stunning and inviting space that brings you joy every time you approach it.