Best Exterior House Paint Colors 2024 Sherwin Williams Benjamin Moore

Best Exterior House Paint Colors 2024: Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore

The selection of exterior paint colors is a critical decision for homeowners, influencing not only curb appeal but also the perceived value and protectiveness of the property. In 2024, trends indicate a shift towards sophisticated neutrals, nature-inspired hues, and carefully curated accent colors. Leading paint manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are at the forefront, offering a diverse palette designed to withstand the elements and enhance architectural styles. This article explores some of the best exterior house paint colors for 2024 from these two leading brands, providing insights into their characteristics and suitability for various home designs.

Understanding the Influences Driving Color Trends

Several factors contribute to the evolving landscape of exterior paint color trends. Environmental awareness plays a significant role, with homeowners increasingly drawn to earthy tones and sustainable materials. The desire for personalization also fuels the trend, as individuals seek to express their unique style and create homes that reflect their personalities. Architectural styles, regional climates, and the surrounding landscape all influence the most effective color choices.

The impact of color psychology cannot be ignored. Exterior colors can evoke specific emotions and perceptions. For instance, blues and greens often convey a sense of tranquility and harmony, while warmer tones like yellows and oranges can create a welcoming and energetic ambiance. The interplay between color and light is also crucial, as sunlight can dramatically alter the appearance of paint colors throughout the day.

In 2024, the emphasis is on creating a cohesive and harmonious exterior that blends seamlessly with its surroundings while maintaining a distinct and stylish identity. This involves careful consideration of the existing architectural features, landscaping, and neighborhood aesthetics.

Sherwin-Williams: Leading Color Predictions and Popular Choices

Sherwin-Williams has established a reputation for accurate color forecasting, providing homeowners and designers with valuable insights into emerging trends. The company’s "Colormix Forecast" serves as a comprehensive guide, highlighting palettes that resonate with current cultural and societal influences. For 2024, Sherwin-Williams emphasizes balance, comfort and grounding in the exterior color space.

One standout color from Sherwin-Williams is Accessible Beige (SW 7036). This is a versatile neutral that provides a warm and inviting backdrop for a variety of architectural styles. Its understated elegance makes it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a timeless and sophisticated look. Accessible Beige works exceptionally well with natural stone accents, dark trim, and green landscaping.

Another popular choice is Evergreen Fog (SW 9130), Sherwin-Williams' 2022 Color of the Year, which continues to gain traction. This soothing green-gray hue exudes a sense of calm and serenity, blending seamlessly with natural surroundings. Evergreen Fog is particularly well-suited for homes with traditional or farmhouse-style architecture, creating a harmonious and inviting exterior. It pairs beautifully with white trim, copper accents, and lush greenery.

For those seeking a bolder statement, Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) offers a grounding and sophisticated option. This deep, rich brown exudes a sense of strength and stability, making it an excellent choice for modern or contemporary homes. Urbane Bronze works well as a primary color or as an accent, adding depth and dimension to the exterior. It pairs exceptionally well with lighter neutrals, natural wood, and metallic accents.

Naval (SW 6244) is a deep, saturated navy blue that offers a classic and timeless appeal. This color is particularly well-suited for coastal homes or those seeking a nautical-inspired aesthetic. Naval provides a striking contrast against white trim, creating a crisp and sophisticated look. It also complements natural wood tones and metallic accents, adding a touch of elegance to the exterior.

Finally, for a lighter option, consider Alabaster (SW 7008). This off-white color is a popular choice for its versatility. It complements almost any architectural style and works well in a variety of environments. It brings a clean, refreshing feel to any exterior. Alabaster, when paired with a colorful front door, can make a very aesthetically pleasing statement.

Benjamin Moore: Timeless Elegance and Refined Palettes

Benjamin Moore is renowned for its high-quality paints and sophisticated color palettes, offering homeowners a wide range of options to create elegant and enduring exteriors. The company's color selections often reflect a blend of classic and contemporary influences, catering to a diverse range of architectural styles and personal preferences. Like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore is committed to quality and longevity.

One of Benjamin Moore's notable colors for exterior use is Hale Navy (HC-154). Similar to Naval from Sherwin-Williams, Hale Navy is a timeless and versatile navy blue that exudes sophistication and elegance. This color is particularly well-suited for traditional or coastal homes, providing a striking contrast against white trim and natural landscaping. Hale Navy also works well with copper accents and nautical-inspired décor.

Another popular Benjamin Moore color is Revere Pewter (HC-172). This warm gray is a versatile neutral that complements a wide range of architectural styles. Its understated elegance makes it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a timeless and sophisticated look. Revere Pewter works well with natural stone accents, dark trim, and green landscaping.

For a lighter and brighter option, consider White Dove (OC-17) from Benjamin Moore. This soft, off-white hue provides a clean and classic backdrop for any home. White Dove is particularly well-suited for traditional or farmhouse-style architecture, creating a bright and inviting exterior. It pairs beautifully with a variety of accent colors, allowing homeowners to personalize their homes.

Gray Owl (OC-52) offers a soothing and sophisticated alternative to traditional gray. This light, airy gray has subtle green undertones, creating a sense of tranquility and harmony. Gray Owl is particularly well-suited for homes with modern or contemporary architecture, providing a clean and minimalist aesthetic. It works well with natural wood accents, metallic details, and lush greenery.

Lastly, for a touch of warmth and character, consider Kendall Charcoal (HC-166). This rich, deep gray exudes a sense of strength and stability, making it an excellent choice for homes with a contemporary or industrial-inspired design. Kendall Charcoal works well as a primary color or as an accent, adding depth and dimension to the exterior. It pairs exceptionally well with lighter neutrals, natural wood, and metallic accents.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

Selecting the right exterior paint colors is a complex process that requires careful consideration of several factors. Beyond personal preferences, homeowners must consider the architectural style of their home, the surrounding environment, and the impact of sunlight on the chosen colors.

Architectural style plays a crucial role in determining the most appropriate color palette. Traditional homes often benefit from classic neutrals, while modern homes may embrace bolder colors and geometric patterns. Coastal homes may opt for lighter, brighter hues, while mountain homes may gravitate towards earth tones and natural materials.

The surrounding environment also influences color choices. Homes in rural areas may blend seamlessly with the landscape using earthy tones, while homes in urban areas may stand out with bolder and more vibrant colors. The color of neighboring homes should also be considered to create a cohesive and harmonious neighborhood aesthetic.

Sunlight can dramatically alter the appearance of exterior paint colors. Colors appear lighter and brighter in direct sunlight, while they may appear darker and more muted in shaded areas. It is important to test paint samples in various lighting conditions to ensure that the chosen colors are visually appealing throughout the day.

The type of material being painted also impacts color selection. Stucco, siding, brick, and wood all absorb and reflect light differently, affecting the overall appearance of the paint color. It is important to choose paints specifically formulated for the intended surface to ensure optimal adhesion and durability.

Ultimately, the best exterior paint colors are those that reflect the homeowner's personal style, complement the architectural character of the home, and enhance the surrounding environment. By carefully considering these factors and exploring the diverse palettes offered by Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, homeowners can create exteriors that are both aesthetically pleasing and enduring.