Popular Exterior Paint Colors Benjamin Moore

Popular Exterior Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore

Selecting an exterior paint color for a residence is a significant decision impacting curb appeal, perceived value, and overall aesthetic. Benjamin Moore, a reputable paint manufacturer, offers an extensive palette of colors suitable for diverse architectural styles and regional climates. Understanding the popular choices within their range can provide a solid foundation for homeowners embarking on an exterior painting project.

This article explores some of the most sought-after exterior paint colors offered by Benjamin Moore, examining their characteristics, recommended applications, and potential pairings. It delves into the reasons behind their popularity, considering factors such as versatility, timelessness, and the capacity to complement various building materials.

Understanding the Nuances of Exterior Paint Color Selection

Choosing an exterior paint color extends beyond personal preference. Several factors should be considered to ensure a harmonious and lasting result. These include the architectural style of the house, the surrounding landscape, the color of the roof and trim, and the exposure to sunlight. For example, a darker color might be suitable for a house in a wooded area, providing a contrasting backdrop to the greenery, while a lighter color might be more appropriate for a house in a sunny location, reflecting heat and minimizing fading.

Furthermore, the perceived color can change drastically depending on the time of day and the angle of the sunlight. It’s recommended to obtain paint samples and apply them to a small, inconspicuous area of the exterior. Observe the colors at different times of day to assess how they appear under varying light conditions. This practice helps to avoid unexpected results and ensures satisfaction with the final color choice.

Consideration must also be given to the neighborhood context. While expressing individuality is important, it's generally advisable to choose colors that complement the surrounding homes and maintain a cohesive aesthetic. Checking with the homeowner's association (HOA), if applicable, is crucial to ensure compliance with any pre-established color schemes or restrictions.

Benjamin Moore's Most Popular Exterior Paint Colors

Benjamin Moore boasts a spectrum of colors favored by homeowners and design professionals alike. These popular choices often represent a balance of sophistication, adaptability, and visual appeal.

White Dove OC-17: White Dove is a soft, warm white that consistently ranks among Benjamin Moore's bestsellers. Its subtle undertones prevent it from appearing stark or clinical, making it a versatile choice for various architectural styles, from traditional to modern. It pairs well with virtually any trim color and provides a clean, timeless look. White Dove’s slight warmth makes it particularly suitable for homes in cooler climates, adding a touch of brightness and welcoming appeal. Its ability to reflect light also makes it a good choice for homes with limited natural light.

Revere Pewter HC-172: Revere Pewter is a classic warm gray, often described as a "greige" – a blend of gray and beige. Its popularity stems from its ability to work well with both warm and cool tones, making it a highly adaptable choice for exterior siding. Revere Pewter creates a sophisticated and understated look, and it complements a wide range of architectural styles, from colonial to contemporary. It also works well with natural stone and brick elements. This color offers a grounded feel and blends well with natural landscapes. Its versatility makes it a safe and stylish bet for many homeowners.

Chelsea Gray HC-168: Chelsea Gray is a more saturated gray, offering a bolder and more dramatic look compared to Revere Pewter. It's a sophisticated choice that provides a modern, updated feel to a home's exterior. Chelsea Gray works well with white trim for a crisp contrast or with darker trim for a more moody and dramatic effect. This color is particularly effective on homes with strong architectural details, highlighting their design. Its depth and richness add visual interest and create a strong curb appeal.

Hale Navy HC-154: Hale Navy is a deep, classic navy blue that exudes elegance and sophistication. It's a popular choice for coastal homes, but it also works well in other settings, providing a touch of nautical charm. Hale Navy pairs beautifully with white trim and red brick, creating a timeless and striking contrast. This color is best suited for homes with ample natural light, as it can appear darker in shaded areas. It can be used on the entire facade for a bold statement or as an accent color on doors and shutters.

Kendall Charcoal HC-166: Kendall Charcoal is a rich, dark gray that offers a dramatic and contemporary look. It's a sophisticated alternative to black and provides a grounding effect to a home's exterior. Kendall Charcoal works well with lighter trim colors, such as white or cream, to create a striking contrast. It also complements natural wood elements and landscaping. This color is particularly effective on modern homes or those with minimalist designs. It adds depth and dimension to the exterior, creating a strong visual impact.

Simply White OC-117: While White Dove offers warmth, Simply White is a brighter, cleaner white. It's a versatile choice for those seeking a crisp, modern look. Simply White allows architectural details to shine and provides a blank canvas for landscaping and other exterior elements. It pairs well with virtually any trim color and works well in both sunny and shaded locations. This is a safe and reliable choice for achieving a bright and airy feel on the exterior of a home. Its neutrality allows it to adapt to various styles and settings.

Van Courtland Blue HC-145: Van Courtland Blue is a muted, historical blue that evokes a sense of timelessness and elegance. It is a softer, more approachable blue compared to brighter, more saturated options. This color evokes a classic American aesthetic. It pairs well with off-white or cream trim colors, enhancing its subtle charm. Consider using it on homes with traditional architectural details to enhance their historic character. Van Courtland Blue offers a dignified and sophisticated charm.

Stone Harbor 2111-50: Stone harbor falls into the category of taupe. It’s a warm, adaptable neutral and a good alternative to beige or gray. This color offers a grounding effect and is often chosen for its understated elegance. Stone Harbor blends seamlessly with natural landscaping and can complement various architectural styles. It pairs well with both light and dark trim colors, making it a versatile option for homeowners seeking a subtle and sophisticated exterior. Its earthy tones create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

Factors Influencing the Longevity and Appearance of Exterior Paint

Beyond color selection, the type of paint used and the quality of application significantly impact the longevity and appearance of the exterior paint job. Benjamin Moore offers a range of exterior paints formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions, resist fading, and provide long-lasting protection against moisture, mildew, and UV damage.

Investing in a high-quality acrylic latex paint is generally recommended for exterior applications. Acrylic latex paints are durable, flexible, and resistant to cracking and peeling. They also offer excellent color retention and are easy to clean. Benjamin Moore's Aura and Regal Select lines are popular choices for exterior painting, known for their superior performance and durability.

Proper surface preparation is crucial for ensuring optimal paint adhesion and a smooth, even finish. This includes cleaning the exterior surfaces to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint. Repairing any cracks or imperfections in the siding or trim is also essential. Priming the surfaces before painting helps to seal the surface, improve adhesion, and ensure uniform color coverage.

Application techniques also play a significant role in the final outcome. Using high-quality brushes and rollers, applying the paint in thin, even coats, and allowing sufficient drying time between coats are all important factors. Hiring a professional painting contractor is often recommended, especially for larger or more complex projects. A skilled contractor will have the expertise and equipment to ensure a professional and long-lasting finish.

The Importance of Trim and Accent Colors

The selection of trim and accent colors is just as important as the main body color of the house. Trim colors are used to define architectural details such as windows, doors, and gutters, while accent colors are used to add pops of color to doors, shutters, or other decorative elements.

White is a classic and versatile trim color that works well with a wide range of body colors. However, other options, such as cream, gray, or black, can also be effective, depending on the overall aesthetic. For example, white trim can create a crisp contrast with a dark body color, while cream trim can soften the look of a more traditional home.

Accent colors can be used to add a touch of personality and visual interest to the exterior. For example, a bright red door can create a welcoming focal point, while blue shutters can complement a coastal theme. When choosing accent colors, it's important to consider the overall color scheme and the architectural style of the house. Coordinating the accent colors with the landscaping and other exterior elements can also enhance the overall curb appeal.

Ultimately, the best exterior paint color is the one that reflects the homeowner's personal style and complements the unique characteristics of their home. By carefully considering all the factors discussed in this article, homeowners can make informed decisions and create a visually appealing and long-lasting exterior that they can enjoy for years to come.