Unless you’ve been driving around with blinders on you’ve had to have noticed the prevalence of very dark homes by now. Exterior paint color trends for 2020 practically starts and ends with black, charcoal, navy and other very dark hues. I’ve been writing about this trend for years as they started showing up in about 2014 or 2015 but dark houses seem to be moving more and more into the mainstream. Chances are you’ll see more dark homes in cities and the countryside. The trend is lagging in the suburbs for obvious reasons. And while they seem most appropriate for very modern homes you’ll note dark hues on historic homes like the Victorian above as well as colonials and other architectural styles, much to the delight of some and horror of others.
What’s new in 2020
And while black, near black and other shadowy colors have been gaining popularity, what’s current and much welcomed is the addition of warm woods or stone to the exterior. Adding warm natural tones makes a huge impact, taking the overall look away from doom and gloom (as some perceive it) and into approachable.
Another way to keep the cheerful factor up is to partner the dark body color with bright white trim. This adds an upbeat influence to the overall coloration. You’ll find this mix with black, green, and the very popular, navy blue facade.
Summerell Builders
50 Gorgeous cottages
Unknown
Another trend on the horizon is color blocking.
Here, different sections of the home are assigned their own color. If judiciously applied this adds great individuality to a home. Black and white is becoming a popular combo for this treatment though it can work with earth tones as well.
50 Gorgeous Cottages
Reader & Swartz Architects
Amy Krane Color
Whites
No conversation about exterior paint color trends could be complete without talking about white. White will forever be a favorite for all architectural styles. Gaining traction now is the choice of “almost white.” Though it does appear to be white to the eye these whites are “knocked down” creating a soft white look, avoiding the problem of being too contrasty and glaring in the sun. These soft whites can combine with just about any other color but mixing with pale neutrals is particularly lovely.
Chairoom
Unknown
Neutrals and earth tones
Always. They will always be popular and in style. They blend with the colors in our environment and create a harmonious and serene house exterior. A particular favorite of mine is ochre and grey.
David Jones
Front Doors
Any discussion of house exterior paint color would not be complete without mentioning front door colors. Hands down the 2020 winner is yellow. It’s everywhere on every style of home as seen below on a Palm Springs CA mid modern beauty.
Salty Canary
