Best Exterior Paint Colors for Homes

The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its enchanting, cozy mornings often shrouded in a gentle fog that adds a mystical quality to the landscape. 

The region boasts an abundance of lush, verdant trees that create a vibrant tapestry of greens, while the stunning coastlines, with their dramatic cliffs and serene beaches, offer breathtaking views that captivate both residents and visitors alike. 

So, when it comes to picking the right exterior paint color, it’s not just about what looks nice—it’s about choosing shades that vibe well with the natural beauty around and can handle the weather.

In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the coolest exterior paint colors for homes in the Pacific Northwest, plus some handy tips to help your home shine.

Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways 

• Understanding how to embrace nature with earthy naturals
• Looking at different vibes of blues and greens 
• Adding depth with two color schemes 
• Discovering some expert tips

Embrace Nature with Earthy Neutrals

One of the safest and most timeless choices for Pacific Northwest homes is earthy neutrals. Think warm taupes, deep grays, rich browns, and creamy off-whites. These hues blend in with the region’s forests and stone-filled landscapes.

They also age well, hiding dirt from rain splashes and moss, both of which are common in this climate.

Popular choices:

• Warm taupe siding with off-white trim
  
• Charcoal gray paired with cedar accents
  
• Greige (a mix of gray and beige) for a soft, cozy look
  

Looking to refresh your home’s exterior? Explore our professional exterior house painting services to boost your curb appeal with lasting colors.

Interesting Facts 
Deeper colors can have a stronger emotional effect, whereas neutral colors have less emotional impact, which can be beneficial when selling a home. 

Go Bold with Moody Blues and Forest Greens

Because the Pacific Northwest skies are often overcast, bold colors can create a striking contrast. Deep blues, navy tones, and forest greens stand out while remaining connected to nature.

These colors also pair beautifully with natural wood elements like cedar shingles, timber beams, or stone bases, which are common in the region’s architecture.

Ideas to try:

• Deep navy siding with crisp white trim.
• Forest green body with black window frames
• Slate blue with natural wood garage doors
  

Brighten Up with Crisp Whites and Soft Pastels

On gray days, choose lighter tones such as crisp white, pale sage, or soft blue-gray to make your home stand out. These colors brilliantly reflect light, making your home feel cheerful even on rainy days.

Try these combos:

• Soft sage siding with white trim
  
• Cloud white with black shutters for contrast
  
• Pale blue-gray with warm wood accents
  

Add Depth with Two-Tone Color Schemes

Two-tone color schemes are ideal for emphasizing your home’s architectural elements. They break up large walls and make your home appear more dynamic. Use a darker tone for the body of the house and a lighter, complementary shade for trim, gables, or shutters.

Examples:

• Charcoal siding, creamy beige trim.
• Deep olive base with pale gray accents
  
• Slate blue main color with warm cedar shakes
  

Need expert help choosing and applying the perfect palette? Our local painters in Washington can guide you from color selection to flawless finish.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Color

• Colors should be tested under different lighting conditions. Rainy and sunny days can alter the appearance of the same color dramatically.

• Match your surroundings. Use your landscaping, roof, and neighborhood style as a guide.
  
• Consider maintenance. Darker colors may fade faster, while lighter colors can show dirt more easily.
  
• Use high-quality paint. It resists moisture, mildew, and fading, which are common in the PNW climate.
  

Final Thoughts

Your home’s exterior color can make a big impact on its style and curb appeal—especially in the Pacific Northwest, where the weather and natural scenery play such a big role in how homes are seen. Whether you love calming neutrals, moody hues, or light and airy tones, choosing a color that complements your surroundings will help your home stand out for all the right reasons.

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