If you’ve ever doubted the power of paint, consider the story of “The House on Willow Bend,” a legend in Texas-based Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate agent Shannon Greer’s circles. Neglected for 50 years, the home’s once bright blue exterior was literally fading into the background before a fresh coat of greige brought it back to life—sparking a same-day offer at its open house.
Paint can transform a house into a home, and an on-point color sells. “Homeowners are increasingly opting for hues that harmonize with natural surroundings, reflecting a desire for tranquility and connection to the environment, including a resurgence of deep and moody hues,” says Jackie Mosher, cofounder of Dzinly, an online exterior design platform. Experts weigh in on five trending exterior paint colors for 2025.
Cameron Sadeghpour
1. Moody Blues
Navy has been called the most relaxing color in the world, so it’s no wonder these deeply evocative tones are trending over the paler slate blues of years past. “It evokes the quiet stillness of night and a sense of peaceful retreat,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr. A sophisticated shade that can act as a neutral backdrop or a bold statement-maker, dark blue is versatile enough to pair with crisp white trim, cool natural stone, or the warmth of wood.
Woelfel's top picks: Behr Midnight Blue for a moody blue-gray with black undertones. "Its rich, shadowy tone brings a modern, luxurious feel to home exteriors, perfect for those seeking a bold yet calming presence," she says.
For a deep navy, try Behr Compass Blue. "Popular for home exteriors, it offers a striking yet grounded look that pairs beautifully with both classic and modern architectural styles, evoking stability, elegance, and a sense of homecoming."
For a classic navy, Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy is well suited to traditional and modern exteriors. It's especially eye-catching in a semi-gloss finish on doors and shutters, as is Valspar's 2025 Color of the Year: Encore.
Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr
“The roof color can compose up to 40% of the home’s exterior surface. Be sure to consider it when selecting a new paint color for your home’s exterior.”
— Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr
David Tsay
2. Inviting Whites
“Creamy white is the new color that everyone is using,” says Will Palmer, BHGRE Historic agent in Thomasville, GA. Mosher agrees, noting warm white feels more welcoming than the stark white that was popularized by the modern farmhouse aesthetic. “A rising trend is light creamy white cladding, with deep charcoal trim featuring brown undertones. It gives the traditional palette a bold, modern twist,” she says.
Which tone are Dzinly customers gravitating to? "Benjamin Moore's White Dove never fails." Also consider Swiss Coffee, which is the paint brand's most popular off-white exterior hue, according to Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore. "It offers a clean, fresh look without being too bright or creamy," she says.
If a warm tone appeals to you, Sherwin-Williams Shoji White is softened with a slight red undertone. Or for a subtler hue, Behr Polar Bear offers a bright, clean finish.
David Tsay
3. Inky Blacks
While high-contrast black-and-white facades are as eye-catching as ever, fully enveloped black exteriors are on the rise. “We’re seeing more homes drenched in black, from siding to trim to roofs, creating stunning, dramatic exteriors,” says Yeo. Popular tones range from deep charcoal to jet black and pair well with hardscaping in warm earth tones, like brick and wood, to soften curb appeal.
Benjamin Moore Black is a true, classic black, as is Valspar Dark Kettle Black. For a softer take on this bold hue, consider Behr Cracked Pepper, which has slight gray undertones. Can't decide? Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore is in between and a popular choice on Dzinly, according to Mosher.
Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore
“A lower sheen, like low luster, is ideal for facades, while doors and trim benefit from a slightly higher sheen, like soft gloss, which enhances architectural features.”
— Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore
Courtesy Supplied by 3D Visualizations by YouSee Studio - BHG Showhouse
4. Chalky Greens
Unlike the dark forest greens that were once associated with Victorian and Arts and Crafts homes, softer sage greens are emerging as a more approachable exterior color thanks to their gray undertones. “These midtones pair harmoniously with earthy hues like dark olives and creamy neutrals,” Yeo says, noting sage also complements florals and foliage in the landscape. Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar, concurs: “Greens are closely connected to nature, making them an appealing way to enhance a home’s exterior.”
Kim recommends Valspar Sprig of Sage for a soft yet rich sage green. "It can be used on a whole home exterior, or painted on a fence to create a backdrop for seasonal styles, or as an accent color to finish the look, such as on a door and shutters," she says.
For a lighter option, she suggests Sparkling Sage, which has gray undertones and works well on modern and historical homes. "It has a nostalgic touch that bridges the past with contemporary styles," she notes.
For a mid-tone green, try Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage, which also has a hint of gray. Or Behr Bitter Sage—another popular choice on Dzinly.
Related
Jon Jensen
5. Dusky Taupes
“While cooler tones have dominated color lists for years, we’re tracking the rise of warmer neutrals,” says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. Enter taupe—that complex blend of gray and brown that conjures a feeling of being grounded. It’s an adaptable tone that layers well (try pairing lighter and darker shades) and creates a sense of depth, especially when set off with white or black trim. Kantz recommends Sherwin-Williams Perfect Greige, and Mosher agrees. "It's exactly that perfect mix between gray and beige," she says.
Behr Perfect Taupe is another failsafe choice if it's a mid-tone you're after, while Valspar Heritage Gray is a lightened-up option, and Benjamin Moore Fairview Taupe is a popular darker choice.