Dark colored exteriors have seen a resurgence in popularity for homes in recent years. While light and neutral colored houses have dominated for decades, bold dark exteriors are making a statement and allowing homeowners to show off their personal style. Darker hues like black, charcoal gray, deep greens and navies are creating drama and contrast against landscaping and neighborhood surroundings. But are these striking dark exteriors just a passing trend or do they have staying power to remain in vogue? There are pros and cons to consider when debating going dark with your home’s exterior color.
The Growing Popularity of Dark Colored Houses
There is no doubt the use of dark painted exteriors for homes has grown exponentially in the last 5-10 years. Where once a black exterior may have seemed peculiar or out of fashion, now it blends seamlessly into diverse neighborhood landscapes. Darker neutral hues like black, charcoal gray and brown are becoming increasing common. Deeper shades of blue and green are also gaining momentum as exterior paint colors. What has sparked this movement towards embracing the dark side for home exteriors? Here are some of the factors contributing to the use of dark colors for houses:
– Desire for drama and contrast – Darker colors create visual impact against landscaping and surrounding homes. They make a house pop on the street.
– Influenced by Modern Farmhouse trend – Modern farmhouse style homes often incorporate black or charcoal gray elements against white siding. This look has surged in popularity.
– Reflecting personal style – Homeowners want to move away from ‘safe’ light neutrals and showcase their personal tastes with darker hues.
– Complementing design styles – Darker exteriors pair beautifully with contemporary, craftsman, prairie and other architectural styles.
– Increased color availability – Paint companies now offer far more dark paint choices for consumers to explore for home exteriors.
| Year | % of Homeowners Choosing Dark Exteriors |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9% |
| 2015 | 12% |
| 2020 | 18% |
As shown in the table above, data from paint companies and surveys of homeowner color choices shows a steady incline in the use of dark paint colors for home exteriors over the past decade. Darker shades have become significantly more acceptable and desired by homeowners seeking to update the look of their homes’ curb appeal.
Most Popular Dark Exterior Paint Colors
While any dark hue can make a dramatic statement, some shades are proving most popular as exterior house color choices. Here are some of the top dark paint colors showing up on home exteriors:
– **Black** – A true black exterior color (not charcoal) makes the boldest statement. It heightens contrast against any other materials used on the facade.
– **Charcoal gray** – More forgiving than true black, charcoal grays provide style without severity. Benjamin Moore’s Hudson Gray is a popular charcoal.
– **Dark blue** – Deep shades of blue like navy, denim and cobalt have widespread appeal. Blue offers a classic, timeless look.
– **Forest & sage greens** – Deep green hues complement many architectural styles. Greens pair beautifully with stone and wooded surroundings.
– **Chocolate brown** – As a dark neutral, chocolate browns have a soothing, natural look. Browns work well in a range of settings from rural to suburban neighborhoods.
– **Burgundy** – For those who want COLOR as opposed to a dark neutral shade, burgundy is a rich option. It pairs nicely with dark wood and cream trim accents.
Pros of a Dark Colored Exterior
What are the benefits that are causing more homeowners to take the leap to the dark exterior side? Here are some of the positives of using a dark paint color for your home:
– **Curb appeal** – Darker hues undeniably attract attention and give homes an updated, fashionable look. Dark colors make your home pop on the street.
– **Contrast** – Dark paint creates strong contrast against stone, wood siding, landscaping and neighboring houses for visual interest.
– **Complements architectural style** – Black exteriors suit modern styled homes, while dark greens work beautifully on craftsman bungalows. Dark colors enhance the home’s architectural style.
– **Personality** – Deep colors like navy and chocolate brown show off homeowners’ personal style versus safe, mundane choices.
– **Low maintenance** – Unlike light colors, dark exteriors don’t show dirt, stains and wear as easily, requiring less frequent touch ups.
Cons to Weigh about Dark Colored Exteriors
While the pros make a compelling case for dark hued home exteriors, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider as well before taking the plunge:
– **Shows imperfections** – Darker paint colors will emphasize any unevenness, cracking or imperfections in exterior surfaces like stucco and wood siding. Flaws will be more visible.
– **Requires maintenance** – Over time even dark paints will fade and lose their luster. Prep and regular touch ups are required to keep the color looking its best.
– **Can look imposing** – Black or very dark gray paint colors may appear uninviting, intimidating or oppressive depending on the home’s architectural style.
– **Limits future changes** – Going with a unconventional dark color makes it much harder to later switch back to a light or neutral exterior color.
– **Resale appeal** – Extreme dark shades like black could potentially turn away some prospective home buyers down the road. Softer dark grays and blues have broader appeal.
Recommendations for Dark Colored Exteriors
Here are a few tips for successfully implementing a dark exterior house color:
– **Test samples** – Paint large sample swatches on your home’s exterior before fully committing to a dark paint color. Live with it for a few days and observe how light impacts the color at different times of day.
– **Use an accent color** – Break up all that darkness by painting the front door, shutters or other trim details in a lighter, complementary accent color for contrast.
– **Focus on quality materials/finishes** – Using the highest quality exterior materials and seamless finishes is key, since imperfections will be on full display.
– **Landscape for balance** – Fragrant, light colored flowers and plants help soften a home’s dark exterior. Strategic landscaping balances out the darkness.
– **Mind the surroundings** – Make sure the dark exterior you choose fits in with nearby homes. An imposing black exterior may overwhelm a light colored home next door.
Are Dark Exteriors a Passing Trend or Here to Stay?
The question remains whether the embrace of dark exterior house colors is just a trend bubble or if dark hues are truly becoming a mainstay. Much will depend on how successfully dark exteriors hold up over time and how appealing homeowners find them long term. While very black homes may cycle back out of fashion eventually, the popularity of charcoal grays, rich greens and deep blues has likely cemented those as new classics that are here to stay in the exterior color palette. Darker hues will likely now always command a significant share of exterior house color choices. They add drama, contrast and character that appeals to homeowners wishing to make a personalized style statement with their home.
Conclusion
Dark exterior paint colors are having a major moment, claiming an ever increasing share of homeowner color selections over the past decade. The surge in dark home exteriors is fueled by a desire for drama and contrast, complementing architectural styles like modern farmhouse and reflecting personal style. However, very black exteriors may still be considered overly imposing or limiting. For broader appeal over time, charcoal grays, chocolate browns and forest greens are emerging as new classic darker exterior color options. Darker hues are an easy way for homeowners to refresh their home’s curb appeal and showcase their personal tastes. This trend toward embracing the dark side with home exteriors shows no signs of retreating back to all light neutrals. Dark colors have rightly earned an ongoing place in the modern exterior color palette.