When it comes to home exterior colors, the shade you choose can have a big impact on how potential buyers perceive your home’s value and price point. While personal preference certainly plays a role, some exterior color schemes tend to give off a more high-end, expensive vibe than others. Understanding which hues convey luxury can help you make strategic color choices when painting the exterior of your home.
Gray and White
One of the most popular combinations for luxury homes is a light gray exterior with crisp white trim. This color scheme immediately gives off an elegant, sophisticated appearance. The cool gray provides a refined neutral base while the bright white trim pops against the darker hue, creating appealing visual contrast. This classic combo works well in a variety of architectural styles from traditional to modern. Painting your window frames, columns, railings, doors and other trim details in a clean white will make them stand out strikingly against a light gray house exterior. This makes the home look well-maintained and polished.
Soft Green
While bright greens can come across as trendy or playful, certain muted green hues convey an air of refined sophistication perfect for high-end homes. Soft organic greens like sage and seafoam green evoke a sense of tranquility and elegance. Paired with cream or white trim and accents, these muted greens offer a lush, inviting exterior color palette. Green is also associated with wealth and prestige, making it an optimal shade for homes aiming for a luxury aesthetic. The calming color is versatile enough to complement homes in rustic, Mediterranean, traditional and other styles.
Blue-Gray
For a slightly edgier take on gray, consider a blue-gray exterior. Ranging from a hazy periwinkle to a bolder blue slate, this cooler, moodier gray shade is common on luxurious modern architectural designs. Blue-gray creates an exterior with lots of visual interest while still remaining a neutral. Against white trim, the blue undertones really stand out and add a touch of vibrancy. You can make the look even more dramatic by choosing black accents and trims instead of white. The moody blue-gray exterior color provides an elegant, contemporary look. Focus blue-gray on modern homes with clean lines.
Pure White
An exterior painted completely white can exude modern sophistication and grandeur. Stark white is a bold, dramatic choice that feels crisp and luxurious when done right. A bright white exterior pops against colorful landscaping and makes details like dark trim really stand out. All-white exteriors have a clean, contemporary aesthetic that matches sleek, modern architecture. The minimalist look also enhances homes with symmetrical façades and classical detailing by highlighting these features. If going for an all-white exterior, be sure to use high-quality paint to achieve a pristine, consistent finish.
Black
While not for everyone, black is another high-contrast exterior color that can create a striking, cutting-edge look when done well. Jet black instantly reads as modern and sleek. Black exteriors pair best with modern architectural styles and work great on geometric, symmetrical façades. For contrast, use white trim or play with different textures and materials. For example, combining a black painted brick facade with stone and metal accents can create lots of visual interest. Use black judiciously to make details pop. An all-black exterior can look imposing, so aim for elegance by highlighting architectural features.
Neutral Tone Combinations
Upscale homes often combine different neutral tones on their exteriors to create subtle visual interest. Tempering brighter whites with softer beiges and grays results in a harmonious, textured look. Some examples of attractive luxury exterior color schemes featuring neutral tones include:
- Warm white and gray
- Alabaster and tan
- Soft gray and ivory
- Light brown and cream
- Charcoal and greige
Feel free to get creative mixing different neutral shades. Just aim for a relatively cohesive overall look. Combining three or more complementary neutrals can look especially upscale and elegant.
Deep Red
Certain rich, dark red hues can give off an air of grandeur, perfect for stately homes. Deep crimson, bordeaux and brick red offer a dramatic, elegant look. Red naturally attracts attention, so it highlights a home’s architecture and curb appeal. Dark red works best on traditional homes with interesting design details to show off. Use it strategically on focal points like your front door for extra impact. To keep the look refined, pair red with neutral beiges, grays or black trim. A dark red exterior color is ideal for making a home look expensive and luxurious with timeless appeal.
Warm Metallic Tones
For a modern twist, consider warm metallics like bronze, copper and brass to give your home exterior an exclusive, cutting-edge vibe. Metallic house paints create lots of depth and dimension to mimic real metal siding. The warm, shiny finishes pair best with grays and whites. Focus metallic colors on specific focal points like the front door or use bolder to make a dramatic statement. Metallic exteriors are trendy and eye-catching, perfect for conveying new luxury. Just aim for a cohesive look that complements your home’s architecture.
Conclusion
The exterior color you choose for your home can significantly impact how high-end it appears. While personal preference matters, some shades and color combinations tend to give off a more luxurious vibe. Crisp grays, whites, blues and sophisticated neutral tones are classic expensive-looking options. Vibrant dark reds also convey grandeur and timeless elegance. For contemporary luxury, lean into blacks, metallic tones or a moody blue-gray palette. Ultimately, aim for exterior colors that complement your home’s style and highlight its best architectural features. With strategic color choices, you can paint your home to look like a million bucks.
References
Here are some references used in researching this article:
- HGTV – Exterior Paint Colors for Luxury Homes
- Architectural Digest – The Most Popular Exterior Paint Colors for Luxury Homes
- Havenly – Best Exterior Paint Colors for Luxury Homes
- Elle Decor – 20+ Stunning Ideas for Exterior House Colors
- Better Homes & Gardens – The Best Exterior Paint Colors for House Beautiful
Table Comparing Luxury Exterior Color Schemes
| Color Scheme | Description | Best Home Style |
|---|---|---|
| Gray and white | Light gray with crisp white trim conveys an elegant, sophisticated look | Traditional, modern, Mediterranean |
| Soft green | Muted organic greens like sage give off a refined, tranquil vibe | Traditional, Mediterranean, rustic |
| Blue-gray | Cool blue undertones provide a sleek, moody exterior | Modern, contemporary |
| Pure white | Stark white delivers a dramatic, minimalist look | Modern, coastal |
| Black | Striking high-contrast color for modern geometric designs | Modern, contemporary |
| Neutral combinations | Mixing complementary beiges, grays and whites creates subtle elegance | Traditional, transitional, Mediterranean |
| Deep red | Dark crimson and brick red offer an elegant, eye-catching look | Traditional, Victorian |
| Warm metallics | Bronze, copper and brass create a sleek, contemporary statement | Modern, contemporary |