Expert-Selected Exterior Paint Colors: Professional Favorites for Curb Appeal and Architectural Character

PublishedFeb 18, 2025 3:35 AM EST

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When designers select an exterior paint color for a residence, their process is far more methodical than choosing the first appealing chip at the hardware store. Sibella Court, for example, matched her beach retreat to the soothing green Australian bushland surrounding the property. Annie-Laurie Grabiel and Arthur Furman, the couple behind Austin-based firm Side Angle Side, landed on Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn for their bungalow because of its refined blend of black and gray with blue undertones. And for design-forward homeowners, a black-and-white exterior remains an enduringly sophisticated choice.

We asked 13 interior designers to share the single best paint color they've ever applied to a home's exterior. Their selections follow.

Black Tie by Dunn-Edwards — Deep Black Exterior

Black Tie by Dunn-Edwards

A successful exterior paint color is one that harmonizes with window trims, gutters, fascia, doors, roof, and landscaping. My favorite color I've personally used on an exterior would be on my own home [pictured above], Dunn-Edwards' Black Tie. I chose one of the richest, truest black paint colors I could find. A dark gray simply doesn't achieve the same impact. While it can be a polarizing choice, we receive compliments from strangers on a weekly basis. —Amber Sokolowski, founder of Soko Design

Black Fox by Sherwin-Williams — Softened Dark Exterior

Black Fox by Sherwin-Williams

When we used this on a recent renovation, we were trying to avoid anything too harsh or jet black. This hue has brown undertones, softening the edge quite a bit. It paired nicely with a warmer stucco hue and nickel window frames. –Abbie Naber, owner and principal designer of a. Naber Design

Salon Drab by Farrow & Ball — Moody Green Exterior

Salon Drab by Farrow & Ball

I love this moody deep green, paired with an over-grouted stone. —Molly Kidd, founder of Molly Kidd Studio

Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore — Elegant Navy Exterior

Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore

The best exterior paint color I've ever worked with is Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy. Its rich, elegant depth instantly boosts curb appeal, effortlessly complementing natural stone, wood accents, or bright white trim. —Lauren Lerner, CEO and principal of Living with Lolo

White Dove by Benjamin Moore — Versatile White Exterior

White Dove by Benjamin Moore

White Dove's versatility makes it a perfect match for any roof color, whether you have dark shingles or a light, weathered style. The soft warmth in this white also pairs beautifully with any shutter color, offering endless design possibilities. —Kerith Flynn, principal and founder of Margali & Flynn Designs

Anew Gray by Sherwin-Williams — Balanced Neutral Exterior

Anew Gray by Sherwin-Williams

Despite its name, it's not truly gray but a perfectly balanced neutral with just the right depth. —Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors

Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams — Warm White Exterior

Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams

This is a fresh, warm white that looks great on a modern home or a traditional one. It never reads yellow or blue. It isn't so stark that it will burn your retinas. And looks good with practically any other trim or accent colors you pair with it. —Tara Lenney, founder of Tara Lenney Design

My go-to soft white is Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster, which lends a welcoming glow to a home's facade, paired with shutters in Natural Choice, a warm taupe with delicate brown undertones. —Regan Billingsley, founder of Regan Billingsley Interiors

Natural Linen by Sherwin-Williams — Soft Warm Exterior

Natural Linen by Sherwin-Williams

The combination of Natural Linen with creamy white accents has been one of our most successful exterior pairings. The softness of both hues creates an inviting warmth, with subtle undertones that shift elegantly with the light.—Margarita Bravo, founder of Margarita Bravo

Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore — Dramatic Gray Exterior

Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore

This color is rich in dark gray that pairs well also with many colors. It creates a dramatic mood yet maintains elegance. —Tiffany Glasco, founder of Nahla Madison Home

Hickory Smoke by Sherwin-Williams — Warm Brown Exterior

Hickory Smoke by Sherwin-Williams

I've used this color on a lake home as well as a home in the city. With its warm and rich undertones, it's the perfect deep brown color that accentuates earthy tones fit for any style home to feel warm and inviting. —Audrey Frances Doty, founder of Audrey Frances Design

Drawing Room Blue by Farrow & Ball — Inviting Entry Door

Drawing Room Blue by Farrow & Ball

I love a good strong color for the front door of a home, and you can't go wrong with Drawing Room Blue. Entry doors should be inviting, and given that the color blue symbolizes trust and serenity, it's the perfect compliment to any home. —Susan Petrie, founder of Petrie Interior Designs

Decorator's White by Farrow & Ball — Timeless White Exterior

Decorator's White by Farrow & Ball

Decorator's White looks good on warm days, dreary days, and at night. It stands the test of time! —BettyAnn Kraft, co-owner at Bella B Home Designs

Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams — Modern Black Exterior

Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams

We love Tricorn Black from Sherwin Williams for the exterior of a home. It's modern but not too heavy. Some black paints on the exterior look like a blob of tar, but this one has a little more warmth to it. —Shauna Jones, founder of Shauna Glenn Design

Lydia Geisel

Home Editor

Lydia Geisel has been on the editorial team at Domino since 2017. Today, she writes and edits home and renovation stories, including house tours, before and afters, and DIYs, and leads our design news coverage. She lives in New York City.

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