From Bland to Bold: Exterior Paint Colors that Inspire

Bold Exterior Paint Colors

Neutrals are safe; neutrals are classic; neutrals are definitely “in”. However, in the midst of a sea of creams, whites, off-whites, gray, and beige exteriors, some clients are making bold exterior paint color choices.  They are stepping outside of the box, maybe even a step or two beyond their comfort zone, and taking a chance on a bold, and ultimately, beautiful exterior. The results are stunning and dramatic and make quite a statement against the norm. 

Bold Exterior Paint Colors We Love

One recent bold color choice was Sherwin Williams’ Forestwood (SW 7730).  The home was originally brick that had been previously painted off-white, along with all the trim and siding.  A gorgeous home for sure, but maybe a bit vanilla, literally, in color. The client was ready for a switch and wanted a color both eye-catching and stunning, without being too splashy or loud.  In stepped Forestwood with a beautiful deep hue, rich, yet muted and classic.  It comes off as a very deep olive, with a bit of warmth that olive tones are known for.  Strongly contrasted with crisp white trim (Extra White SW 7006), the end result was simply gorgeous.  

Another recent project with great results was similar in nature to the first one. The client had a beautiful stucco home but was ready for a complete color change and wanted a bold exterior paint color to take the place of the current drab color.  Web Gray (SW 7075) was the color of choice and brought in some great contrast to the existing trim color.  Web Gray resides in the gorgeous gray tones that lean a bit cool, and therefore, a bit on the blue side. Web Gray comes off as a deep shade of charcoal, with just a hint of blue.  The client then paired that with, again, Extra White (SW 7006) for a striking contrast.  Extra White is a clean, true white that comes off bright-white without being glaring, but doesn’t pull any undertones.  

Last but not least, the client finished off by adding some additional contrast with Tricorn Black (SW 6258)  on her garage and side doors  The black garage doors helped ground the Web Gray color and resulted in nice contrast, without being as extreme (or sometimes dirty) as bringing in the Extra White on the garage doors.

As you can see, bucking the norm a bit isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it is striking, dramatic, and downright beautiful. So add a bit of drama, a bit of contrast, a bit of COLOR!