Dark Exterior House Colors – Are They Right for My Home?

A few years ago, I was asked to provide my insights and commentary for a piece the Chicago Tribune was working on concerning dark exterior house colors. While the trend for dark exterior paint colors has been around for a few years now, it’s still in its relative infancy compared to other long-standing color trends. I’ve recently revisited this piece, and I’ve found that it has some great information to share with homeowners today; I’d like to add a little more detail and cover the topic of dark exterior house colors for all my readers to enjoy! 

Dark exterior colors are not for everyone, but the results can be breathtaking when the circumstances and tastes call for it. If you’re thinking about how to revive your exterior color schemes and are considering a dark color palette, this blog is for you!

Dark Exterior House Colors – What They Are and What They Accomplish 

Are homes with dark exterior colors really the moody and Gothic-looking, scary old homes we picture in our minds? No, not at all. Modern homes in all architectural styles can embrace dark exterior home colors; surprisingly, the beautiful Victorians of the past are perfect for dark exterior color schemes as well. Just because the color choices are bold and dark doesn’t make the home morose, decrepit, and uninviting – no, the results can be quite inspiring and chic! 

Today, when a client of mine is asking for dark exterior colors, or more often, I am suggesting this approach for exterior house colors, I know exactly what their taste is and if I think it is the right fit. After deliberating with the clients, I chose the exterior paint colors in every home photo you’ll see in this blog! The go-to base colors for exteriors are dark greys, charcoal, deep navy blues, dark olive greens, and even rich dark browns. 

If a homeowner chooses a dark exterior color scheme, the interior palettes are usually light, white, and neutral, often contemporary and understated from an interior design point of view. Generally, these homeowners are open to trying something out of the box, and their interior design reflects that aesthetic as well. 

When done tastefully, in the right environment, and most importantly, with carefully selected accent colors, dark exterior house colors can create a striking, bold, and beautiful lasting impression. Is the trend of dark exterior house colors a “design rebellion” against the white picket fences and docile color schemes of homes in the past? Perhaps, but at its core, the trend is driven by a need to create color inspiration to share with everyone on the block.

Dark Exterior House Colors – Critical Details to Keep in Mind

• Don’t rush the process.

You know me, I love embracing color curiosity, and I’m always trying to help my clients find color inspiration. I want my clients to make choices that will leave them feeling happy and accomplished by willing themselves to try something new. However, painting an exterior a dark color is an entirely different animal than painting a guest bedroom a fun/quirky color. Exterior paint jobs are not something homeowners can feasibly re-do every year, so I tell my clients to look over pictures and explore homes with dark color schemes before making the final commitment to hiring a team to do the work. 

• Accent Colors Aren’t Frivolous. 

Accent colors are always important, but the wrong accent colors on a home with a dark exterior can be catastrophic. The dark body color of the home will create enormous contrast with the accent colors of the trim, doors, shutters, and awnings, so the homeowners must decide the emotional intention of that inevitable contrast well in advance. 

If the homeowners want to create something striking, they’ll opt for lighter, brighter colors to increase the contrast with the accents and the base. For example, a home with a charcoal grey exterior may incorporate white or even light sky blue trim to create levity and pop. For homeowners looking for something a little more subtle, darker earth tones like browns, olives, and lighter shades of grey will generate an understated and naturally-occurring look to the finished exterior. One of my favorite combinations is exposed wood doors and trim with a darker exterior base; it’s a striking yet earthy combination! The bolder the base color is, the more pronounced the accent color selections. 

• Expect More Upkeep 

With darker, bolder, more elaborate color schemes, homeowners and commercial property owners should be aware that their exterior colors will need more maintenance and upkeep than most traditional color schemes. For example, darker color paints absorb greater amounts of heat than lighter colors, which work to refract sunlight. Because of this, the bold, vibrant colors are prone to fading quicker than lighter colors. Often choosing the right finish of paint can avoid any long-term problems. Know what needs to be done with darker paint, and you will be just fine. 

What Do You Think?

How do you feel about homes or commercial properties with dark exterior colors? Do you find them inspiring or drab and minimalistic? When you look at a home’s exterior, what features do you find most inspiring? Please share your thoughts with me; as a color expert, I always love hearing what fellow design enthusiasts think!