Top Exterior House Colors for 2026
Top exterior house colors for 2026 are leaning warm, timeless, and nature-inspired—think creamy whites, greige neutrals, deep charcoals, and rich greens.
The right exterior paint color can completely change how your home looks and feels—especially in bright Northern California sunlight. Below are the most popular exterior color trends for 2026, along with modern trim and front door combinations that boost curb appeal and help your home stand out for all the right reasons.
Quick Links
Warm Whites + Black Accents
Warm white exteriors with bold black accents continue to be one of the most popular exterior house color trends for 2026. This look feels clean, high-end, and timeless—and it works beautifully on everything from ranch homes to traditional styles. If you want an exterior paint color combination that looks modern without feeling trendy, this is one of the safest choices you can make.
Best Warm White + Black Exterior Paint Color Combo
Body (Siding/Stucco): Warm White / Soft Off-White
Trim: Crisp White
Front Door: Black or Charcoal
Accents: Black shutters, black gutters, black light fixtures
✅ Pro tip: If your home gets strong afternoon sun (common in Roseville and Rocklin), avoid bright “stark” whites and choose a warmer white instead—it will look softer and more expensive.
Best For:
Traditional homes
Ranch-style homes
Colonial-style homes
Neighborhoods with HOAs (safe + classic)
Here are a few homeowner-favorite exterior paint colors we recommend as a starting point.
Popular Warm White Exterior Paint Colors (2026 Favorites)
Benjamin Moore
White Dove OC-17 (soft warm white—great in sun)
Swiss Coffee OC-45 (creamier, warmer look)
Sherwin-Williams
Alabaster SW 7008 (warm, classic, not too yellow)
Shoji White SW 7042 (warm neutral white—super popular)
Best Black / Charcoal Accent Colors for Doors + Shutters
Benjamin Moore
Black HC-190 (true classic black)
Wrought Iron 2124-10 (softer “near-black”)
Sherwin-Williams
Tricorn Black SW 6258 (popular true black)
Iron Ore SW 7069 (deep charcoal—less harsh than black)
Charcoal & Dark Exterior Colors
Charcoal and dark exterior house colors are one of the biggest exterior paint trends for 2026—and for good reason. Deep, moody tones can make a home feel modern, architectural, and high-end, especially when paired with clean trim lines and rich natural textures like brick, stone, or stained wood. If you want maximum curb appeal with a bold, designer look, this is one of the top color directions this year.
Best Charcoal / Dark Exterior Paint Color Combo
Body (Siding/Stucco): Charcoal / Near-Black / Deep Graphite
Trim: Matching dark trim or crisp white (depending on the style)
Garage Door: Black or charcoal (for a seamless modern look)
Accents: Matte black light fixtures, black window frames, natural wood
✅ Pro tip: Dark colors show prep quality more than light colors—so proper sanding, patching, priming, and caulking make a huge difference in the final finish.
Best For:
Modern homes
Contemporary homes
Two-story homes with strong architectural lines
Homes with brick, stone, or black window accents
Homeowners who want a bold “designer exterior” look
Here are a few homeowner-favorite exterior paint colors we recommend as a starting point.
Popular Charcoal / Dark Exterior Paint Colors (2026 Favorites)
Benjamin Moore
-
Wrought Iron 2124-10 (soft near-black, very popular)
-
Iron Mountain 2134-30 (deep warm charcoal)
Sherwin-Williams
-
Iron Ore SW 7069 (deep charcoal, less harsh than black)
-
Tricorn Black SW 6258 (classic true black)
Best Trim & Accent Colors for Dark Exteriors
✅ Crisp White Trim Option
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65
Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005
✅ Natural Wood Door Option
Medium walnut / cedar tones for warmth + contrast
✅ “Tone-on-Tone” Modern Option
Dark body + slightly lighter charcoal trim for subtle dimension
✅ Dark exterior colors can look slightly different depending on sun exposure, landscaping, and the home’s roof color.
Stucco / Mediterranean Color Ideas
Stucco homes are a perfect match for today’s 2026 exterior color trends—especially warm neutrals, soft greiges, and Mediterranean-inspired finishes. These color schemes feel timeless, upscale, and they pair beautifully with clay tile roofs, smooth stucco textures, and black metal accents. If you want an exterior that looks clean, classic, and high-end without feeling too modern, this is one of the best directions to consider.
Best Stucco / Mediterranean Exterior Paint Color Combo
Main Stucco Body: Warm White, Cream, or Soft Greige
Trim: Crisp White or Soft White
Front Door: Dark wood stain or deep charcoal
Accents: Matte black lighting, black metal gates, bronze hardware
✅ Pro tip: With stucco, subtle color shifts look more expensive than harsh contrasts. A soft warm body color with clean trim usually gives the most “designer” result.
Best For:
Stucco homes
Spanish-style homes
Mediterranean-style homes
Homes with tile roofs
HOA neighborhoods that prefer warm, natural palettes
Here are a few homeowner-favorite exterior paint colors we recommend as a starting point.
Popular Stucco Paint Colors (2026 Favorites)
Benjamin Moore
Swiss Coffee OC-45 (warm creamy stucco look)
Pale Oak OC-20 (soft greige—very popular)
Edgecomb Gray HC-173 (classic warm neutral)
Sherwin-Williams
Shoji White SW 7042 (warm neutral white)
Natural Linen SW 9109 (warm beige/greige)
Accessible Beige SW 7036 (timeless warm neutral)
Best Trim & Accent Colors for Stucco Homes
✅ Trim Whites
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005
✅ Dark Accents
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069
Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron 2124-10
✅ Warm Door Option
Stained wood tones (walnut / cedar) look especially high-end on stucco
Blue-Grays & Coastal Classics
Blue-gray exterior house colors are a classic for a reason—and they’re still trending in 2026. This color family feels clean, calm, and timeless, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want something more interesting than beige but still neutral enough for long-term resale value. Blue-grays look especially sharp with crisp white trim and a darker front door for contrast.
Best Blue-Gray Exterior Paint Color Combo
Body (Siding/Stucco): Blue-Gray or Gray-Blue
Trim: Bright white or soft white
Front Door: Navy, charcoal, or black
Accents: Black lighting, black shutters (optional), natural wood tones
✅ Pro tip: If your roof has warm brown tones, choose a blue-gray with a slightly warmer undertone so it doesn’t clash.
Best For:
Traditional homes
Ranch-style homes
Cottage-style and Cape Cod-inspired homes
Homes with white trim and simple clean lines
Neighborhoods with HOAs (classic + safe choice)
Here are a few homeowner-favorite exterior paint colors we recommend as a starting point.
Popular Blue-Gray Exterior Paint Colors (2026 Favorites)
Benjamin Moore
Boothbay Gray HC-165 (popular coastal blue-gray)
Smoke 2122-40 (soft blue-gray, very calming)
Stonington Gray HC-170 (light gray that can lean cool/blue)
Sherwin-Williams
Slate Tile SW 7624 (modern blue-gray, richer tone)
Misty SW 6232 (light gray-blue, airy and clean)
Debonair SW 9139 (muted blue-gray, refined look)
Best Trim & Accent Colors for Blue-Gray Exteriors
✅ Trim Whites
Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17
✅ Front Door Options
Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244 (classic deep navy)
Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154
Modern Greens + Nature-Inspired Colors
Modern green exteriors are one of the biggest exterior house color trends for 2026—and they’re not going anywhere. From deep forest greens to softer sage and olive tones, green paint colors feel natural, calm, and high-end. They pair especially well with warm wood accents, stone features, and black trim, creating a look that feels modern without being too trendy.
Best Modern Green Exterior Paint Color Combo
Body (Siding/Stucco): Sage Green, Olive Green, or Deep Forest Green
Trim: Warm white or crisp white
Front Door: Stained wood, black, or charcoal
Accents: Black lighting, bronze hardware, natural stone, wood posts/beams
✅ Pro tip: Green colors can shift a lot depending on sunlight and nearby landscaping. Always test samples on multiple sides of your home before choosing your final shade.
Best For:
Homes with stone accents or brick features
Ranch-style and cottage-style homes
Modern farmhouse exteriors
Homes with natural wood posts or beams
Homeowners who want curb appeal that feels warm + timeless
Here are a few homeowner-favorite exterior paint colors we recommend as a starting point.
Popular Green Exterior Paint Colors (2026 Favorites)
Benjamin Moore
Essex Green HC-188 (deep, classic green—very rich)
Saybrook Sage HC-114 (soft historic sage—super timeless)
October Mist 1495 (muted green-gray, modern and soft)
Sherwin-Williams
Evergreen Fog SW 9130 (soft sage, very popular)
Pewter Green SW 6208 (earthy olive-green)
Rosemary SW 6187 (deeper green, dramatic but elegant)
Best Trim & Accent Colors for Green Exteriors
✅ Trim Whites
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008 (warm + soft)
Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 (classic warm white)
✅ Dark Accents
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069
Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron 2124-10
✅ Wood Tone Pairing
Warm cedar / walnut stain looks amazing against green siding or stucco
More Top Exterior House Colors For 2026 (Trending Combos)
Want a few more quick exterior color ideas? Here are some additional trending exterior paint combinations for 2026—perfect if you’re still deciding between classic, modern, or bold curb appeal.
If you’d like help choosing the best combo for your home’s roof color and style, schedule an exterior painting estimate with Trico Painting today.
FAQs About Exterior House Colors (2026)
✅ FAQ #1: What exterior house colors are trending in 2026?
In 2026, the most popular exterior house color trends are warm whites with black accents, deep charcoal exteriors, modern greens, soft greige neutrals, and classic blue-gray color schemes. Homeowners are leaning toward timeless, nature-inspired palettes that look clean and high-end in bright sunlight.
✅ FAQ #2: What is the best exterior paint color for resale value?
Warm whites, soft neutrals, and blue-grays are typically the safest choices for resale value because they appeal to the widest range of buyers. If you want something bolder without risking resale, modern greens and charcoal accents are a strong option when done tastefully with clean trim and a coordinated front door color.
✅ FAQ #3: Should I use a pure white exterior or a warm white?
Most homeowners will be happier with a warm white exterior instead of a bright “stark” white. Warm whites look softer, more natural, and more expensive—especially in full sun, which is common in Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, and surrounding areas.
✅ FAQ #4: What trim color looks best with modern exterior paint colors?
For most exterior color schemes, crisp white trim is the top choice because it looks clean and classic. If you want a more modern look, tone-on-tone trim (trim that matches or slightly contrasts the body color) can look high-end, especially on charcoal or deep green homes.
✅ FAQ #5: Are dark exterior colors a good idea?
Yes—dark exteriors can look amazing when the home has the right architecture and proper surface preparation is done. The key is using the right dark tone (charcoal vs. true black), choosing durable exterior products, and making sure the prep work is done correctly so the finish looks smooth and consistent.
✅ FAQ #6: How do I choose the right exterior paint color for my home?
Start by considering your roof color, fixed materials (stone, brick, stucco tone), and your neighborhood style. Then test 2–4 paint samples on multiple sides of the house to see how the color changes in morning vs. afternoon light. If you’re unsure, choosing a warm neutral body color with a darker front door is almost always a safe combination.
✅ FAQ #7: What sheen should I use for exterior paint?
Most homes look best with a satin or low-luster finish on siding/stucco because it holds up well and looks clean without being too shiny. For trim and doors, semi-gloss is usually the best choice because it’s more durable and easier to clean. always a safe combination.
✅ FAQ #8: How long does exterior house paint usually last?
A quality exterior paint job often lasts 7–12 years depending on sun exposure, prep quality, materials, and the type of paint used. South- and west-facing walls usually wear faster due to direct sun, and homes with more wood trim may need touch-ups sooner than stucco homes.
✅ FAQ #9: How much does it cost to paint a house exterior in 2026?
Exterior house painting costs vary depending on home size, surface condition, number of colors, and prep requirements. The best way to get accurate pricing is to schedule an in-person estimate so the scope, repairs, and paint system can be matched to your home’s needs and expectations.
✅ FAQ #10: Can Trico Painting help me choose exterior colors?
Yes. Trico Painting can help homeowners choose exterior color combinations that match their home’s architecture, roof color, and neighborhood style—while also recommending durable products designed for long-lasting curb appeal.
Get an Exterior Painting Estimate
If you’re ready to refresh your home’s exterior in 2026, Trico Painting is here to help. We’ll guide you through paint color selection, proper surface preparation, and a clean professional finish that improves curb appeal and protects your home for years to come.
When You Hire Trico Painting, You Get:
A clear, detailed exterior painting estimate with a defined scope of work
Help choosing exterior paint colors that match your roof, neighborhood, and style
Proper prep work (scraping, sanding, caulking, priming, repairs as needed)
High-quality exterior paint products built for long-lasting durability
Clean job sites, respectful crews, and professional communication
A final walkthrough to make sure everything looks right before completion
Request Your Exterior Painting Quote
Click below to schedule your estimate or call us directly at (916) 550-9648.
We proudly serve Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Folsom, Lincoln, and El Dorado Hills.
Is Trico Painting a Good Fit?
✅ We’re a great fit if you want:
A high-quality exterior repaint done right the first time
Help selecting a modern, timeless color scheme
A professional crew that respects your home and property
✅ We may not be the best fit if:
You’re only looking for the cheapest price
You want a quick spray-only job with minimal prep
If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s curb appeal with one of the top exterior color trends for 2026, contact Trico Painting today—we’d love to earn your business.