How do I pick an exterior color scheme for my house?

Short answer

Work with the colors you can't change: the roof, stone, brick and the landscape. Choose a body color, a contrasting trim color and one accent for the front door and shutters. Look at the house from the street, consider the architecture and neighborhood, and test samples on several sides of the house.

Three-color formula

Body: the main siding color, often a mid-tone or muted shade
Trim: lighter or darker than the body for definition
Accent: the front door and shutters, where you can be bold

Style cues

Farmhouses: white or cream body with black or dark green accents
Colonials: classic muted blues, grays, greens or reds with white trim
Victorians: several complementary colors to highlight detail
Cabins and camps: earthy browns, greens and grays that blend into trees

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Try it in the Color Studio

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Updated September 2026. Always follow the directions on your product's label; manufacturer instructions come first.