A big thank you to the color experts at Behr, Benjamim Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Valspar, who gave us a rainbow of color choices for painting indoors this summer.  (Click here for Part One and here for Part Two.)

Now, we’re tackling what color to paint the outside of your cottage. And, while whites and neutrals are overall the most popular and safest choices, this guide gives you some brighter choices too.

“Exterior paint is more of a long-term investment than interior paint, so we suggest you choose a paint color you’ll love for years,” says Erika Woelfel, VP of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint. “Generally speaking, exterior colors have a longer trend cycle since homeowners don’t paint the exterior of their home as often as the interior.”

Whites are on the Rise

Behr is seeing a few color families on the rise, and whites is one of them.  Woelfel says that whites call attention to the outside of your home. Plus, they play well with almost any other color, architectural style or setting.

Swiss Coffee is a long-loved, off-white neutral hue with a subtle hint of taupe that’s popular for both the body and accents of your home,” says Woelfel.

Behr, Swiss Coffee

“Year after year, Dover White SW 6385 is one of Sherwin-Williams most popular whites. If you’re considering a total refresh of your cottage’s exterior, this warm and welcoming neutral is a refreshing summer choice,” says Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing. “But, it’s also a very versatile color that will carry you into the other seasons.” 

Cloud Cover OC-25 follows the recent trend toward simplicity, making a fresh, clean first impression of the home,” says Benjamin Moore Color & Design Expert, Hannah Yeo.

Sherwin-Williams, Dover White

Neutrals & Blues

“Comforting neutrals and cool blues are also popular for the exterior. Grant Beige HC-83, Alexandria Beige HC-77 and Coventry Gray HC-169 suit many different architectural styles. However, a shift toward bolder colors has been prevalent in recent years, especially in deeper blue grays such as Black Pepper 2130-40 and Blue Note 2129-30.

“Blues offer a pleasing touch of color for your home thanks to ever-changing patterns of light and shade. A dominant color, like Behr’s Blue Metal, for the body of your home is a great start,” notes Woelfel.

Behr, Blue Metal

Go for a Pop

Don’t feel like painting the entire house…freshen up your front porch with a new door color. “White colored homes create a perfect backdrop for a pop of color. Go bright and colorful on your front door to show off your personal style,” says Yeo.

Ashley Banbury, Sr. Color Designer for HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams suggests HGSW1074 Coral Reef.  She says it’s a fun, saturated shade that will bring attention to the front of your home to add an extra dose of curb appeal.

Or, Wadden adds, “Try adding a pop of Oceanside SW 6496 to your exterior this season. This rich, jewel-toned blue green creates a bold and fun statement on a front door, particularly when paired with creamy white or greige siding.”  

Oh, and by the way, get started…summer offers ideal conditions to paint both the interior and exterior of your home. Paints dry faster in higher temperatures and lower humidity, as well as when exposed to direct sunlight. And, when possible, paint in the early morning or late afternoon for the best result.

(Pro tip: Ideal painting temperatures are between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with relative humidity between 40-70 percent.)

HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, HGSW1074 Coral Reef

Sherwin-Williams, Oceanside SW 6496