Revive Beauty with 2018 Exterior Paint Trends

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Looking for the latest home exterior paint trends for 2018?

Do you want to create a stylish house exterior that is sure to pop? We are always in search of colors that inspire, provoke feeling, and draw attention to your home’s architectural qualities and details. Years of experience and constant research has led us to know what colors will and won’t work on different materials and designs. We, brick&batten, are here to help you narrow down the myriad of options to the BEST options for your design.  

Some colors are timeless and have a classic feeling. Conversely, others are trendy and scream, I’m a 1970’s tri-level. Growing up, my parents lived in a beautiful home that my father designed and helped build. In hindsight, I see the 70’s vibe radiating from the inside out. The main level was beautiful brick with exposed mortar creeping out between each layer. Next, the second story was wood painted a dark brown, earthy shade. In addition, each sliding window was covered in diamond shaped muntins and black trim. Of course, the trim matched the wooden shutters almost perfectly. If you looked closely inside the windows, you may have found a spider plant hanging or a macrame owl to welcome you inside. Thus, the architecture and COLOR was on trend for that decade.  

Times have changed. Rarely do you see dark brown houses or cement oozing from brick; however, there are 2018 trends that may inspire you to update your old look for a fresh new appearance on your home’s exterior… while still respecting the existing architecture.  

These paint trends include:

1.  All BLACK

Painting your home all black may seem a bit scary, but the right home can definitely pull it off. In addition, an all black exterior will play up your home’s structural features and set it apart from others in the neighborhood. Everyone  knows that black makes you look smaller. Same goes for houses. Therefore, this is best pulled off on a contemporary style home with lots of windows and natural light.  

  2.  GRAY with WHITE TRIM

Gray has become a player in exterior colors. It offers subtle color and creates strong character. Subsequently, paired with white trim, gray will be more than trend. It is bound to stand the test of time.

Virtual exterior design of a home rendered in gray with white trim

3.  All WHITE

An all-white home has a classic feeling and striking look. The all-white farm houses have become a brick&batten favorite to makeover. An all-white exterior may result in a little more exterior maintenance; however, it is worth the work! Keep in mind, not all whites are created equal. Finding the correct white, that works with the fixed elements of your home, can be tricky. In addition, whites are never really just white… undertones need to be addressed when choosing the right color for your home.  


4.  CONTRASTING Front Door Color

Most homes should use color in moderation. A beautiful white home can support a pop of color on the front door. Caliente is a Benjamin Moore favorite that will offer your guests an enthusiastic welcome and one awarded as color of the year.   

shutters
Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore

5.  MONOCHROMATIC: Tone-on-Tone

This tone on tone trend started in 2017 and continues into 2018. If black on black is too much, try gray on gray or white on white!


monochromatic

6.  CREAM COLOR EXTERIOR with Gray Accents

As not all whites are created equal, neither are creams. Subsequently, creams need to be carefully selected to harmonize with the fixed elements around your home. Taupe/gray doors and trim should carefully coordinate with the grey roof and possibly shutters. Cream is a beautiful alternative to white… but has undertones that need to be addressed before landing on a color.  

We always recommend sampling and testing paint colors before committing. Factors such as natural lighting, undertones, and your property’s fixed elements will have a significant impact on how a color will appear on your exterior. Our friends at Samplize offer extra-large 9 x 14.75 inch peel-and-stick paint samples of the colors we love for exteriors. Order your ‘Real Paint, No Mess’ samples from Samplize here.

Seahaze Shutters

Painting your home’s exterior may seem overwhelming, however, it’s an excellent way to add curb appeal and update your home’s appearance.  

Remember, it’s just as easy to paint your house the wrong color as it is to paint your house the right color.  

If you’re looking to paint, do your research and let brick&batten help you select a color and show you a virtual image of your house with the 2018 trends in mind!  

Author

Cassie co-founded brick&batten in 2017 with her sister, Alli, but her love of home design was born years earlier. Cassie’s passion for design can be traced back to her childhood, when she’d accompany her parents on road trips through small towns in search of inspiration for properties they would buy, fix up, and sell. Prior to launching brick&batten, Cassie worked as a fourth grade teacher, but her love of design, architecture, home renovation, and open houses inspired her to pursue a new career. When writing for brick&batten, Cassie aims to empower homeowners to make the best informed decisions for their property. She knows from experience how challenging home renovation can be, and when she writes, she puts herself in the shoes of every homeowner with similar frustrations. Cassie currently lives in Florida with her four children, an old dog, and her loving husband. When she’s not working, Cassie is most likely checking out a nearby open house or traveling to learn about the latest house trends.