8 Gemstone Colors for Home Exteriors
By: Hannah Warne
Neutral color palettes that feature white, beige, or gray are timeless options for home exteriors. While gemstone colors like teal, red, or maroon might be less commonly seen in exterior designs, that doesn’t mean they’re any less appealing.
If you’re looking for a unique, statement-making exterior, consider incorporating our favorite gemstone hues into your palette. Read on to learn more about our favorite shades that will instantly transform the look and feel of your home.
If you want a gemstone color for your exterior instead of a classic neutral, brick&batten’s expert exterior designers can help you choose the perfect shade. From finding your dream color palette to choosing other finishes to bring your vision to life, we’ll help you every step of the way. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services or get started with our Paint Visualizer today.
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#1 // Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore
Navy is one of our favorite gemstone colors for home exteriors. Versatile enough for homes of any architectural style, this deep blue hue is perfect for a timeless look. And when it comes to navy, Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore is near the top of our list.
This sophisticated shade is one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular paint colors thanks to its cool undertones and dark and moody feel. We especially love using it to add drama and dimension to classic Cape Cods or Craftsman homes — but it also looks elegant when used in more unexpected ways, like on cottages or bungalows.
The best part about Hale Navy? It can be mixed and matched with almost any hue to curate endless color palettes. Consider pairing it with white or neutral shades for a more traditional look, or opt instead for a green or copper pairing for something more outside the box. With Hale Navy, you really can’t go wrong.
#2 // Cascades by Sherwin Williams
To make your emerald-inspired exterior a reality, look no further than Cascades by Sherwin Williams. One of our favorite green exterior colors, Cascades is a deep green-blue shade with a light reflectance value of 4. This ultra-dark color appears nearly black in the shade but has a brilliant, almost teal-like hue in direct sunlight, delivering a beautiful exterior look any time of day.
To make a bold statement, use Cascades as the primary color in your palette on siding, stucco, or even brick. If you prefer something a little more subtle, you can also incorporate this hue as an accent color for shutters, awnings, or front doors.
#3 // Caliente by Benjamin Moore
For those who want an eye-catching, gemstone-inspired exterior, Caliente by Benjamin Moore fits the bill. This vibrant red shade doesn’t have strong warm or cool undertones, ensuring it doesn’t read too orange or blue. It strikes the perfect middle balance to create a classic ruby-red hue.
With an LRV of 8.82, Caliente is dark enough that it doesn’t look obnoxious or over-the-top. Consider pairing it with neutral hues — like Owl Gray by Benjamin Moore in the example above — to let the red shine. If you want to really highlight the gemstone colors, you could opt for a monochromatic palette with dusty pink or terracotta paint shades. This striking combo is sure to deliver an exterior that stands out.
#4 // Olympic Range by Sherwin Williams
Looking for a green gemstone color that’s a bit more earthy? Olympic Range by Sherwin Williams is the ideal option. This dark forest green hue has depth and dimension, making it a timeless choice for both modern and traditional homes. We love it so much, in fact, that it made our list of top Sherwin Williams exterior colors for 2022.
With blue and gray undertones, this super-saturated shade pairs perfectly with light hues like Analytical Gray or Pure White by Sherwin Williams. You can also pair it with other green hues — like Pewter Green by Sherwin Williams — or even dark neutrals like brown or black.
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.
#5 // Galápagos Turquoise by Benjamin Moore
Inspired by the teal hues of the Pacific Ocean, Galápagos Turquoise by Benjamin Moore is an unexpected option for exteriors. With an LRV of 9.45, this striking shade is slightly lighter than other blue gemstone colors like navy but gets its depth and dimension from a hint of black.
Perfect for tropical exteriors in warm locales like Florida or California, Galápagos Turquoise is a color that can’t be missed. If you want a bright pop but prefer something more subtle, consider incorporating it as an accent color instead of the primary color in your palette. It blends beautifully with neutrals like white, beige, or gray but looks equally elegant with monochromatic palettes.
#6 // Rookwood Dark Red by Sherwin Williams
Rookwood Dark Red by Sherwin Williams is a timeless exterior shade. Part of Sherwin Williams’ Historic Collection, this deep color works well on classic homes like Cape Cods, Craftsmen, or Victorians. A blend between red and brown, the color is more muted than shades like Caliente but still makes a major impact when used on an exterior.
Because it has an LRV of 3, we love it when Rookwood Dark Red is paired with light and airy shades like Sherwin Williams’ Accessible Beige or Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore. For a moody palette, you can also pair it with other dark hues like Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams or earthy tones like Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams.
#7 // Regent Green by Benjamin Moore
Inspired by the distinct hues of majestic pine trees, Regent Green by Benjamin Moore is a deeply saturated green that almost appears black. This beautiful and unexpected color makes a dramatic statement when used on a home’s exterior.
Because of its LRV of 6.16, we love pairing it with off-white shades on the other end of the spectrum. Moderne White by Sherwin Williams offsets the green to make it stand out even more. For a more tonal palette, we love Regent Green when paired with a true black like Black Beauty by Benjamin Moore, as in the example above.
#8 // Yellow Bisque by Benjamin Moore
Love the the yellow hues of gemstones like citrine or tourmaline? Then Yellow Bisque by Benjamin Moore is a lighter, brighter way to incorporate gemstone colors into your exterior. This rich yellow paint has a hint of beige that tones down the brightness of the yellow. It’s an elegant and understated color that is a stylish alternative to off-white or true beige.
Yellow Bisque is the perfect complement to an otherwise neutral palette, with shades like Sherwin Williams’ Agreeable Gray or Iron Ore creating a beautiful contrast. Sandy beige hues like Grant Beige or Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore also pair perfectly.
Transform your exterior with gemstone colors
Add depth, drama, and dimension to your exterior with a beautiful gemstone-inspired hue. From classic navy to a bold green or yellow alternative, choose one of these stunning exterior hues or opt instead for one that’s all your own.
If you want to upgrade your home or business exterior with a gemstone-inspired hue, brick&batten can help! Our experts will help you find the perfect color palette to bring your exterior vision to life. Start your project today!
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