Warm Neutral Paint is Back! Here’s How to Make It Work Outside

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“Neutral paint” might not sound like a flashy headline, but warm neutrals are certainly making a comeback! Warm neutral paint is one of the most requested tones we’ve seen in recent months, and it makes sense – they’re timeless, flexible, and bring a cozy sophistication to your home that no stark gray can match. 

If you’re ready to embrace the warm side, here’s how you can make warm neutrals work for your home without making it boring. 

Why Warm Neutral Paint is Trending Again

In recent years, everything was cool gray. From interior walls to exteriors, that chilly, crisp palette ruled. Now, homeowners are craving colors that are a little softer and earthier – think the vibes of a warm hug, just on your home.

The perfect solution? Warm neutrals. These colors are making a comeback due to their calming, lived-in feel. They evoke mental images of natural materials like sand and clay, and pair well with other tones. Plus, they never really go out of style, whether your home is modern Mediterranean or cozy cottage. 

Spanish Mediterranean home with warm neutral paint.

What is Considered Warm Neutral Paint?

We consider warm neutrals to be any light shades with undertones of yellow, red, or brown. This includes inviting hues like taupe, warm gray, creamy white, and soft mushroom tones. 

Unlike cool neutrals, which often look blue in natural lighting, warm neutrals feel grounded and organic. They’re like that one friend who always makes you feel more relaxed at the party just by showing up. 

Our Top 5 Warm Neutral Paint Picks

Don’t have a favorite shade yet? No worries. Here are our tried-and-true shades from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore that we just can’t get enough of. 

Virtual home painted in accessible beige.

1. Accessible Beige by Sherwin-Williams

Don’t let the word “beige” fool you – this color is beyond its title. Accessible Beige is a true beige that leans warm without becoming muddy. It’s soft and inviting with taupe undertones and complements a huge range of materials, from sleek stone to classic white trim. This shade is a go-to for anyone wanting their home to feel more modern and grounded. 

Plus, it looks amazing in both full sun and shade! See it on the left side of the house above.

2. Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore

We consider this shade one of the most versatile warm neutrals around. Edgecomb Gray sits in the perfect space between beige and gray, with a warm undertone that isn’t too tan. It works on practically every architectural style, from colonial to Mediterranean, and it makes your home look well put-together when paired with white trim or natural wood accents. 

If you want a color that’s timeless and won’t feel dated in a few years, this is a safe yet stylish option.

Home with sunroom painted in shoji white.

3. Shoji White by Sherwin-Williams

Yeraning for the light and bright but still want a touch of warmth? Shoji White is the perfect pick for you. This isn’t your typical stark white – it’s creamy with greige undertones to give it a softness you can feel all the way at the curb. 

Shoji White looks great on modern homes with clean lines, but it also works well for older homes that lean coastal or cottagey with the right accents. Consider it the perfect backdrop for bold hardware, black windows, and wooden garage doors. See it in action above!

Home painted with the warm neutral paint Pashmina.

4. Pashmina by Benjamin Moore

If you want your neutral to still have a bit of drama, Pashmina delivers. This deep greige has rich, earthy undertones to give it a cozy vibe. Pashmina works well for homes where contrast matters, like against dark bronze windows or lighter stonework. 

This shade brings depth that lighter neutrals can’t, while still remaining refined and approachable. On the right house, it reads as bold and modern without feeling harsh, perfect for those who want luxe exteriors without going full charcoal. It’s used on the garage doors in the home above.

5. Wool Skein by Sherwin-Williams

Wool Skein is quiet yet endlessly elegant, an understated shade in the warm neutral paint world. It has a soft beige base with a whisper of gray, just enough to avoid overwhelming your home’s features. This color really shines on traditional, craftsman, or transitional homes with natural stone accents. 

As a neutral that’s warm without being yellow and clean without being sterile, Wool Skein plays well with other shades without stealing the spotlight. 

How to Use Warm Neutral Paint Outside

There’s an unfortunately fine line between “timeless elegance” and “boring beige.” Here’s how you can make sure your warm neutrals shine:

  • Balance Contrast: You don’t want your home to become too monotone. Consider black trim, deep brown accents, or even a rich navy door to make your neutral base pop. 
  • Add Texture: Warm neutral paint looks its best when paired with stone, brick, or wood. These textures give neutral shades the depth they need to stand out. 
  • Consider Lighting: Warm neutrals can look very different depending on your home’s orientation and landscaping. Always test swatches in full sun and shade before committing, such as by using Samplize. 
  • Spruce Up the Landscaping: A little greenery goes a long way in making warm neutrals feel intentional and lush, rather than washed out. 

Perfect Pairings: Doors, Trim, and More

Once you’ve found your warm neutral soulmate, it’s time to complete the look. Trim is a great place to start, with crisp white offering classic contrast and warm greys offering a more monochromatic look. If you want a bold appearance, dark bronze trim adds a modern edge and can help those undertones pop.

Your front door is another area to add personality. Deep navy or a wood-stained door can add some drama, but many other colors can add a nice bit of flair. Consider muted sage for an earthy feel or rusty terracotta for extra warmth and charm.

Finally, don’t forget your roof and hardscaping. Earthy shingles and copper accents look beautiful with warm neutral paint, while cooler materials can clash with cozy undertones. The key is to find a balance that complements your home’s existing features while letting your warm neutral paint color shine. 

Final Thoughts: Warm Neutral Paint, Done Right

To be honest, warm neutral paint never really left. It’s calm, classic, and adaptable to so many styles. If you’re looking to give your exterior a fresh update, it’s a great place to start.

Need help picking the perfect warm neutral and figuring out how to make it work with your roof, trim, and landscaping? Let us design your dream exterior from color to curb appeal. Get started today.

Author

Alexis Bishop is a professional writer and journalist based in East Tennessee. As a writer for over a decade, she has created content on a wide variety of topics ranging from tech to healthcare for small businesses. As a journalist, she primarily follows the latest music and entertainment trends and has written for publications like WUOT, K FUSE, and Teen Vogue.  Outside of writing, Alexis has worked as a secondary science teacher and a professional development consultant in higher education. She is also a homeowner passionate about home design and regularly finds herself DIYing throughout her house on the weekends. 

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