What Color Should I Paint My House in 2026?

Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, an interior design studio based in New York City, agrees, adding that earthy, natural tones like beige and taupe are trendy right now: “These hues assist your property [to] merge into its surroundings and create a pleasant, welcome atmosphere,” he says.

If you want a bit of color, it’s best to pick one that will give your home a modern feel. Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters of Riverview, recommends blue or deep gray to give your home a contemporary look.

All-black exteriors are excellent picks, too. Black homes have been a growing trend since 2017, primarily driven by Pinterest and Instagram snapshots.

“Black and moody shades, like Black Magic and Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams, are on-trend without being ostentatious,” says Brooke Lang, principal designer and owner of the Chicago-based Brooke Lang Design.

“Keep in mind colors look different depending on sun exposure, so I recommend trying the color sample swatch on all four sides of the home to confirm it looks good in the sun vs. shade,” Lang adds.

Meanwhile, Fixr’s 2026 Interior Design and Color Trends Report reveals that many experts expect nature-inspired neutrals, along with deep browns and khakis, to be everywhere in 2026, especially for darker color palettes. Rich, earthy browns are starting to replace black, thanks to the warmth, depth, and cozy sense of quiet luxury they bring.

The report also calls out top color picks for different rooms. Living spaces are trending toward soft, warm whites, while bedrooms are embracing warm, neutral shades.

Bold statement colors

While neutral tones are always a safe bet and can help sell a home anytime, a bold splash can make a space memorable. Fixr’s report notes that interiors are moving past black-and-white and gray schemes, along with the classic white ceilings and trim. Designers are using expressive colors to bring personality to walls, mixing unexpected shades.

For Kropovinsky, deep crimson, a happy, bright yellow, or emerald green appeal to buyers looking to make a statement with their home.

“In recent years, there has been a trend towards a more maximalist aesthetic, which emphasizes bold patterns, textures, and colors,” he says.

“This trend has carried over into the world of exterior home design, with many homeowners choosing to use bright and bold colors on their homes as a way to make a statement.”

If you want to add bold statement colors to your interiors without overwhelming the space, start by highlighting a single focal wall rather than painting the entire room. Pair bold hues with neutral accents to balance the space and appeal to a wider range of buyers. Stick to colors that complement the home’s existing features and lighting to create a cohesive, inviting look.

Classic colors

If you have an older home, go with a hue that hails from the era in which it was built. Layering bright colors is popular for Victorian homes, while Colonials tend to look better with more muted hues. Many paint companies offer historical color palettes to help guide homeowners in choosing the best hues for their properties.

What does science say?

Like all fads, home painting trends come and go, but the science behind how color affects the human brain remains stable over time. Researchers have long studied how color helps people concentrate and what emotions they associate with specific hues.

Neutral tones help create a calm, clutter-free space that makes it easier to focus. By reducing visual distractions, they let your brain concentrate on tasks instead of processing a busy environment. The result is a more open, serene space.

In the same way, colors can have a big impact on how people feel. Cool shades like blue help you relax, while warm tones like red can give you a burst of energy. Choosing colors based on the mood you want for each room is key, like calm tones for bedrooms or energizing hues for workspaces.

What about trim, shutters, doors, and accents?

If you want to make a statement without going overboard, adding a pop of color to your home’s trim, shutters, or door can increase its curb appeal without overwhelming prospective buyers.

“A few simple accents of bright or pastel color can also add an interesting touch without overpowering the overall look,” Kazimierski says.

Kazimierski recommends red to add a pop of color and make a statement. Navy, black, and light gray can give your home a more neutral but still sophisticated look.

How to use local trends to guide your home’s paint choices

If you’re trying to decide between a neutral palette and a more expressive one, looking at the houses in your neighborhood can be helpful.

“You don’t want your home to stick out like a sore thumb,” Kropovinsky says. “Choose a color that fits in with the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood.”

Paying attention to local trends doesn’t mean copying your neighbors exactly. It’s about blending in while still showing a bit of your own style.

Look for common color themes on nearby homes, like muted earth tones or soft pastels, to see what feels cohesive. You can also use accents, like shutters or doors, to add personality without clashing. Keeping your home in harmony with its surroundings can boost curb appeal and even make it more attractive to potential buyers.

How do architectural styles affect paint choices?

Design experts agree that architectural style doesn’t matter much to local trends.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all formula to matching a paint color to a style of home because it really comes down to your goals and stylistic preference,” Lang says.

Some colors look better on certain styles: “A traditional brick home, for example, might look best with a neutral color like beige or gray, while a mid-century modern home might look great with a bold, bright color,” Kropovinsky says.

What type of paint should I choose?

Color isn’t the only important decision you’ll be making when deciding whether to paint your house. You’ll also need to select a type of paint and a finish.

Paint types

The paint type that’s right for your home depends on various factors, including the material of the exterior of your house, the area’s heavy traffic, and the climate.

“The type of paint you should use for your exterior paint job is contingent on multiple factors, including your location, region, climate, and the direction your home is facing,” Lang says.

“Work with your local paint showroom to select the best exterior paint based on these factors, which can greatly impact the longevity of your exterior paint job.” Here are the paint types you can choose from:

Paint finishes

Your paint’s finish will determine how it’ll look when dry. Satin or glossy finishes resist scuff marks, making them ideal for high-trafficked areas, whereas a flat or matte finish might be best for siding. Here’s a quick primer on different finishes.

When is it time to repaint?

Some homes don’t need a new paint job before hitting the market. A good power washing could be all you need to brighten up your paint job and prepare your house for showings.

But if the exterior is faded, bubbling, or peeling, it might be time for a new paint job. Mold, mildew, or other weather-related damage can indicate that your home needs a refresh.

If you’re noticing those signs of wear and aging, “The paint is no longer providing adequate protection to the exterior of your home, and it may be vulnerable to damage from the elements,” says Kropovinsky.

A home with an aging paint job can also be a serious hurdle for sellers, but it is one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home.

How much does it cost to repaint?

According to Angi, exterior painting typically costs homeowners between $1,500 and $4,000. The price depends on your home’s size, the number of stories, the type of siding, and other factors. Meanwhile, interior painting costs somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000. The cost varies depending on the size of the room and the type of paint.

While home painting can seem like it comes with a hefty price tag, it’s often worth the money. Painting a median-priced home can boost its value by roughly $12,130, according to HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights for Q3 2025.

So, what color should I paint my house?

If you’re looking for a safe, science-backed choice that will attract buyers, your best bet is to pick a neutral color. Like a clean sheet of paper, whites, beiges, taupes, and other neutrals feel welcoming to prospective buyers and allow them to envision a future in the house. Since exterior paint colors tend to last a long time, you don’t want to choose too bold for potential buyers.

“Given the semi-permanent nature of an exterior paint job, I normally advise against painting a home’s exterior in bright, bold colors,” Lang says. 

“Generally, soft white colors, like Chantilly Lace and White Dove by Benjamin Moore, stand the test of time.”

Interested in trying out a few colors to see how they look? Professional painters often offer exterior rendering services, according to Lang, so you can test out what color might look best without making too much of a commitment.

If you’re looking for more guidance on whether your house needs repainting or what colors to go with, your real estate agent can help you decide.

A top agent can guide you toward the latest color trends and advise you on which selections yield the highest return on investment (ROI). Their expert recommendations will help you understand what colors best suit your home style and neighborhood.

Header Image Source: (Garrett Sears / Unsplash)