Choosing exterior house colors can be a daunting task. With so many options to consider, it can be hard to settle on a color palette that looks cohesive and appealing. If your house is gray, you may be wondering what colors will complement the existing facade. Fortunately, there are many shades that pair beautifully with gray homes.
Benefits of a Grey House
Before exploring color combinations, let’s first look at why gray is a fantastic choice for a home’s exterior. Here are some of the top benefits of a gray house:
- Versatile – Gray is a neutral color that works with just about any style, from traditional to modern.
- Calming – Lighter shades of gray have a soothing, tranquil quality.
- Low Maintenance – Grays don’t show dirt as easily as whites or brighter paint colors.
- Classic – Gray homes have a timeless, sophisticated look.
- Cohesive – Grays blend seamlessly with other exterior elements like the roof, trim, and landscaping.
So if your house is already gray, you have a wonderful blank canvas to build upon. Now let’s look at what colors can enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Complementary Color Schemes
There are several color schemes that work well with gray houses. Here are some of the most popular combinations:
Gray and White
A gray and white exterior has a light, airy feel. To add visual interest, choose a medium to dark gray for the siding with crisp white trim, columns, railings, and accents. Shutters in a darker shade of gray can also look striking against white. This scheme enhances architectural details for a refined look.
Gray and Blue
Cool, muted shades of blue beautifully complement gray homes. Try a blue-gray for the siding with a slightly lighter blue on the front door and shutters. For a bolder contrast, opt for a bright navy blue door. Blue flower boxes, benches, and other accents will enliven the facade.
Gray and Green
Earthy greens pair gorgeously with gray for a natural feel. Sage, seafoam, and muted olive greens work well. Use green on the shutters, front door, planter boxes, and other details. For texture, add green vines or bushes against gray walls. This organic scheme is versatile for many home styles.
Gray and Yellow
Gray and yellow deliver a cheerful, welcoming vibe. Soft buttery yellows look especially striking against charcoal grays. Use yellow for the front door, shutters, trim, and accents like benches and flower pots. Yellow flowers and foliage will also pop against the gray backdrop. This bright combo feels both modern and timeless.
Gray and Purple
Purple has a regal, luxurious quality that works surprisingly well with gray. Light grays look best with mauve, lilac, or lavender purple accents. Vibrant magenta can also make a bold statement on the front door or shutters. Use metallic purples sparingly for an elegant touch. This unexpected color pairing offers plenty of personality.
Choosing Color Shades
When selecting colors to go with your gray house, pay attention to the undertones. Cool-toned grays work best with other cool shades like blues, greens, purples, and silvery hues. Warm gray bases look more cohesive with taupe, yellow, terra cotta, and gold tones. Matching the undertones will result in a smoothly blended color scheme.
It’s also important to balance light and dark values. Don’t go too dark or too light with your accent colors. A combination like charcoal gray siding with black shutters would look too harsh. On the other hand, pale gray paired with cream trim lacks contrast. Choose shades that complement each other for optimal appeal.
Best Colors for Different Gray House Styles
Let’s take a look at excellent color combinations for common house styles:
Traditional Farmhouse
| Gray Shades | Complementary Colors |
|---|---|
| Dove gray | White, light blue, sage green |
| Heather gray | Red door, navy shutters |
| Smoke gray | Black trim, yellow door |
For traditional farmhouse style, choose light to medium gray shades with bright white or black trim. Pops of red, yellow, green, or blue on the front door and shutters will give a welcome rustic flair.
Modern
| Gray Shades | Complementary Colors |
|---|---|
| Charcoal | Crisp white |
| Slate gray | Vibrant orange or yellow |
| Steel gray | Purple or lime green |
For a sleek modern look, pair dark charcoal grays with bright whites. Vivid orange, yellow, green, or purple makes a bold statement on the front door or as an accent. Use metallic grays with wood or stone elements for an industrial vibe.
Craftsman
| Gray Shades | Complementary Colors |
|---|---|
| Ash gray | Terracotta, sage green |
| Gray blue | Buttery yellow |
| Light gray | Olive green, navy blue |
For Craftsman style bungalows, use light to medium grays paired with earthy terracotta, green, and blue tones. Yellow and white trim and accents will also look sharp. Use natural stone or wood elements to enhance the organic vibe.
Victorian
| Gray Shades | Complementary Colors |
|---|---|
| Slate gray | Purple, navy blue |
| Dusty gray | Maroon, forest green |
| Weathered gray | Black trim |
For Victorian architecture, pair gray with elegant jewel tones like purple, navy, maroon, and forest green. Black trim and accents will beautifully accentuate ornate details. Weathered gray siding also harmonizes with Victorian homes for an aged, established look.
Tips for Exterior Paint Color Scheme
Here are some helpful tips for choosing exterior paint colors to coordinate with your gray house:
- Select 2-3 accent colors maximum for a simple, cohesive look.
- Use brighter, bolder shades on smaller areas like the front door.
- Tie in nature with greens, blues, and earthy neutrals.
- Use white paint to make trim pop against gray siding.
- Visit homes in your area to see color combinations in real life.
- Pick a color scheme that complements architectural features.
- Use darker grays with plenty of light trim for contrast.
- Consider how colors will appear in different lighting.
- Use color to highlight design elements like the entryway.
- Repeat accent colors in landscaping, fencing, and outbuildings.
Carefully planning and test-driving your colors will ensure your gray house has curb appeal and a cohesive look.
Creative Accent Ideas
Besides paint, there are lots of creative ways to use color accents on a gray house exterior:
- Front Door – Make a bold statement with a vibrant door in any color.
- Flower Boxes – Overflowing with colorful blooms against gray walls.
- Planters – Choose planter colors that pop, like yellow, teal, or violet.
- Outdoor Furniture – Incorporate accent colors with cushions, throw pillows, and umbrellas.
- Shutters – Colorful shutters make a serious style statement.
- Columns – Wrap columns in an accent color for drama.
- Benches – Use brightly painted benches near entryways.
- Landscaping – Choose plants with foliage or blooms in accent shades.
- Paths/Patios – Use colorful stained concrete, tile, or stone.
- Front Door Mat – Welcome guests with a punchy colored door mat.
By painting or placing eye-catching elements in complementary colors, you can make a gray house feel vibrant and inviting.
Creative Designs for Grey Houses
With a grayscale exterior, you can really have fun with colorful design elements. Here are some creative concepts to try:
- Patterned walkway – Use mosaic tiles, colored pavers, or stained concrete.
- Vines – Grow purple clematis, yellow jasmine, or pink trumpet vines up trellises.
- Tree trunk lighting – Drape colorful lights around trees for a magical ambiance.
- Variegated plants – Choose foliage with stripes or splotches of color.
- geometric garden beds – Plant flowers in circular, square, or diamond-shaped beds.
- Hanging baskets – Line porches and patios with vibrant flowering baskets.
- Color blocking – Paint sections of the home different colors for contrast.
- Concrete planters – Make customize planters from colorful stained concrete.
- Shabby chic – Add character with mismatched vintage furniture and unique accents.
- Focal point fountain – Add a brightly colored mosaic tile fountain as a focal point.
Let your imagination run wild! A gray backdrop is the perfect canvas for all kinds of innovative pops of color.
Choosing a Professional Painter
While a coat of colorful paint may seem like a simple DIY project, painting a home’s exterior requires skill, experience, and professional equipment. Hiring professional house painters is recommended for the best results.
Here’s what to look for when selecting an exterior painting contractor:
- Check reviews and ask to see examples of their previous work.
- Look for painters experienced with exterior finishes and techniques.
- Choose a licensed and insured company.
- Get multiple quotes to compare pricing.
- Ask about their preparation and painting process.
- Inquire about the types of paints and finishes they use.
- Request a detailed written contract.
- Make sure they can match existing colors if needed.
- Ask about warranties on their work.
Investing in professional painting services can extend the life of your home’s exterior, boost curb appeal, and give you peace of mind. And be sure to get color approval from your HOA or neighborhood committee if needed before proceeding with your makeover.
Conclusion
Gray homes offer a gorgeous, versatile starting point to build your exterior color scheme. Classic combinations like gray with white, blue, green, yellow, or purple work beautifully. Consider your home’s architecture and style to select accent colors that enhance its unique character. Creative touches like vibrant landscaping, door mats, furniture, and decorative details will also make your gray house pop. With the right color palette and professional paint job, your home will have stylish, welcoming curb appeal. So embrace the possibilities and have fun using color to refresh your gray exterior!
