Modern Farmhouse Exterior Colors That Scream Curb Appeal
When it comes to curb appeal, few styles captivate quite like modern farmhouse. This beloved look blends rustic charm and contemporary elegance into a showcase-worthy exterior. At the core of the style lies a thoughtfully chosen color palette that can transform any home from forgettable to Instagram-worthy.
The Foundation: Main Body Colors
The foundation of a stellar modern farmhouse scheme starts with sophisticated neutrals. Crisp whites like Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace or Sherwin-Williams’ Extra White reflect light brilliantly while allowing other details to shine. These clean, bright whites provide the perfect blank canvas for contrasting pops of color.
For more subtle sophistication, consider warm, cozy greiges like Revere Pewter or Agreeable Gray. These flexible tones strike an ideal balance between beige and gray, adding depth without overwhelming. On the more modern end, soft grays like Repose Gray or Light French Gray lend a contemporary edge while maintaining the style’s signature warmth and welcome.
From classic white to cozy greige to contemporary gray, the right neutral foundation sets the stage for showstopping modern farmhouse style. Build upon the base with eye-catching contrasts like black window panes, natural wood accents, or vibrant green shutters.
House Main Exterior: Crisp white siding with Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace. Accents: Black window frames, shutters, and door hardware using Tricorn Black. Roof: Neutral gray shingles.
| Main Body Colors | Recommended Shades | Application Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp Whites | Chantilly Lace (Benjamin Moore): Pure, clean white that creates sharp shadow lines. |
Technique: Use a two-coat system with a high-quality primer for color accuracy and longevity. |
| Extra White (Sherwin-Williams): Excellent light reflection without appearing stark. | ||
| Swiss Coffee: Softer white with subtle warm undertones. | ||
| Warm Greiges | Revere Pewter: Balanced warm undertone that adapts to changing light. |
Strategy: Test colors on all sides of the home to account for shifting tones due to natural light. |
| Agreeable Gray: Subtle green undertones that complement landscape elements. | ||
| Edgecomb Gray: Lighter greige with sophisticated taupe undertones. | ||
| Contemporary Grays | Repose Gray: Neutral gray that maintains warmth in various lighting conditions. |
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| Light French Gray: Subtle blue undertones, ideal for coastal-inspired designs. | ||
| Stonington Gray: Medium-toned gray with balanced undertones. |
Accent Colors That Make a Statement
With the right neutral backbone supporting polished accents, your next exterior refresh is sure to earn rave reviews from passersby. The modern farmhouse look captivates for a reason – and a strategic color scheme is the key to nailing it with creative curb appeal to spare. When it comes to choosing exterior colors for a modern farmhouse, you’ll want to think about how to add visual drama through bold contrasts. Strategically using deep, moody accent hues on key details like windows, shutters, and front doors is an easy way to make a statement.
For example, a slick coat of rich black paint makes windows really pop. Consider Sherwin Williams’ Iron Ore or Black Magic colors for that eye-catching black accent. If black feels too harsh, try the deep navy shade of Hale Navy – it has a similar striking effect against light siding, but with a cooler, more sophisticated vibe. Painting the front door a vibrant teal or crimson red instantly makes it the focal point. Accent colors attract the eye to the home’s architectural details and give your house loads of curb appeal.
Along with splashes of color, incorporate natural wood elements to add warmth and texture. Exposed roof rafters, wood garage doors, or other decorative wood details connect to the traditional farmhouse aesthetic while still feeling fresh and modern. The mix of moody blues and blacks with organic wood tones creates visual interest and layers on the exterior.
Main Exterior: Warm greige board and batten siding painted in Revere Pewter. Accents: Navy blue shutters and front door using Hale Navy. Roof: Warm brown shingles.
| Accent Colors | Application Techniques | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Black Accents | Window Frames: Use Iron Ore or Tricorn Black for crisp definition. | Door Hardware: Mix finishes (matte and glossy black) for depth. |
| Lighting Fixtures: Coordinate black finishes across all exterior lighting elements. | ||
| Navy Blues | Primary Use: Reserve for substantial architectural elements like shutters or doors. |
Hale Navy: Traditional depth with subtle warmth. |
| Naval: Modern interpretation with increased brightness. | ||
| Dark Night: Deep tone with slight gray undertone. | ||
| Natural Wood Elements | Exposed Beams: Select cedar or cypress for natural weather resistance. |
Decorative Brackets: Use white oak or mahogany for optimal durability. |
| Porch Ceilings: Consider pecky cypress for authentic farmhouse character. |
Creating Visual Interest Through Color Placement
When it comes to painting a modern farmhouse exterior, color placement is almost as important as the colors themselves for creating visual interest. The key is to think strategically about where each hue goes. Start by slathering crisp white paint across the biggest surfaces – the siding, shutters, etc. This bright, clean shade makes the perfect foundation for bolder pops of color. Next, draw the eye to architectural details by giving the window trim, front door, pillars and other accents a splash of deep, dark color. Black and navy are classic choices that pair beautifully with white.
For a touch of natural warmth, reserve natural wood tones for elements like ceiling beams, exposed rafters or a front porch. The rich, textured look of wood adds to the modern farmhouse charm. For extra dimension, try using a slightly lighter or darker shade of the main color on gable ends or decorative trim. Adding this subtle shift in tone lends visual depth and interest to the facade.
Main Exterior: Contemporary gray siding with Stonington Gray. Accents: Light French Gray window trim and Repose Gray shutters. Roof: Dark slate-colored shingles.
Layering Strategy
- Base Layer: Apply main color to 60% of visible surfaces
- Secondary Layer: Utilize accent colors on 30% of architectural features
- Accent Layer: Reserve bold colors for remaining 10% of details
Architectural Enhancement
Implement these design principles to further enhance the look:
- Emphasize depth by painting recessed areas slightly darker
- Highlight projecting elements with lighter tones
- Create shadow lines using contrasting colors on trim details
Color Selection Tips
When selecting exterior colors for a modern farmhouse, it pays to be thoughtful and strategic to create a cohesive, appealing look. Test swatches in morning light, midday sun, and evening shades before finalizing paint choices. The color that dazzles at noon may appear dull at dusk.
Consider how new hues will coordinate with your home’s existing features. For example, will that shade of green clash with the brickwork? Or will a saturated blue overwhelm the gray roof tiles? Factor in fixed elements early so your color scheme enhances, not fights, the established architecture.
Don’t forget regional light differences either. The harsh midday sun in Arizona casts colors differently than the overcast mornings in Seattle. Bright, lively hues like crimson and turquoise appear more muted in subtler natural light. Account for the way your area’s lighting interacts with color.
And remember, lighter shades visually expand surfaces. So if you want to “push out” exterior walls with color, soft neutrals in creamy whites and warm taupes do the trick. Save the bold navy blue for front doors or other small accents. With thoughtful color choices, you can create a modern farmhouse exterior with charming curb appeal.
