Perfect Pairs: Exterior Paint Colors for Your Mid Century Home

The color of your home is a main component in curb appeal, and not an element homeowners change too often. Before you hire the paint crew to come update your exterior paint colors, ensure that you’re making the most of your home’s architecture and glean some inspiration from these mid century marvels.

Light & Bright

Think that white is relegated to cottages? Think again. This desert abode proves that white can act as a fresh façade and help accentuate architectural details. An earthier or creamier hue would have lessened the charm of the original rock accent. Instead, the white stands in stark contrast and immediately grabs your attention. A yellow glass panel beside the door helped make orange the obvious choice as an accent.

Get the Look

White, DEW380

Exuberant Orange, DEA112

A mid century home that makes use of two earth tones. — See more of this Riverside home here.

exterior of MCM California home with stone, white paint and orange door — See more of this Palmer & Krisel home here.

Trim is often the hardest spot when it comes to picking your exterior paint colors. Narrow your options by answering this question: Do you want your trim to act as an accent, or do you want it to feel cohesive? Here, a deep charcoal blends the trim in with the roof, creating a clean-lined finish.

Earth Tones Done Right

There is a reason they’re considered classic—earth tones work wonders as exterior paint colors on mid century homes. Rather than heading straight to brown, think about giving your take on the look a bit of a twist. Here, brick red perfectly highlights the home’s breezeblock, front door and fireplace, while the façade dons a honey-hued cream.

Get the Look

Smokin Hot, MQ1-43

Honey Tea, MQ2-18

A mid century home that makes use of soft blue tones. — Here, a little white goes a long way. With a subtle gray undertone to coordinate with the blue/gray exterior, the trim appears to match even the cement of the front porch. See more of this stunning Carolina home here.

Blue Hues

With a cool gray undertone, this blue house feels fresh year-round. While painting brick might not be everyone’s cup of tea, these homeowners used their exterior paint colors to create a mod and cohesive exterior—retaining walls and all—celebrating their home’s sleek, low profile. Horizontal wood siding surrounds the front door and window, guiding guests to the front porch while adding warmth and contrast.

Tip! For a thoroughly cohesive design, bring your paint colors to other elements, like planters. These homeowners even wrapped the end of their retaining wall to match the wood siding on the porch.