When it comes to siding, homeowners just can't stay away from neutrals.
Sharon is a writer and contributor at Better Homes & Gardens, where she writes, edits, and updates content on the website, refreshing recipes and articles about home design, holiday planning, gardening, and other topics. Before joining Better Homes & Gardens, Sharon began her career as a blogger, then became a freelance writer, focusing on home design and organization, midlife and empty nesting, and seniors and eldercare. Her work has been published on a range of websites, including Angi, Purple Clover, HuffPost, Grown and Flown, Seniors Matter, AARP’s the Girlfriend and the Ethel, and many other outlets. Exterior House Paint
Off-white and cream are classic color choices for a reason—and that's not changing in 2024. According to a new report commissioned by vinyl siding manufacturer Alside, homeowners gravitate toward these shades for their exteriors over any others.
Sixteen percent prefer this timeless hue, followed by light gray (15%), white (14%), light brown (11%), and medium blue (9%). While results varied by region, with light gray taking the top spot in the Northeast and Southeast, neutrals took the top slot overall.
"Exterior color trends have always played a significant role in home improvement projects, and it's no surprise that homeowners are looking to refresh the exterior of their homes with a color that stands the test of time," said Chase Creighton, Alside business director of vinyl and composite cladding. "Off-white [and] cream provide a perfect blend of elegance, versatility, and modern appeal that complements various architectural styles, making it a top choice for homeowners across the country."
It's not too surprising that people go for neutrals, as this project isn't the easiest (or cheapest) to take on—most would rather not have to redo it too often.
The cost of painting your exterior can add up quicker than you expect: According to Angi, it totals between $1.50 and $4.50 per square foot and varies based on the size, number of stories, and the amount of detail work. Concrete and wood are the most affordable finishes to paint, while stucco and brick come out the priciest.
When it comes to window trim colors, white won out as the favorite (at 36%) despite the climbing popularity of dark-framed windows, especially for farmhouse-style homes. Quite far behind were gray (11%), beige/clay and light wood (tied at 10%), and dark wood and black (tied at 9%).
Homeowners consider cost (35%) and availability (23%) the most important when deciding on a color for an exterior refresh. Houses featured on home improvement shows also had quite an influence (20%). Men (29%) were more likely than women (14%) to leave the ultimate color pick to their partner.
Though not completely left off the list, dark blue (2%), brown (1%), and medium green (1%) were the least likely to be chosen. Lighter colors reflect heat more effectively, cutting down on cooling costs during the hotter times of the year, and they're also more fade-resistant than darker colors.
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