13 neutral house colors that are more interesting than white

Because white isn’t always right.

Picking an exterior paint color is a big commitment, and often, white feels like the safest bet. Depending on where you live, however, it may be too cookie-cutter or perhaps even conflict with the surrounding homes.

Not sure what other colors to consider? Jessica Whitley, lead designer and creative director of her namesake interior design and brand consulting firm in Athens, Georgia, says that “the key is choosing tones that enhance the home’s style while feeling cohesive with the surrounding environment.” According to her, the best neutral exterior paint colors that aren’t white offer warmth, depth, and contrast that highlight architectural details. She and North Augusta, South Carolina-based content creator Jeanne Zamith put together a list of their favorite options.

Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore (HC-166)

Bold, inviting, sophisticated—there’s a lot to love about this paint. “In 2016, I renovated a white home and used Kendall Charcoal for the shutters and doors,” Whitley says. “It added the perfect balance of richness and depth without overpowering the home’s clean aesthetic.

Dovetail by Sherwin-Williams (SW 7018)

On the darker end of the gray spectrum is Dovetail, a deep yet soft hue recommended by Whitley. The brown undertones add coziness and earthiness, making it a color you feel grounded by.

Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore (HC-172)

Called “the perfect greige” by Zamith, Revere Pewter is a long-standing interior designer favorite. Warm, cozy, and versatile, it can still read as cool (but not too cool!) depending on the light.

Cavern Clay by Sherwin-Williams (SW 7701)

Though a more untraditional neutral, Whitley considers Cavern Clay a neutral nonetheless. Her affinity for the muted terracotta color is driven by how “it offers an organic, welcoming feel” with a great deal of depth. It works well as an accent color, like this front door, and for siding.

October Mist by Benjamin Moore (1495)

“If you want a pop of color while maintaining an earthy, natural feeling, try this soft, muted sage,” suggests Zamith. Part of the beauty of this shade is that this shade transforms based on the time of day, sometimes looking more gray and at other times more green.

Clary Sage by Sherwin-Williams (SW 6178)

Another sage green, this time chosen by Whitley, Clary Sage is a touch darker than October Mist and has subtle yellow undertones. It pairs well with almost anything, especially other nature-inspired shades.

Ripe Olive by Sherwin-Williams (SW 6209)

Feeling moody? Zamith recommends this deep green with gray-blue undertones. Bolder than what you typically consider olive green, it’s equal parts dark and saturated.

Fawn Brindle by Sherwin-Williams (SW 7640)

According to Whitley, when paired with white, “a warm greige like Fawn Brindle creates a soft and understated contrast.” It’s a decidedly cozy color that adapts to its surroundings, equally appropriate for a cabin in the mountains and a condo in the suburbs.

Pavilion Gray by Farrow & Ball (242)

Farrow & Ball has always been known for their complex, highly pigmented colors. The appeal to this one? “The muted blue-gray provides subtle contrast while feeling timeless,” Whitley explains.

Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore (HC-154)

The definition of “classic elegance” to Whitley, Hale Navy has gray undertones but feels like a true navy. Despite this fact, the color doesn’t lean overly nautical—it’s still rich, sophisticated, and calming.

Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore (HC-173)

Another popular greige by Benjamin Moore, Edgecomb Gray is a favorite of Whitley as well. Because it’s equal parts gray and beige (some similar options lean one way or the other), the color plays very well with others. This bright front door is balanced by the gray and beige making the contrast apparent but not as stark as plain white.

Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams (SW 7069)

For those ready to fully commit to the dark side, Zamith insists you can use black without it being overly black. Her pick? Iron Ore, which she describes as “a deep, rich, and soft black that doesn’t feel too harsh and leans slightly warm.” Or use this dark neutral on a front door to add contrast and test it out before covering all your siding.

Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore (2124-10)

Just barely softer and more light-reflecting than Iron Ore, Wrought Iron’s undertones are also slightly more blue. Your preference between the two will likely come down to how they both look on your home.

Read the original article on Southern Living