Choosing an exterior color for your home is a big commitment and, with hundreds of paint colors and finishes to choose from, it can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to have an expert team you can trust to lead you through each stage of the process.

With over 40 years of exterior painting in Chesapeake VA, family-owned Hughes Painting, Inc. has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience. Our friendly staff takes the time to walk our clients through each of their residential painting options so they can confidently turn their home into the house of their dreams.

With quick and efficient service, Hughes Painting, Inc. always delivers on your schedule and budget. Plus, if you aren’t satisfied that we’ve provided thorough, clean and professional service, your paint is free!

Here Are The Top 10 Paint Color Trends for Virginian Homes in 2021

1. Simple, Creamy Off-Whites

If you’re looking for a clean, elegant look, this is the color for you. With just a touch of a warm, neutral tint, creamy off-whites are more inviting and easier to maintain than a pure white exterior color. This is an excellent choice for a farmhouse look or to capture the detailing on classically styled or colonial homes. A warm white is also the best choice for a home with curated landscaping, making greenery and other bright colors pop against the neutral backdrop. Lastly, if you plan on selling in the next few years, white has excellent curb appeal.

Popular colors in this palette include Polar Bear White by Behr, having only a slight tint, or Swiss Mocha by Benjamin Moore, with a decidedly creamy look.

2. Light Gray

Light gray is another classic neutral color. Gray is extremely flexible and, with white trim, can create an extremely elegant, curated look. Flanked with dark gray or black trim, the look is dramatic and tends to lean towards a more industrial feel, especially if you use brass or dark metal fixtures. Choosing the perfect shade of gray can be a little bit tricky. As a true neutral, it will pick up color from the environment. For example, if the front of your house gets more sunlight in the morning, it will reflect a blue tone. If facing the sunset, you will get a reflection of those warmer colors. To balance that effect, you may want to choose a gray with undertones that counterbalance the light’s effects.

Essential Gray by Sherwin Williams is a perfect example of a true light gray. Alternatives include Cliffside Gray by Benjamin Moore, with blue undertones, and Light French Gray by Sherwin Williams, with slightly warm undertones.

3. Graige or Pewter

A “graige” or gray, beige blend has become extremely popular in the last few years as an alternative to its namesake’s classic hues. Similar to off-white, this color has a warm base that allows landscaping and foliage to look more green and vibrant. On the lighter end, this color can be crisp and refreshing in seashell tones. In a darker, smoky almond, a gray/beige blend will give your home a welcoming and cozy character.

Some of the best gray/beige blends include Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore and Behr’s Silver Drop.

4. Dark Grey

A deep gray aligns with one of Pantone’s colors of 2021, Ultimate Gray. A more dramatic color, this represents deep-seated strength and resilience. Dark grays are bold, calming and modern, especially with black or metal trim. White accents can also be used with deep gray to create contrast and intrigue. Whether you choose to paint your entire home this color or use it as an accent color, it will certainly set your home apart from the crowd.

Our favorite dark grays include Flagstone Grey by Glidden and Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore.

5. Beige

Beige is rich, creamy and inviting. A classic statement color, beige blends nicely with any type or color of roofing, making it very versatile. Though a neutral tone, beige can make a bold, clean statement when paired with a crisp white trim. If you have stone accents on your home or driveway, beige paint color can also help draw earthy colors from the stone, complementing and balancing them to enhance curb appeal.

Examples of timeless beige paints include Sherwin Williams’ Accessible Beige and Shaker Beige by Benjamin Moore.

6. Bronze

If you like the dramatic look of a dark gray, but aren’t quite sold on the color, this may be a great option for you. Bronze paints are a combination or deep gray and rich brown. Although a statement color in its own right, bronze is more classically based as opposed to modern dark grays. Serene and elegant, this paint color is great for highlighting wood, iron and brass accents on your home.

A great example of a bronze paint is Sherwin Williams’ 2021 “Color of the Year”, Urbane Bronze. Also by Sherwin Williams, Protege Bronze, is infused with more pronounced chocolate notes.

7. Slate Blue

Slate blue combines vibrant blue and gray hues. This is an excellent choice for coastal homes, capturing that perfect stormy ocean color. However, it also looks beautiful on any home, ranging from a more colonial blue, to modern shades. Slate blue invokes a calming, serene feeling and is a safe way to play with color without being overly bold.

Our favorite blues in this shade are Water’s Edge by Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams’ Krypton.

8. Navy Blue

Stepping up from slate blue, rich navy captures coastal elements in a bold, gem toned hue. Navy blue, though elegant, is still very approachable and comforting. From expansive homes to coastal cottages, navy blue works on a wide variety of homes. Similar to other dark colors, navy looks best when flanked by white trim, making the color “pop”.

Our picks for a rich navy blue include Sherwin Williams’ 2020 “Color of the Year”, Naval Blue, and Benjamin Moore’s Newburyport Blue.

9. Earthy Green

Green may not be your first thought when considering an exterior paint color. However, in soft muted tones, an earthy green can look quite striking. The key to an approachable green is a soft gray or brown undertone. For lighter shades, a gray sage green provides a delicate look whereas a darker mossy green provides a more dramatic result.

Perfect examples of earthy green paints include Saybrook Sage from Benjamin Moore and Behr’s Shallot Bulb.

10. Wood

Although not technically a paint color, a wood exterior also tops the list of home trends this year. For a traditional Victorian or oceanfront look, wooden shingles create a rich texture in both a medium or deep stain. On the flip side, lighter or orange-based colors can be used to create a rustic cabin-style look. Finally, for a super sleek modern architectural appearance, you can apply lateral slats of wood in sleek long lines.

Ready to Get Started on Your Exterior Painting Project?

Whatever your style or residential painting needs, our family is here for you. If you are located in the Virginia Beach or Chesapeake VA area, give us a call today at (757) 277-0243 or visit our website at hughespaintinginc.com for more information and to get your free estimate.