Exterior House Paint Inspiration: Find Your Perfect Colour

Andrew Barnett using White

Whether you’re looking to enhance curb appeal, modernise your property, or achieve a timeless aesthetic, the right exterior house paint inspiration can make all the difference. Choosing the right exterior paint colour is one of the most impactful ways to refresh and transform your home.

At Emperor Paint, we provide high performance masonry paint in a variety of classic, modern and bold colours to suit all styles of houses. With so many exterior paint colours UK homeowners can choose from, it can feel overwhelming to find the perfect shade. This guide will help you explore classic, modern, and bold colour choices to suit your home’s unique character.

Things To Consider Before Choosing an Exterior Paint Colour

Before selecting a house colour, it’s essential to consider how different shades interact with your home’s surroundings, lighting, and architectural style. A colour that looks great on a chart may appear different when applied to exterior walls.

Lighting Effects:

South-facing houses receive warmer light, making colours appear more golden.
North-facing houses get cooler, blue-toned light, meaning warm shades can prevent a washed-out look.

Surrounding Environment:

Consider how your landscape, neighbouring homes, and architectural style influence your paint choices.
Homes in rural settings may benefit from earthy tones, while modern properties can embrace minimalist greys.

Choosing The Right Colour: Exterior House Paint Inspiration

1. Timeless & Elegant Neutrals

For a classic and sophisticated exterior, neutral tones are always a great option. Whites, creams and beiges work beautifully on a variety of surfaces including render, pebbledash and brick exteriors. These shades are ideal for those looking to freshen up their house and gives a clean finish that will remain timeless.

Gary Jordan using White

Popular choices include White (seen above), Off White, Warm White and Witney Cream, which all create an effortlessly elegant look with a variety of hues and undertones.

Anthony Miller using Off White, The Painting Crewe using Warm White & NJP Developments using Witney Cream

Magnolia and Beige provide a warm and inviting alternative, enveloping a home in a classic, welcoming charm that feels both timeless and elegant. These hues work beautifully in both traditional and modern settings, complementing natural materials like brick, stone, and wood.

Meanwhile, Pale Stone adds a delicate balance of depth and softness, offering a sophisticated, muted warmth that enhances the home’s exterior with a refined and understated elegance – perfect for those seeking a harmonious and versatile shade.

Andrew Barnett using Beige, Gary McKeown using Magnolia & homeowner using Pale Stone

2. MODERN & MINIMALIST GREYS

Grey has become one of the most popular exterior house painting colours in the UK, offering a sleek and contemporary finish.

Shades like Chalky Grey and Light Grey are perfect for achieving a modern and understated aesthetic.

Homeowner using Chalky Grey, Finch & Sons External Coatings using Light Grey

Smokey White and Heritage White provide softer alternatives to stark greys, allowing your home to look refined and polished without some of the bluer hues that greys can have, particularly in indirect light.

Clive Nicholas using Smokey White, NH Decorators using Heritage White

3. WARM & EARTHY TONES

For houses surrounded by lush greenery, countryside landscapes or natural stone features, warm and earthy tones are an excellent choice. These shadows allow your house to blend harmoniously with its environment while adding depth and character to your exterior.

Opting for this look you may consider our colours Mushroom, Brown Sugar or Earth Stone, which bring a sense of warmth to a property. These colours pair beautifully with wooden accents and stone elements, ideal for rural cottages, barn conversions or homes boasting a beautiful green garden.

Andrew Barnett using Beige, Gary McKeown using Magnolia & homeowner using Pale Stone

4. BOLD & UNIQUE COLOURS

If you want your home to stand out from the crowd, take some inspiration from other homeowners opting for a bold colour choice. These colours can create a striking yet stylish finish, making your house exterior one to be proud of.

Soft yet unique tones like Crystal Blue, Green Mist and Rose Pink bring a modern and playful touch to a house’s exterior.

Anita Counsell using Crystal Blue, Lindsey Sweeney using Green Mist & Charlotte Hadfield using Rose Pink

Peach Shine is another fantastic option for those looking to add a hint of vibrancy without being overpowering. A soft yet vibrant hue strikes the perfect balance between elegance and personality, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of charm and character to their property.

Stephen Neads using Peach Shine

5. HIGHLIGHTING ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES WITH COLOUR

Your home’s windowsills, trims and doors can play a key role in tying together your exterior colour scheme. Painting these features in a contrasting colour can help highlight the architecture of your home and create a polished, cohesive finish.
For a classic and timeless look, white or off-white trims complement nearly all house colours. Grey or beige trims work well with modern tones, while bold colours like Crystal Blue or Green Mist can be used on edges for a unique touch.

Jeffrey Dyson using Light Grey & Crystal Blue, Andrew Barnett using White & Beige

Try Before You Buy!

Finding the perfect colour for your external house painting is an investment, which is why testing before committing is crucial. At Emperor Paint we provide hand-painted colour cards and colour charts that allow you to see the true shade in different lighting. As well as seeing first-hand the super-hydrophobic abilities of our paint. We recommend dropping water onto the card and watch how it repels water, causing it to form beads and fall straight off.

We also recommend sample pots to test small sections of your home’s exterior, helping you make a confident decision before painting an entire façade.

Final Thoughts

Your home’s exterior is more than just a facade – it’s a reflection of your style and a key element in creating a lasting first impression.

Whether you’re aiming for a timeless, modern, or bold aesthetic, the right paint colour can completely transform your property while enhancing its character.

We hope this has given you the exterior house paint inspiration you needed. Ready to refresh the outside of your house? Explore the full 18 colours in our standard colour range and order your sample with free delivery on all orders.