Exterior Paint Palettes

By Holly Peterson

Several paint specialists swear by these unusual trim-and-siding combos that are distinguished and still neighborly.




These dusty hues would especially enliven a Craftsman house. Subtle without being neutral.

Siding: celery
Sleepy Hollow #D6-2
Trim: deep brown
Potting Soil #B11-1

Dutch Boy for stores



Pale aqua and bluish gray work beautifully on a Colonial. A driftwood-style pairing that fits nicely into the landscape.

Siding: aqua
Surf Spray #14-4807
Trim: gray
Monument #17-4405

Pantone Paints for stores



For a country-cottage-chic look, use white with this deep, dark green.

Siding: white
China White
Trim, shutters, screen doors: dark green
Black Forest Green

Benjamin Moore for stores


A subtle combination of versatile neutrals, made even more striking when paired with very dark sashes and shutters.

Siding: pale gray
Horizon
Trim: white
Alaskan Husky

Benjamin Moore for stores



White with black accents. A red door is especially charming and inviting.

Siding: white
White
Trim: black
Jet Black
Door: red
Ruby Red

Benjamin Moore for stores



Elegant ways to say "welcome" (from left to right).

13" x 13" x 26" "English Street" $1,314
McLean Lighting Works

10" x 7" x 16" zinc-finish lantern $650
Marston & Langinger

6½" x 6" x 22" "Lyford" lantern $1,100
Urban Electric



It means a serious wallet-stretch, but upgrading from asphalt shingles is a splurge designers and their clients agree is worth it.

standing seam metal: Amazingly durable and low-maintenance, this once-industrial choice comes in a huge array of colors and styles.
steelroofing.com for information

slate shingles: The Limoges of roofing materials is perfect for traditional houses (particularly Federal and Colonial), but requires special handling in installation.
vermontstructuralslate.com for information

cedar shakes:Wonderfully warm and rustic, this thicker-than-shingles option weathers to a gorgeous silvery gray.
cedarbureau.org for information