Popular Exterior Paint Colors for the Pacific Northwest

Vibes and Exterior Paint Colors (Pacific Northwest)

The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its lush green landscapes, coffee culture, rugged coastline, and rich, malty beers. When it comes to house painting in the PNW, including Portland and Beaverton house painting, we draw inspiration from these elements. Our palette for exterior paint colors in the Pacific Northwest tends to favor the region’s moody gray skies, foggy lowlands, and the vast expanse of trees covering our rolling hills. Picture the coastline where the water and sky blend seamlessly into one another.

For 2024, our color choices reflect these natural influences with a refined touch. Our whites are warm and inviting, and our grays have adopted a warmer tone as well. You’ll still see strong, deep colors like dark charcoals and blacks, but what’s trending now are the sophisticated deep blues and navys. These colors are reminiscent of Sherwin Williams’ 2020 color of the year, Naval 6244 – a stunning, rich navy. Nature provides an extraordinary palette that continues to inspire our latest trends.

Popular Exterior Paint Colors Pacific Northwest

With all of the beauty and nature the PNW has to offer, choosing the “right” exterior paint color scheme can mean different things to different people.  Our paint palettes are rooted in nature with earthy greens, mushrooms, and grays and give us so much inspiration. When we do go to the more saturated charcoals, navys and black, you’ll still find a nod to nature with stained wood accents.

Some of my favorite combinations are Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy HC-154 or Kendall Charcoal HC-166 or Sherwin Williams Peppercorn SW7674 for the body, with a Simply White OC-117 contrasting trim and Dijon 193 for the door to bring warmth. This works on a 1920s Craftsman as well as a Mid Century Mod renovation or a new-build Contemporary. 

Gone are the beige and tans, and in are the more complex colors like Sherwin Williams Functional Gray 7024 and Gauntlet Gray 7019. These deep mushroom tones are affected by light more than others. Some people find this ever-changing dynamic intriguing, and to others, it can be a little scary. My favorite is Urbane Bronze SW7048 – this was actually named Sherwin Williams 2021 Color of the Year! This is such a sophisticated color with so much personality. With exterior painting, make sure and sample the paint in several places as this is a complex color and is magic when you see it play under different lighting conditions. 

The Best Exterior Paint for Pacific Northwest Climates

What makes this area so lush and green is the 43” of rain we average a year, then in summer we get the heat and sun. This weather takes a toll on any painted finish and without the proper prep, your project will fail. Proper prep is more important than the paint itself. There I said it, but the finished product is only as good as the prep. Skimping on ANY of the prep will result in a project that will not last as long as it should and just means you get to do it all over again.

Taking into consideration the weather it is recommended to use a Low Lustre or Satin finish vs. Flat paint. This sheds the rain better as well as reflects the heat and sun for better color retention.

Popular Exterior Paint Colors in the Pacific Northwest by Region

The Pacific Northwest landscape of mountains, trees, and rocky ocean views inspires a beautiful color palette. It took us a LONG time to get on the gray bandwagon. I was told many times by homeowners “Oh, I can’t do gray! It’s too gray outside here to paint my walls gray.” I just smiled and asked about what colors make them feel good and bring comfort. It took a while but the more people started seeing gray used more often on an HGTV show or in print they came around. 

Oregon (Portland, Bend)

In Oregon, we love our wood and our outdoors in general. The Oregon landscape has a little bit of everything. We certainly have lush green, but we also have mountains, rocky coastline, and high desert scapes in Bend on the east side of the state. It is a wide-ranging color palette of earthy mid-tones and natural elements.

Washington (Vancouver, Seattle)

In Washington, as in any area of the Pacific Northwest, lighting is so important and ever-changing. Color is seen by everyone differently and when you add that variable to how natural light plays off of a particular color it can be more than a little frustrating. I suggest painting large samples (no more than three) on poster board or photo paper and taping them up on the outside of your home. Corners work best. Then step back and walk back & forth to see how the light plays off of each color. How dark or light is it? How does it contrast with the rock or masonry on the outside of your home? As you narrow down your choices, fold it in half and hang it on an inside corner and in the shade… Do you like the full range of your color?

The Pacific Northwest mid-tones where blue and gray come together can be very challenging. Make sure and view your samples at different times of day as well as in different varying cloud coverage, as all of these variables affect the light and how you’ll perceive the color. It’s important to do the homework if you want to be happy with the end result.

Next, decide if you like a dramatic contrast between the body color and the trim color or whether you prefer a more subtle approach or a monochromatic scheme. 

Idaho

Idaho consists mainly of small to medium-sized cities with incredible ecological diversity. In Idaho, you will find mountains, areas covered in Douglas fir trees, desert, and beautiful lakes, just to name a few. These factors all influence popular paint colors, even the color of the front door!

The front door is one element of which I’ve seen a lot of change. It used to be we were painting a couple of red or black doors every week! Even if the rest of the home is fairly conservative, a new front door paint can really give the whole house a boost. It’s the lipstick, the final touch. It is for curb appeal, THE biggest statement you can make.

As I said, we used to do a LOT of red & black doors, then we were doing some lime green or yellow or blue. The biggest change of late is the use of the softer tones, they are back, dare I say pastel! A soft blue, seafoam, even pink is making a comeback. I think we are all looking for our sanctuary, our safe place. Some of my favorites are Benjamin Moore’s 2021 color of the year Aegean Teal #2136-40, Sherwin Williams SW9138 Stardew or SW9632 Serenely, SW6339 Persimmon, Hubbard Squash SW0044 & Benjamin Moore Pale Almond OC-2. Have fun with this, it’s fresh and light and feels like spring!

Montana

In Montana, we find more rustic and farmhouse trends. HGTV’s Fixer Upper, Magnolia enterprise has inspired the Modern Farmhouse for the last number of years. Some colors to create this look include Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist SW9166 paired with Forged Steel SW9565. It has been around a while now and is evolving a bit as everything does.

2024 Exterior House Colors: The Latest PNW Trends  

Exterior paint trends in the PNW continue to evolve, emphasizing sustainability and harmony with the natural environment. Both Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer eco-friendly paint options that enhance the aesthetic appeal of homes while using environmentally responsible formulations.

Sherwin-Williams Eco-Friendly Exterior Options:

Sherwin-Williams provides several low-VOC exterior paints designed to withstand the challenging PNW climate. Two notable colors that are trending in 2024 include:

• Emerald® Rain Refresh™ Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint in Cascades (SW 7623): Cascades is a rich, deep green inspired by the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. This color blends seamlessly with natural surroundings, making it an excellent choice for homes in this region. 
• Duration® Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint in Iron Ore (SW 7069): Iron Ore is a soft black with subtle gray undertones, offering a sophisticated and modern look. It’s perfect for creating a bold statement while maintaining an eco-friendly profile. 

Benjamin Moore’s Environmentally Responsible Selections:

Benjamin Moore also offers a range of eco-friendly exterior paints that balance performance and environmental responsibility. Two trending colors for 2024 are:

• Aura® Exterior Paint in Hale Navy (HC-154): Hale Navy is a timeless and versatile deep navy blue that complements the natural elements of the Pacific Northwest. It provides a striking contrast against lush greenery and natural wood finishes. 
• Regal® Select Exterior High Build Paint in Chelsea Gray (HC-168): Chelsea Gray is a sophisticated and warm gray that works beautifully with the natural PNW landscape. It’s a versatile color that offers depth and elegance to any exterior. 

These colors are not only trendy and suitable for the Pacific Northwest but also align with the environmental standards set by these eco-friendly paint lines. For homeowners in the Pacific Northwest looking to repaint their exteriors, these paint options provide a perfect blend of aesthetic appeal, durability, and environmental responsibility. These trends underline a broader move towards embracing eco-friendly solutions in home improvement, reflecting both regional preferences and a global shift towards sustainability in building materials.

Pro Tips for Choosing Pacific Northwest Exterior House Paint Colors

Choosing the perfect exterior paint color for your home in the Pacific Northwest involves several considerations to ensure your house blends beautifully with the natural environment while standing up to the region’s unique weather conditions. Here are some pro tips to help you make the best choice:

Draw Inspiration from Nature:

• • Local Landscape: Look at the colors present in the natural surroundings of your home. The PNW is known for its lush forests, coastal waters, and misty skies. Greens, blues, grays, and earthy tones are excellent choices that harmonize with the environment.
  • Regional Materials: Consider the colors of local building materials like wood, stone, and brick. These natural hues often complement the regional landscape and provide a cohesive look.

Test Colors in Different Lighting:

• • • Natural Light Variations: The lighting in the PNW can change dramatically from one season to another and even throughout the day. It’s essential to test paint samples on different sides of your house and observe them at various times (morning, noon, and evening) to see how they appear under different lighting conditions.
    • Weather Conditions: Rain and overcast skies can affect how colors are perceived. Make sure to view your samples on both sunny and cloudy days.

Consider the Architecture of Your Home:

• • Historical Accuracy: If you have a historical home, consider colors that are true to its original palette or that reflect the period’s style.
  • Modern Trends: For more contemporary homes, you might opt for bold contrasts or monochromatic schemes that highlight architectural features.

Balance Bold and Neutral Colors:

• • Accent Features: Use bold colors for doors, shutters, and trim to add character without overwhelming the overall appearance. For example, a deep navy door (like Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy) can provide a striking contrast against a gray exterior (like Chelsea Gray).
  • Neutral Bases: Neutrals such as grays, taupes, and off-whites provide a timeless base that can be accented with more vibrant hues.

Use High-Quality, Eco-Friendly Paints:

• • Durability and Sustainability: Choose paints that are formulated to withstand the PNW’s wet climate and temperature fluctuations. Eco-friendly options like Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald® Rain Refresh™ and Benjamin Moore’s Aura® Exterior ensure long-lasting protection and minimal environmental impact.
  • Low VOC: Opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints to reduce harmful emissions and ensure a healthier environment for your family and the planet.

Consult a Professional:

• • Color Consultants: If you’re uncertain about your choices, consider hiring our professional color consultant. She can provide expert advice tailored to your specific home and preferences.
  • Samples and Swatches: Many paint stores offer sample sizes and large swatches that you can test on your home before committing to a full purchase. Take advantage of these to make sure you’re happy with the color in all conditions.

By following these tips, you can confidently choose an exterior paint color that enhances your home’s beauty, complements the natural surroundings, and withstands the unique challenges of the Pacific Northwest climate.

Professional Painting Contractors in Portland, Beaverton, Oregon & More!

At Absolute Painting, we have a professional color consultant (Beth Girgen Hall) who LOVES assisting clients in finding THEIR perfect color statement. It starts by asking a lot of questions because it’s important with such a large investment (like purchasing a home) that it reflects them as well as being inviting, interesting but also quite timeless. 

Absolute Painting’s portland house painters have been providing the highest quality painting and construction services since 1995! We specialize in interior and exterior residential and commercial painting and offer professional color consultation to all our customers.

To get started, request a free estimate and we’ll get back to you shortly. We THANK YOU for your time and look forward to working with you!