ShareOver the last two weeks, we offered up design inspiration for the home exterior using the 2025 Colors of the Year to liven up a home’s curb appeal, including some of this year’s trendy jewel tones, soft pastels and earth-inspired hues. But in real estate, you may not want to get too trendy with your exterior color choices. After all, any color you choose for your exterior can be a big commitment. So, what are some timeless, classic choices for a modern refresh of the home’s exterior?
Dzinly is an interactive virtual design platform that allows users to test out home exterior features and colors. Dzinly’s in-house design experts—Jackie Mosher, the company’s co-founder, and Bella Baldwin—offer their picks for timeless exterior picks.
"We chose a realistic palette that’s not too wild and can be used across a wide range of exteriors, ensuring these colors will not only look amazing but will also be loved for years to come,” Mosher says.
Breaking Down Their Color Picks
The perfect color for any home: Sherwin Williams Elephant Ear (SW 9168)
“Elephant Ear” brings a soothing, neutral vibe with earthy tones that blend beautifully with various home styles. Featuring warm taupe and soft gray undertones, this shade offers a balanced and refined look, making it an excellent choice for exterior siding or trim.
"Elephant Ear is a timeless neutral that creates a welcoming foundation for any home,” Baldwin says. “Its subtle warmth enhances the architectural details while letting bold accent colors truly shine."
The perfect soothing white: SW Simple White
“SW Simple White” is a clean, crisp white with a slight touch of warmth, giving it a fresh and soft feel without being too stark. This color works exceptionally well on exteriors because it can open up spaces, reflect light and provide a clean, timeless backdrop. It pairs perfectly with bold accent colors or natural finishes, making it ideal for homeowners looking for a serene, welcoming look.
A sophisticated, timeless accent: BM Dragon's Breath
This rich, deep charcoal has undertones of brown, which gives it a grounded, elegant feel. It's dark without being too harsh and adds a refined, sophisticated touch to any home. “Dragon's Breath” is perfect as an accent color, especially for doors, shutters or trim. It offers a striking contrast when paired with lighter walls, creating a bold and timeless statement.
"Dragon's Breath is my go-to when a client is looking for a moody, interesting vibe,” Baldwin says. “It’s bold yet approachable, making it a standout choice for adding drama and sophistication to a home’s exterior."
A fun pop of color (that’s versatile too!): C2’s Savannah
“Savannah (C2-543)” is a warm coral that works beautifully across a range of exterior home styles, including colonial, Craftsman, and midcentury modern. Its rich hue pairs well with neutral tones like beige, grays and blues, making it a versatile accent color.
In colonial homes, it adds a lively touch when paired with muted tones. For Craftsman exteriors, it contrasts nicely with earthy greens or deep grays, while in midcentury modern homes, it complements sleek whites and neutrals, offering a vibrant yet sophisticated pop of color.
"Savannah is perfect for clients who want to incorporate personality into their home’s exterior,” Baldwin says. “Its warm coral tone adds just the right amount of energy while maintaining a classic, polished look."
How About 2025’s Hottest Color Trends?
Yes, they can offer some great options, too!
The trending paint colors for 2025 reflect a significant shift toward deeper, earthy tones that evoke comfort, sophistication and a sense of timelessness. These selections align with a growing preference for spaces that feel personal and grounded, drawing on rich shades inspired by nature, spices and gemstones.
For example, Glidden's “Purple Basil” and Minwax's “Violet” offer bold yet sophisticated jewel tones, while Sherwin-Williams’ “Encore” and Valspar’s “Quietude” blend calming, neutral tones with modern vibrancy. These colors reflect a desire for more enduring and versatile designs, promoting spaces that combine tranquility with bold, expressive accents.
Dzinly’s Mosher and Baldwin encourage homeowners to embrace color palettes that mix vibes of warmth and relaxation, along with the possibility of a dramatic flair to make them stand out.