Since almost all homes in Washington state have some sort of evergreen tree background, brown exterior paint colors are our most popular and pleasant earth tones.
We have spent years experimenting with different shades of Brown Exterior paint colors, and would like to share some of our findings with anyone in the process of deciding exterior house colors.
You may also be interested in our article on popular exterior gray colors for the Northwest.
Dark, Deep Brown Exterior Paint Colors
Not to be confused with "slate" (which is dark gray), our darker browns are more suitable for larger homes or homes with "interesting fronts." These are houses with plenty of trim to break up the darkness, or stone features that balance the strength of the color.
In most cases, I would not recommend dark brown for ramblers. Darker colors can miniaturize the house further and give it a more aged look. However, if you don't plan on selling soon, your house color should represent your personality—choose what you enjoy looking at!
If you plan on selling, I suggest choosing colors similar to what new home builders are using. Potential buyers often look at brand-new homes before visiting listings; the goal is to avoid colors that might not appeal to a broad range of personalities.
Favorite Brown Exterior Paint Colors
A Braver Approach to Brown
We also use plenty of "fun" browns that have red undertones, making them very attractive in the right situation. You need a house with enough architectural features so the unique color doesn't overwhelm the senses.
Whether it's a large brick surface drawing the eye, unique dormers on a roof, or sheer house size, certain situations allow you to get away with bolder, more unique shades.
Neutral, Earthy, & Mild Brown Options
Here are a few browns that appeal to every taste. If you want a nice, "normal" color that blends in beautifully with the Northwest landscape, these are our top picks from Benjamin Moore.
Elegant Painting® — Your Residential Specialists in Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland, and Sammamish.