Choosing the perfect exterior paint colour can make or break your home’s curb appeal. Yet there seems to be such limited information online about how to select paint colours for the outside of your house. We’re here to help! Whether you’re renovating or building new, going for a traditional or modern style, these on-trend palettes offer inspiration to make your facade stand out. Keep scrolling for our top 5 colour schemes this year.
Related article: How to affordably landscape your garden: Wow factor on a budget
Related article: Fabulous front doors: Colourful statement entry doors
1. Warm neutrals: Timeless elegance
From traditional cottage houses to luxe contemporary homes, a fool-proof exterior colour scheme is to choose neutral paint colours. Shades of beige, soft grey and warm whites pair beautifully with natural materials like stone and timber, as well as modern finishes such as metal cladding or concrete render. These hues offer longevity, blending into any streetscape while elevating the overall design.
Designer tip: Choose one dominant neutral tone for the exterior walls, then layer in depth with a slightly darker or lighter tone for trims or eaves. Add texture through materials like timber panelling or battens to keep the palette from feeling flat.
Popular Dulux picks: ‘Buff It’, ‘Dieskau’, ‘Beige Royal’.
Perfect for: Modern coastal homes, contemporary cottages, and Hamptons-style facades.
2. Earthy greens: Embracing nature
Earthy greens are having a moment — and it’s a trend we expect to grow even stronger in 2025. These calming tones feel grounded, sophisticated and connected to nature. Olive, sage, and eucalyptus hues are ideal for homes surrounded by lush landscaping or bushland, and pair beautifully with warm timber and brass or bronze fixtures.
Designer tip: If painting the whole home green feels like too much, try using it on your front door or garage with a lighter neutral base. Textural elements like stacked stone or weatherboards add warmth and interest.
Popular Dulux picks: ‘Glenfern’, ‘Lichen’, ‘Natural Olive’.
Perfect for: Country homes, mid-century facades, or homes nestled into a leafy suburb.
3. Monochromatic greys: Modern minimalism
For lovers of clean lines and contemporary design, a grey-on-grey exterior is a bold and elegant choice. From cool silvers to deep charcoals, this palette offers dimension and depth, especially when paired with black fixtures or minimalist landscaping.
Designer tip: Vary the tones across your exterior. Use a lighter shade for the main render, then offset architectural elements — like cladding, awnings or the front door — with darker accents. This creates contrast and sophistication without introducing colour.
Popular Dulux picks: ‘Domino’, ‘Monument, ‘Timeless Grey’, ‘Western Myall’, ‘Grey Pail’.
Perfect for: Architecturally designed homes, minimalist styles, adding a modern twist on traditional homes, and inner-city builds.
4. Classic whites: Clean and crisp
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with white. It’s bright, timeless and reflects light beautifully — making it a popular choice for all kinds of homes across Australia. Whether you’re styling a heritage property or a modern build, crisp whites can create that coveted ‘freshly finished’ feel.
“We paint a lot of Queenslander-style homes in crisp white tones — it’s one of the easiest ways to freshen up the exterior and give it a more modern, high-end feel. Pairing whites with soft grey trims or black accents is a classic look that never dates.” – BJC Painting Services
Designer tip: The trick is to layer white tones — don’t just pick one flat white. Use a warmer white for the walls and something slightly brighter or cooler for trims or fascias. Contrast with black or timber windows for a polished finish.
Popular Dulux picks: ‘Lexicon Quarter’, ‘White on White’, ‘Natural White’.
Perfect for: Hamptons homes, farmhouse style, or modern coastal builds.
5. Bold accents: Adding personality
If you want to be more daring than all-neutrals but aren’t ready to commit to a bold colour, a compromise is to simply add colourful accents to reflect your personal style. Whether it’s a deep green front door, navy shutters or black window trims — small injections of colour can make a big statement.
Designer tip: Stick to one or two accents and keep the rest of your exterior palette restrained. Look to your garden, entryway, or even your mailbox for spots to introduce colour in a way that feels intentional, not overwhelming.
Popular Dulux picks: ‘Domino’, ‘Hilton Head Blue’, ‘Terracotta Chip’.
Perfect for: Design lovers who want to stand out while keeping their home street-smart.
“When selecting your exterior colour scheme, consider the 60-30-10 rule. This is where 60% of the house is painted a dominant colour, 30% a secondary colour, and 10% an accent colour. This ratio ensures a balanced and visually appealing facade where the colours complement each other rather than compete.” – BJC Painting Services
Top 5 tips to select the right exterior colours
Now that you’ve got a good understanding of the different ways you can create an exterior colour scheme, it’s time to offer some tips to help you lock in your decision!
1. Gather your inspiration
Start by saving photos of houses you love. Whether it’s from Pinterest, Instagram, or a stroll around your neighbourhood, identifying your style preferences will guide your colour choices.
2. Create a materials palette
Pull together all your exterior materials — think brick, stone, roofing material, window trims, and landscaping. Collect swatches or photos and lay them out with paint chips to ensure everything works harmoniously together.
3. Use a visualiser tool or engage a professional
Many paint brands offer free online tools to help you visualise colours on a facade. For a more tailored approach, a colour consultant or designer can provide expert advice and combinations that suit your home’s architecture and surroundings.
4. Test, test, test
Never rely on a paint chip alone. Order sample pots and test your top colour choices in different areas of your exterior to see how they look in varying light conditions.
5. Don’t ignore the undertones
Warm versus cool undertones can dramatically affect how colours look once painted. Compare swatches side-by-side and consider how the tones will interact with your fixed elements like roofing, brickwork, or even the surrounding landscape.
We hope these paint colour schemes and expert tips help you select the colours for your home. Updating your home’s exterior with one of these on-trend colour schemes can significantly boost its curb appeal and value. Whether you prefer the timelessness of warm neutrals or the vibrancy of bold accents, 2025 offers a palette to suit every taste. Let us know your fave in the comments below.
More building and renovation tips
