Making a good first impression is always key, and homebuyers or passersby tend to judge a book (your home) by its cover. A home’s exterior color and facade materials tell an initial story about the overall atmosphere of a home, and the people in it!

Whether you are planning to paint your home exterior before selling or just looking to give your home a facelift, selecting a new exterior paint color can be one of the most important design decisions of all. So why not go the extra mile and invest in an exterior paint color that is not only popular and stylish but also practical and classic enough to stand the test of time?

To dig into this topic, I did some research on several award lists and real estate/lifestyle bloggers’ selections for their top exterior paint colors for 2023. In the back of my mind, I was anticipating that I was going to see a lot of neutrals, blues, and greens. While fairly accurate, the depth, richness, and unique feel of the colors I found were a pleasant surprise and quite a departure from the generic shades that I initially expected. In this article, I chose three colors from the popular paint supplier Benjamin Moore. This is not intended as a promotion of their products; all suppliers offer great choices in these color families. Here are the top three favorites amongst rankers and writers in the home design space:

1. Nightfall: Blackened gray with subtle blue

Dark, moody exterior paint colors are all the rage right now. A blackened gray with subtle blue undertones pairs well with natural building materials such as wood, stone, and brick. It can also help to ground and simplify facades that have a lot of mixed materials or many levels. When paired with lighter hues, the high-contrast color palette creates a richness and a depth that make it a stunning choice for an exterior paint color.

See: Benjamin Moore’s Nightfall described as a “blackened gray infused with the serene mystique of midnight”

2. November Rain: Light gray with green undertones

While appearing to some as an off-white color, a light gray with subtle green undertones helps to amplify natural reds or purples in stone or wood facades while minimizing the look of any excessive green accents. The warmth and softness that this type of neutral provides can help to offset any square edges that a home or building may feature, and offers subtle highlights without making a big statement. November Rain is sophisticated, inviting, and works with any texture, making it a great exterior paint color that doesn’t make a big statement.

See: Benjamin Moore’s November Rain, described as a “comforting light gray misted with a touch of green”

3. Regent Green: Deep, muted pine green

Almost appearing black in certain lights, Regent Green is a deep, muted pine green that helps to amplify naturally occurring greens and blues in stone facades or surrounding nature. This shade stands apart from other greens that have taken up popularity in recent years and stands out for being a bit more moody and attention-grabbing. Regardless, sages and greens are some of the more malleable exterior home colors that pair well with existing facades or a wider array of design choices.

See: Benjamin Moore’s Regent Green, described as a “deep, muted pine green that verges on black”

As neutrals, blues, and greens continue to dominate the exterior paint color votes, the versatility and uniqueness within each of those color’s spectrums is certainly worth looking into! These color families have proven to possess staying power over the past several years and are therefore worth the investment when making a paint upgrade. Owners should feel confident in the longevity of that decision.

While some unique neighborhoods are more inviting to a bold or bright house color, you can’t go wrong with keeping your home within the earth-tone family and making a unique decision within those parameters. Be sure to think about what facades or materials are already on your home’s exterior (such as wood, stone, brass metals, etc.) and let those features guide your next paint upgrade. The impression of a home's color can make a big difference to buyers and passersby, so be sure to make it count!