The Joyful Exterior: Orange on the Outside

Contemporary-style homes can typically take a wilder color scheme. The rich hues used here really warm up the cool, industrial building materials. The small bits of bold red-orange draw the eye up and highlight the interesting roof line.

For a similar palette, try: Fairview Taupe with accents of Rockport Gray and Fireball Orange, all by Benjamin Moore.

Here’s another example using an eye-catching red-orange as an accent, this time on a charming, modern ranch-style home. Such a bold color would be a bit much if the entire house was covered in it, but because plenty of other neutral-hued materials break up the facade, it doesn’t come on too strong.

For a similar palette, try: Moon Dance with an accent of Black Oak and Dizzy Days, all by Kelly-Moore.

Our featured hue isn’t just for contemporary and modern structures. This more traditional-style home gets a zesty boost from the hot-orange accent on the window frames and front door. It’s a color that bridges the warm, natural, neutral stone and the cooler — but still neutral — greenish-brown siding and trim.

For a similar palette, try: Spartan Stone with an accent of Sandwashed Driftwood and Fire Island, all by Behr.

Contemporary homes with minimal ornamentation provide the perfect canvas for a fun, saturated color scheme. These particular hues feel like they were pulled from the surrounding landscape and then pumped up a bit. The effect is warm, rich and dynamic.

For a similar palette, try: Olive Grove with an accent of Saffron Thread and Yam, all from Sherwin-Williams.

When pondering where to place a bold accent color on a home’s exterior, consider using it on or near the entrance. A happy orange is perfect for greeting guests.

For a similar palette, try: Stone’s Throw with an accent of Gig’s Grey and Fresh Nasturtium, all by Pratt & Lambert.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your exterior paint, especially if your home is of the modern variety. It’s only paint and therefore relatively easy to change down the road should you ever feel the need to neutralize.

For a similar palette, try: Ultra White with an accent of Decadent and Fresh Persimmons, all from Valspar.

Here’s a slightly less intense orange accent that still packs a punch. I think this is a nice ratio of accent color to softer neutrals, especially for this style of home.

For a similar palette, try: Morocco Sand with trim in Delicate White and an accent of Ginger Jar, all from PPG Pittsburgh Paints.

This is a cool, modern color scheme on an equally cool, modern home. The gray metal siding pairs nicely with the wood cladding. It’s a pleasing mix of warm and cool and soft and hard elements. The bright red-orange accents help draw the eye to the incredible windows.

For a similar palette, try: Plummett with accents of All White and Charlotte’s Locks, all from Farrow & Ball.

Your turn: Into orange? How have you used this bold hue on your home? Tell us in the Comments.

More exterior colors: Blue | Green | Yellow