The Exterior Paint Color That’s Guaranteed to Make Your Home Look Dated

There’s an exterior paint color for everyone. While neutral hues tend to dominate the landscape, homes painted in deep greens or rich blues can be just as stunning. Still, choosing the right exterior color is no small feat. As designer Melissa Mahoney notes, “Painting the exterior of your home is an endeavor you may only enjoy the process of once in a lifetime.”

With so many shades to consider, it’s important to choose one that not only enhances curb appeal but also stands the test of time. The last thing you want is for your home to look dated just a few years after a major paint job.

That’s where expert advice comes in handy—designers know exactly which color to steer clear of if you want your home to stay timeless. Read on to find out which hue that is, plus pro tips for picking the best shade for your home.

The Worst Paint Color for Your Home’s Exterior

When we asked a few designers about the exterior paint color that they’d avoid at all costs, there’s one shade they pointed to immediately: yellow. Pros agree that the color has a number of downsides.

Admittedly, yellow is making a bit of a comeback (uh, hello, butter yellow!), but Jennifer Carter, founder of Studio Envie, still doesn’t recommend the hue in most instances. “I have heard realtors advise that if you’re looking to sell your home, don’t paint it yellow,” she says. “It will age the home and make it less appealing.” Designer Jenn Cameron feels similarly. “The 1980s yellow on the exterior of a house can truly date it,” she says.

Moreover, Carter adds, yellow is simply a difficult color to perfect. “It’s either too yellow, too washed out, or takes on a warm undertone, making it muddy,” she explains.

Even if you’re inclined to embrace yellow’s more popular (and safer) cousin, beige, be sure to choose a version that doesn’t have yellow undertones, Julia Newman recommends, the founder of Julia Adele Design. “Beige with yellow undertones ages a home, and feels blah and camouflaged,” she says.

Tips for Picking an Exterior Paint Color

Now that you know that yellow is off the table, there are a few pointers you may still wish to keep in mind when selecting a paint color for your exterior.

Choose a House Color That Differs From Your Neighbor’s

Mahoney suggests selecting a hue that is different from your neighbor’s house. In her own neighborhood, there are two white Tudors that sit next to each other and stand out—in a negative way—to the designer.

“It almost looks like they are one big house as you drive down the street,” she says. “It’s unfortunate, because it is hard to appreciate their more personalized curb appeal when you are so focused on their slightly mismatched white exteriors.”

That said, don’t think too far outside the box in an attempt to be unique. “Your home should still feel like it belongs in its environment,” says designer Erin Tripodi.

Consider Your Home’s Architecture

Speaking of Tudor homes, it’s also important to keep your home’s architecture top of mind when selecting an exterior paint color, Tripodi notes. She recommends spending some time researching the color palettes that were historically used in conjunction with specific architectural styles. Ironically, this will help it feel more timeless!

“Choosing a color simply because you like it—without considering your home’s style—can quickly date your exterior,” the designer says.

Skip Bold Shades

Another tip Mahoney offers is to avoid going with anything that is too bold. You’re better off, in her view, saving an extra vibrant color for the front door—that is, “unless you live in a painted lady Victorian or a beach town,” she adds.

Swatch, Swatch, Swatch!

Last but not least, be sure to sample your paint contenders before making a final commitment. After all, lighting is everything, Tripodi states. “The direction your home faces has a major impact on how colors appear,” she says. “Always test three to four samples on your exterior and observe them at different times of day before committing.”