Let your home be in tune with the beauty of its surroundings by following Benjamin Moore’s Regional Color Palettes Guide for the United States. Each region has its own unique appeal, climate, and energy. These are all elements that influence which colors work best and feel most natural in your home. To help you discover the colors that flatter your home the most, we’ve highlighted six regions and the color palettes that work best in each.
The French Quarter: Moody Deeps & Muted Pales
Moody deep tones, muted pale shades, and richly saturated hues are ideal for homes in New Orleans. These colors reflect the spirit and character of the city’s French, French-Canadian, and Spanish architectural influences.
The blend of off white, pale blue, and tan exterior gives the house a light, airy feel, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere that mirrors the city’s laid-back charm. With New Orleans’ sunny weather, these shades help keep the exterior cool and fresh. This color palette works beautifully and captures the timeless elegance of New Orleans.
Northeast: Earthy Minimal
Homes in the Northeast are best suited for a blend of classical, coastal, and contemporary shades, reflecting the region’s modern sophistication and its diverse landscapes.
This versatile palette of soft yellow, sage grey, and cloudy white keeps the exterior looking balanced throughout every season. Not only do these shades adapt to the seasonal light, but they are also easy on the eyes. The lighter tones allow architectural details such as the windows, trim, and shingles to stand out, creating harmony without feeling overwhelming.
Pacific Northwest: Lakeside Calm
Stunning mountains, lakes, dense forests, and rocky ocean views define the landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Homes in this region look best when they reflect their surroundings, featuring earthy tones inspired by nature, balanced with bright pops of color.
The mocha, cedar green, and pale peach-beige create a harmonious mixture of earthy tones and bright colors for the home. The region’s typically grey skies provide a contrasting, moody backdrop that allows the homes following this color palette to stand out.
Southeast: Frosted Sea Glass & Sandy Hues
In the Southeast, coastal color palettes work beautifully as these shades echo the blues and sandy neutrals of the shoreline. The lighter shades also reflect the southern sun, giving the home an airy feel.
Sandy yellow, pure white, and pastel blue colors give the exterior a sunny, fresh look with a breezy feel. These colors complement the Southeast’s bright slides and warm coastal climate. The beach-inspired shades help the home feel like it naturally belongs in the region, reflecting its coastal surroundings.
Southwest: Radiant & Organic
Rich, earthy, and organic tones match nicely with homes in the southwest, keeping the home grounded and calm. These shades mirror the warm deserts and rugged mountains in the region, making it feel connected to the landscapes around it.
The combination of tan, red-brown, and beige works together cohesively, giving the home a sophisticated look. The organic tones provide contrast with the window trims and draw attention to the barrel-shaped roof tiles. Both the design and color palette reflect the region’s Spanish and agricultural influences.
Rocky Mountain: Neutral Hues
The Rocky Mountains are defined by majestic mountain views and open terrain. Naturally, neutral hues suit homes in this region. With dramatic seasonal shifts, from snowy winters to bright summers, neutral hues are visually pleasing year-round without clashing with changing scenery.
Using colors like stone brown, black, and tan results in a home that feels natural and in tune with its surroundings. This palette adds depth to the exterior and seamlessly pairs with natural materials like wood and stone, perfect for homes in the Rocky Mountains.
Timeless Hues for Every Region
With Benjamin Moore’s Best Regional Color Palettes recommendations, you can choose colors for your home that look great in every season. The result is a timeless, stylish exterior that always feels well put together. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in creating a home that feels cohesive and well-integrated with the environment around it.
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