Blog

Exterior Painting Inspiration: Top Trending Colours for UK Homes

There’s something about standing at the edge of a property and knowing it’s due for a refresh—the walls tired, the colour dated, or maybe the whole place just blends into the background. A shift in colour changes everything. So if you’ve been circling the idea of repainting the exterior, now’s the time. And here’s what’s working right now across the UK’s streets, terraces, and detached homes.

White, off-white and cream

Still the go-to choice for many homeowners wanting something clean, neutral, and undeniably smart. These shades give older properties a fresh, crisp look and sit well against traditional brick or stone. A good number of painting contractors will tell you it’s one of the most requested palettes—not just because it looks tidy, but because it works with practically any trim, roof or window frame. Just be sure to get the finish right. Go for a matt finish if you want that clean, sharp look—gloss tends to feel a bit too shiny and dated on exterior walls.

Soft taupe and beige

There’s been a move towards warmer neutrals lately—colours that feel a little softer on the eye but still keep things understated. Taupe and beige are now often paired with natural textures like timber and stone. If you’re working with a timber-clad extension, for instance, these shades do a brilliant job of blending the new with the old, letting the natural grain of the wood shine without the whole thing feeling washed out or flat. And they weather well, which helps in our climate.

Light grey and warm greys

Greys haven’t gone anywhere, though they’ve shifted a bit. The stark, cold tones that were everywhere a few years back are making way for lighter, warmer greys—still modern, but less severe. You’ll find plenty of house building companies specifying these tones now, especially for new builds aiming for a minimalist finish. They pair effortlessly with anthracite windows and doors, creating that muted, layered look that feels contemporary but not too try-hard.

Charcoal and anthracite

Dark tones can be a bold move, but they’ve definitely got their place. Charcoal and anthracite are particularly popular for homeowners looking to make a strong architectural statement. These deeper colours offer a solid backdrop that highlights landscaping, bright trims or even metalwork features. They’re low maintenance too—hiding marks and weathering better than pale paint—and if your property gets full sun, they can actually help tone down that brightness visually.

Sage green and olive tones

Earthy greens have become more than a passing trend. They work especially well in semi-rural spots or anywhere with a mature garden or established trees. Sage green, in particular, gives off a muted, calming tone that softens the overall feel of a building. Olive, a little darker and dustier, creates depth without drawing too much attention. These colours tend to settle into their surroundings rather than standing out, making them ideal if you’re after something that ages well and won’t clash with the seasons.

Terracotta and soft clay

These tones are finally making their way into British homes after years of popularity across Europe. They offer warmth without being loud—somewhere between traditional and rustic-modern. You’ll often see these colours used on Mediterranean-style houses, but increasingly they’re showing up in urban projects too. In fact, we’ve noticed a noticeable uptick in their use during house refurbishment in London, where people are steering away from greys and into softer, earthier palettes. They work brilliantly on render and look even better in late afternoon light.

Pastel blues and muted teals

Blues aren’t new, but what’s changed is the shade. The punchy seaside hues are taking a backseat, and instead we’re seeing dusty pastels and greys with the faintest hint of blue creeping in. They’re subtle, smart, and give just enough colour to feel personal without overpowering the property. When paired with white or cream trims, pastel blues offer just the right amount of contrast. Teals, slightly greener in tone, can lend a slight Scandi feel—especially when combined with pale timber or minimalist landscaping.

Pale yellow and buttery tones

Finally, there’s the soft warmth of pale yellows. These shades bring an optimistic lift to older homes without turning them into statement pieces. It’s less about boldness and more about giving the exterior a fresher, lighter tone—especially useful in overcast regions where natural light can be fleeting. During a home refurbishment, buttery tones can lift the whole exterior, especially on period homes where you want a fresher look without stripping away the original charm. They also tend to complement traditional architectural features like sash windows and stone lintels far better than cooler palettes.