If You're Doing The Black House Trend, Avoid A Common Mistake

Home design trends are going bold, and it's not just the interiors turning heads — black exteriors are stealing the spotlight, too. While retro designs are making a strong comeback this year, this sleek, dramatic style has been rising in popularity since 2017. Homeowners are embracing black exterior paint to give farmhouses a modern edge, enhance contemporary designs, and emphasize the moody charm of Victorian-style homes. But a trend this bold does risk falling flat if not done correctly, so if you're planning on painting your home with some striking black paint, you'll want to avoid one common mistake — using a cool-toned shade of black.

There are plenty of popular black paint colors to choose from, but for home exteriors, selecting one with a warmer tone or a true black color may prove more beneficial in the long run. Homeowners often overlook how lighting and surroundings can affect the final look of black paint. Natural daylight will have a massive impact on the color of your home's exterior, typically causing the shades to lighten and appear cooler than they are. You can still get the bold effect you're looking for if you opt for a warmer shade, so it's best to steer clear of those colder black hues.

There are many things to consider before painting your home black, and one of the most impactful is the variety of shades available. While the difference between warm and cool shades of black might seem insignificant, designers warn they can yield dramatically different results. Cool black paints tend to have blue or green hues, whereas warm blacks feature hints of brown or red, which pair well with exterior stone, brickwork, and natural accents.

Most homeowners who paint their exteriors black are aiming for a bold, dramatic look, and the tone of the paint plays a critical role in achieving it. Natural light tends to make colors appear cooler than they are, and using a warm black helps balance this effect to get that striking appeal. While cool blacks may seem edgier initially, they often lose their depth in the natural light, leading to a look that feels underwhelming. It's safe to say that there's more to picking a black paint color than meets the eye, and choosing the right shade is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make. Warm blacks not only harmonize well with natural light, they also complement natural materials like cedar trim or columns. And although black is a popular choice for a modern look, those warm shades can also work well with traditional style homes. By avoiding those deceiving cool tones, your bold black exterior can truly stand out for all the right reasons.