Forget stark grays and sad beige—the future of home exteriors is warm, authentic, and rooted in nature, according to BEHR’s latest color forecast. Leading the charge is their newly unveiled 2025 Exterior Stain Color of the Year: Cedar.
“Cedar is a warm, earthy, and versatile hue inspired by the natural tones of cedarwood,” says Erika Woelfel, BEHR’s vice president of color and creative services. Aptly named, Cedar captures the essence of nature with its rich, rustic appeal for a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic.”
Courtesy of Behr
This announcement was made with the release of BEHR’s second annual Curb Appeal Collection, a curated palette designed to simplify the often-overwhelming task of choosing exterior colors. The palette consists of 45 colors and four architectural themes: American casual, craftsman, modern, and traditional.
According to a BEHR-commissioned survey, a staggering 84% of Americans would consider repainting their home’s exterior, highlighting the need for expert guidance. “We realize exterior projects can be a particularly overwhelming undertaking, and this collection takes the guesswork out of pondering paint choices by offering on-trend exterior paints, making it easier to select complementary colors for all exterior surface areas,” Woelfel explains.
Here, she walks us through the Curb Appeal Collection and general color trends she’s seeing among homeowners.
- Erika Woelfel, BEHR’s vice president of color and creative services
Earth Tones Dominate
Courtesy of Behr
“We’re seeing a shift toward natural, earthy tones like Cedar, as homeowners embrace warmth and authenticity, along with vibrant pops of color that make a statement,” Woelfel notes. “As the desire for fresh, personalized looks continues to grow, the collection blends timeless elegance with contemporary design to meet diverse tastes.”
This move away from the stark, minimalist aesthetics of recent years is a deliberate choice, reflecting a desire for homes that feel lived-in and connected to the natural world.
Traditional Farmhouse-Inspired Colors Are Losing Popularity
Courtesy of Behr
“Black and white farmhouse styles were very popular at the beginning of the ’20s,” she adds. “There is a shift towards adding natural, earthy tones to wood, stone and metal materials as homeowners embrace more personalized designs.”
You don’t have to repaint your entire exterior for a refresh! The Curb Appeal Collection offers suggestions for both large-scale renovations and smaller updates, such as painting a front door or window trim.
People Are Choosing Dark Color Palettes With Nuance
Courtesy of Behr
According to Woelfel, darker colors have come into focus over the past few years like black, charcoal gray, and dark blue. And while black and dark grays remain in use, she says they are typically complemented by lighter, natural tones rather than being the dominant feature. “In general, the trend is shifting toward dynamic, personalized color choices, with a focus on warmth and depth, while keeping a timeless appeal with touches of traditional shades,” she notes.
It’s generally recommended to repaint your home’s exterior every five to seven years, Woelfel says. However, this can vary depending on factors like the type of paint, climate, and the condition of the surface.
Vibrant Colors Are in Demand
Courtesy of Behr
As we mentioned, earthy hues like subtle browns and creamy whites continue to gain popularity, but people are also pairing them with zingy shades. “There’s a move towards bolder, more vibrant colors like yellow, teal, and orange, which are increasingly popular in modern homes,” Woelfel says.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/behr-curb-appeal-color-collection-Midnight-Blue-0ca2047b9f374444a71ace89b00456fc.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1&description=Behr+Says+These+Will+Be+the+Top+Exterior+Paint+Color+Trends+in+2025){kind=link}