Exterior Paint Colors for Midcentury House

The Suburbs

• If you are too young to know, or remember, the classic 1950s suburban home exterior, a few modern-day representations can quickly bring to mind the color palette of the time. Think of the white picket fences, sunny yellows and soft purples of popular television shows such as the suburban-set "Desperate Housewives." The midcentury American suburban sprawl of homes often featured a mix of ranches, split levels and occasionally an updated two-story decked out in whimsical candy-colored hues.

Neutrals

• Neutral shades have been a popular exterior color choice over many historical periods. Although the midcentury American retro colors are often remembered in a splash and flash of bright colors, more subdued tones also found their way into the exterior design aesthetic of the time. Beige, tan, cream, buttery yellow and gray are all classic colors that were commonly used alone or in combinations by 1950s homeowners. Additionally, neutral sage and mossy greens could be found as accents on shutters and door or window trim.

Blank Slates

• While brights and neutrals were mainstays of the 1950s era, the blank slate of white was also a well-used color of the time. The clean lines of the middle 20th century architecture provided the perfect backdrop for a fresh coat of white. Often seen with hints of other hues or bold accent trims, the white midcentury house was akin to a clean canvas that the homeowner could add to as needed.

Purples and Reds

• Other frequently used exterior paint colors seen on midcentury houses were shades of red, including maroons and purple hues. This is especially true for certain geographic regions and styles of homes. For example, the cape cod ranches of New England were often adorned with brownish reds as main or accent colors for shutters and trim. Additionally, bold reds could been found on traditional homes in combination with other brights such as yellows on doors and windows.