Mid Century Modern Exterior Paint Schemes is a design trend that combines nostalgic charm with modern sophistication, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to elevate their home's curb appeal.
The mid century modern style is characterized by its use of clean lines, organic shapes, and an emphasis on functionality. When it comes to exterior paint schemes, mid century modern design often incorporates a palette of muted earth tones, rich wood accents, and pops of bold color to create a unique and inviting look. In this article, we'll explore 10 timeless mid century modern exterior paint schemes to inspire your home's exterior makeover.
1. Classic Earth Tones

The classic earth tone palette is a staple of mid century modern design. This timeless combination of beige, sienna, and umber creates a warm and inviting exterior that blends seamlessly into its surroundings.

When selecting earth tone shades, consider the following tips:
- Choose a warm beige or sandy neutral for the main body of your home.
- Add depth with a darker sienna or umber shade for the trim and accents.
- Consider adding a pop of green or blue to create contrast and visual interest.

This classic earth tone palette is perfect for homes with a natural landscape or those situated in a rural area.
2. Bold and Bright

For a more vibrant and eye-catching look, consider a bold and bright paint scheme. Mid century modern design often incorporates bold colors to add personality and whimsy to the exterior of a home.
When selecting bold and bright shades, keep the following tips in mind:
- Choose a statement color for the main body of your home, such as a bright red or turquoise.
- Add contrast with a crisp white or light gray for the trim and accents.
- Consider adding a secondary color to create a cohesive and balanced look.

This bold and bright palette is perfect for homes with a playful or whimsical vibe.
3. Monochromatic Neutrals
For a more subtle and sophisticated look, consider a monochromatic neutral paint scheme. Mid century modern design often incorporates a range of neutral shades to create a calm and serene exterior.

When selecting monochromatic neutrals, consider the following tips:
- Choose a light to medium gray for the main body of your home.
- Add depth with a darker gray or taupe for the trim and accents.
- Consider adding a hint of warm beige or sandy neutral to create contrast.


















This monochromatic neutral palette is perfect for homes with a minimalist or modern aesthetic.
4. Wood Accent Revival
Mid century modern design often incorporates wood accents to add warmth and texture to the exterior of a home. Consider a wood accent revival paint scheme to create a unique and inviting look.
When selecting wood accent shades, keep the following tips in mind:
- Choose a warm wood tone, such as cedar or cypress, for the accent pieces.
- Add contrast with a crisp white or light gray for the trim and accents.
- Consider adding a secondary color to create a cohesive and balanced look.
This wood accent revival palette is perfect for homes with a natural or rustic vibe.
5. Color Blocking
Color blocking is a mid century modern design technique that involves dividing the exterior of a home into bold color blocks. This technique creates a visually interesting and dynamic look.
When selecting color blocks, consider the following tips:
- Choose two to three bold colors that complement each other.
- Divide the exterior of your home into color blocks using a combination of painting and trim work.
- Consider adding a secondary color to create a cohesive and balanced look.
This color blocking palette is perfect for homes with a playful or artistic vibe.
6. Shiplap and Siding
Shiplap and siding are classic mid century modern design elements that add texture and interest to the exterior of a home. Consider a shiplap and siding paint scheme to create a unique and inviting look.
When selecting shiplap and siding shades, keep the following tips in mind:
- Choose a light to medium gray for the shiplap or siding.
- Add depth with a darker gray or taupe for the trim and accents.
- Consider adding a hint of warm beige or sandy neutral to create contrast.
This shiplap and siding palette is perfect for homes with a coastal or beachy vibe.
7. Tropical Oasis
Mid century modern design often incorporates tropical colors and patterns to create a fun and inviting exterior. Consider a tropical oasis paint scheme to add a pop of color and personality to your home's exterior.
When selecting tropical shades, consider the following tips:
- Choose a bright and bold color, such as pink or turquoise, for the main body of your home.
- Add contrast with a crisp white or light gray for the trim and accents.
- Consider adding a secondary color to create a cohesive and balanced look.
This tropical oasis palette is perfect for homes with a playful or whimsical vibe.
8. Modern Minimalism
For a more subtle and sophisticated look, consider a modern minimalist paint scheme. Mid century modern design often incorporates a range of neutral shades to create a calm and serene exterior.
When selecting modern minimalist shades, consider the following tips:
- Choose a light to medium gray for the main body of your home.
- Add depth with a darker gray or taupe for the trim and accents.
- Consider adding a hint of warm beige or sandy neutral to create contrast.
This modern minimalist palette is perfect for homes with a minimalist or modern aesthetic.
9. Retro Revival
Mid century modern design often incorporates retro colors and patterns to create a fun and inviting exterior. Consider a retro revival paint scheme to add a pop of color and personality to your home's exterior.
When selecting retro shades, consider the following tips:
- Choose a bold and bright color, such as red or turquoise, for the main body of your home.
- Add contrast with a crisp white or light gray for the trim and accents.
- Consider adding a secondary color to create a cohesive and balanced look.
This retro revival palette is perfect for homes with a playful or nostalgic vibe.
10. Neutral with a Pop of Color
For a more subtle and sophisticated look, consider a neutral paint scheme with a pop of color. Mid century modern design often incorporates a range of neutral shades to create a calm and serene exterior.
When selecting neutral shades with a pop of color, consider the following tips:
- Choose a light to medium gray for the main body of your home.
- Add a pop of color, such as a bright red or turquoise, to create contrast and visual interest.
- Consider adding a secondary color to create a cohesive and balanced look.
This neutral with a pop of color palette is perfect for homes with a minimalist or modern aesthetic.
Color Scheme Comparison Table
| Paint Scheme | Main Body Color | Trim and Accents | Secondary Color (Optional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Earth Tones | Beige (#F5F5F5) | Sienna (#A0522D) | Green (#3E8E41) |
| Bold and Bright | Red (#FFC080) | White (#FFFFFF) | Turquoise (#1ABC9C) |
| Monochromatic Neutrals | Gray (#808080) | Darker Gray (#333333) | Beige (#F0F0F0) |
| Wood Accent Revival | Cedar (#969696) | White (#FFFFFF) | Turquoise (#1ABC9C) |
| Color Blocking | Red (#FFC080) | White (#FFFFFF) | Turquoise (#1ABC9C) |
| Shiplap and Siding | Gray (#808080) | Darker Gray (#333333) | Beige (#F0F0F0) |
| Tropical Oasis | Pink (#FF69B4) | White (#FFFFFF) | Turquoise (#1ABC9C) |
| Modern Minimalism | Gray (#808080) | Darker Gray (#333333) | Beige (#F0F0F0) |
| Retro Revival | Red (#FFC080) | White (#FFFFFF) | Turquoise (#1ABC9C) |
| Neutral with a Pop of Color | Gray (#808080) | Darker Gray (#333333) | Turquoise (#1ABC9C) |