Are you tired of seeing the same beige, grey, and white houses line every street? Do you dream of a home exterior that has character, warmth, and a touch of sophisticated drama? If you’re ready to make a statement that is both timeless and breathtakingly modern, we have the perfect solution for you.
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the navy and orange house with cedar siding exterior. This striking combination is one of the most exciting trends in exterior design, and for good reason. It’s a masterful blend of cool confidence, vibrant energy, and natural, organic beauty. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to bring this vision to life. We’ll cover the best exterior paint ideas, practical tips for choosing colors and materials, essential maintenance advice, and plenty of inspiration to help you create a home that truly turns heads. This is the best colour combination guide for your house exterior you’ve been searching for.
Why This Trio Works: The Perfect Exterior Color Combination
At first glance, navy blue, bright orange, and natural wood might seem like an unlikely pairing. But in the world of design, it’s a classic example of how opposites attract to create perfect harmony. Here’s why this combination is so effective.
- The Foundation: Timeless Navy Blue
Think of navy blue as the little black dress of house colors exterior. It’s endlessly elegant, incredibly versatile, and exudes a quiet confidence. A navy blue house serves as a powerful, grounding foundation. Unlike black, which can sometimes feel too harsh, navy has a depth and softness to it that changes beautifully with the light throughout the day. It provides a dramatic backdrop that makes other elements pop, creating instant curb appeal and a sense of established quality. - The Accent: Energetic Orange
If navy is the sophisticated foundation, orange is the life of the party. A strategic pop of orange is what elevates this color scheme from handsome to unforgettable. Whether it’s a welcoming front door, modern planters, or stylish patio furniture, orange injects a dose of warmth, energy, and playfulness. It’s a confident, optimistic color that draws the eye and creates a clear focal point, signaling that the home within is full of personality and life. - The Connector: Natural Cedar Siding
Cedar is the magic ingredient that ties everything together. While navy is cool and orange is hot, the natural wood grain and warm tones of cedar siding act as the perfect bridge between them. It adds texture, organic beauty, and a rustic-modern feel that prevents the color scheme from feeling too stark or clinical. The cedar’s natural variations in color connect with the warmth of the orange and stand out beautifully against the deep, cool navy, creating a look that is balanced, rich, and deeply connected to nature.
A Practical Guide to the Perfect Exterior Paint Colors
Choosing the right shades is crucial to achieving a high-end, cohesive look. Here are some paint ideas for exterior surfaces and how to select them.
How to Choose Your Navy Blue Paint
Not all navy blues are created equal. The undertones in the paint can dramatically change the final look of your home. Some are nearly black, others have hints of grey or even purple. For home exteriors, it’s often best to choose a rich, true navy that won’t look washed out in bright sunlight.
Some of the most popular and trusted exterior house paint colors in this family include:
- Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244): A deep, classic navy that is confident and timeless. It’s a true navy that works beautifully in a variety of lighting conditions.
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154): A legendary color, Hale Navy is a slightly more muted navy with a touch of grey. This gives it a sophisticated, historic feel that is incredibly versatile.
Explore Benjamin Moore’s iconic Hale Navy HC-154 to see its undertones and get inspired.
“A selection of popular navy blue exterior paint colors for houses, including the popular Hale Navy and Sherwin-Williams Naval.”
Finding the Right Orange Accent
The shade of orange you choose will define your home’s personality.
- Bright Tangerine or Mandarin: For a bold, mid-century modern look, a bright and zesty orange is perfect. It’s best used in small, impactful doses like a front door or a single statement chair.
- Burnt Orange or Terracotta: For a more rustic, earthy, or modern farmhouse feel, a deeper, muted orange with red or brown undertones is ideal. It’s a sophisticated choice that feels warm and inviting.
Consider using these paint ideas for exterior accents on:
- The front door (the most popular choice)
- Garage doors
- Window frames (for a very bold look)
- Planters and flower pots
- Outdoor furniture or cushions
- House numbers
- Real Inspiration: House Colors Exterior In Action
Visualizing is key. Here are a few ways the navy and orange house with cedar siding exterior can come to life in different architectural styles.
- The Modern Farmhouse: Imagine a classic farmhouse silhouette with deep navy blue board-and-batten siding. A large front porch is supported by warm cedar posts, and the entire look is punctuated by a cheerful, burnt-orange front door. This style feels both classic and completely current.
- The Mid-Century Modern Ranch: This style is perfect for this color palette. Picture a long, low-profile home with large sections of horizontal cedar siding. The remaining walls are painted a dark, inky navy. The clean lines are highlighted by a bright, tangerine-orange door and minimalist house numbers.
- The Mountain Contemporary Home: For a home nestled in nature, this combination is a natural fit. Think large, dramatic windows framed in black, a mix of navy stucco and vertical cedar planking, and a subtle orange accent on the garage doors or exterior light fixtures to warm up the design.
Essential Maintenance: Keeping Your Exterior Beautiful
A stunning exterior is only as good as its upkeep. Fortunately, maintaining these materials is straightforward with a little planning.
Caring for Your Cedar Siding
Cedar is naturally durable and resistant to rot and insects, but it needs care to stay looking its best.
- Cleaning: Gently wash your cedar siding once a year with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, dust, and pollen.
- Sealing/Staining: To preserve its natural color and protect it from UV damage, apply a high-quality UV-inhibiting clear sealant every 3-5 years. If you prefer a stained look, you may need to reapply it according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Inspection: Annually check for any signs of moisture damage or wear, especially around gutters and windows.
For an in depth guide, the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA) offers professional grade maintenance resources.
Long Lasting Exterior House Paint Colors
For your painted navy surfaces, longevity comes down to two things: preparation and quality.
- Invest in Quality Paint: A premium exterior paint will resist fading, cracking, and peeling far better than a budget option.
- Preparation is Key: Ensure the surfaces are properly cleaned, scraped of any old, flaking paint, and primed before the final coats of color are applied. A professional paint job on a well-prepared surface can last for a decade or more.
Completing Your Home’s Look: Trim, Roofing, and More
The final details can make all the difference. Here are some house color suggestions for the rest of your exterior.
- Trim: For a classic, crisp look, you can’t go wrong with bright white trim around windows and eaves. For a more modern, dramatic effect, consider a dark charcoal grey or black trim.
- Roofing: A dark roof works best with this color scheme. Charcoal grey architectural shingles or a standing-seam black metal roof are both excellent choices that complement the navy siding.
- Landscaping: Plants with silvery green foliage, like dusty miller or lamb’s ear, look stunning against navy blue. Tall ornamental grasses also add texture and movement that complements the cedar siding.
For more great ways to improve your home’s facade, check out our complete guide on [Link to ‘Curb Appeal Tips’]. If you love the modern rustic style, you won’t want to miss our inspiration post on [Link to ‘Modern Farmhouse Design Ideas’].
Regional Considerations
Your local climate can influence your material and maintenance choices.
- For Sunny, Dry Climates (e.g., California, Arizona): UV protection is your top priority. Choose a high-quality paint with excellent fade resistance and be diligent about applying a UV-blocking sealant to your cedar to prevent it from turning grey too quickly.
- For Wet, Humid Climates (e.g., Pacific Northwest, the South): Moisture protection is paramount. Ensure your cedar siding is sealed on all sides before installation to prevent warping. A paint with mildew-resistant properties is also a smart investment for your navy surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is navy blue a good exterior house color?
Yes, it’s an excellent and increasingly popular choice. It’s sophisticated, works with almost any architectural style, and acts as a strong, timeless neutral. It adds significant curb appeal and a feeling of high-end quality.
What is the best color for an outside house exterior?
While there is no single “best” color, some of the most universally appealing and sellable choices include classic whites, warm off-whites, versatile greys, and bold, dark neutrals like navy and charcoal. The best color ultimately depends on your home’s style, its surroundings, and your personal preference.
What is the best color to paint cedar siding?
Many homeowners prefer to stain or seal cedar to highlight its natural wood grain. However, if you choose to paint it, it must be properly primed first. High-contrast colors like navy blue, black, or a crisp modern white can look stunning on painted cedar.
What is the most sellable exterior color for a house?
Historically, neutral colors have the broadest appeal for resale. This includes whites, light greys, and “greige” (a mix of grey and beige). However, recent trends show that dark, sophisticated neutrals like navy blue are also highly desirable and can make a home stand out in the market.
Conclusion
Choosing a navy and orange house with cedar siding exterior is more than just picking colors; it’s about making a confident design statement. It’s a choice that says your home is modern yet warm, sophisticated yet playful, and deeply connected to timeless style. By carefully selecting your shades, investing in quality materials, and paying attention to the details, you can create a stunning home exterior that you will love for years to come.
