Color Trends 2024

Last Updated: February 29, 2024

Blue built-in niche with desk, corkboard, lamp, and small objects.

Every year, most paint manufacturers will release a “color of the year” and a palette of complementary colors. It’s usually a good predictor of what the most popular paint colors will be for the year, and it would seem that the industry is favoring some colors that may enhance your Outer Banks home.

Colors of the Year

Benjamin Moore: Blue Nova

Benjamin Moore

“Blue Nova 825 is an alluring mid-tone that balances depth and intrigue with classic appeal and reassurance,” according to their website. Complementary colors include a mix of modern and traditional from Creamy Gray, Muted Orange, Pewter Gray, Deep Green, and Hazy Purple.

Sherwin Williams: Upward

Gold table with flowers and books against a blue wall with trim.

According to the website, “Upward SW 6239 represents the gentle forward momentum in all our lives. It brings to life that carefree, sunny day energy that elicits a notion of contentment and peace.”

Pantone: Peach Fuzz

Close-up of fluffy peach-colored dandelion with Pantone's

Pantone, the industry leader in color matching and design, offers the color “Peach Fuzz” as “a shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.” (Yes, people actually get paid to write these descriptions).

The bottom line is that, regardless of marketing, you and/or your guests will have to live with the colors you put in your vacation home. A good palette of complementary colors will be more appealing to a prospective guest. One of the most common mistakes in selecting paint color is to select the paint without giving due consideration to the home’s furnishings and accessories. Most designers recommend that you start with your furnishing and then choose a color that works with them.

More Than a Paint Color

By Matt Brauer • August 28, 2026
Creating an Iconic Coastal Look for Your Outer Banks Home

Deck Safety

By Matt Brauer • August 26, 2026
Deck Safety Awareness
Person looking up, reaching towards a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds, framed by a white wall.

Color Trends 2026

By beachpainting • February 12, 2026
Each year, most paint manufacturers release a “Color of the Year” along with a palette of complementary shades. Pantone — the global authority on color — is best known for the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which provides a standardized language for identifying, matching, and communicating color across design, fashion, printing, and manufacturing. Their annual selection is often a strong predictor of broader color trends and frequently aligns with the palettes chosen by major paint manufacturers.
Workers in lift painting the exterior of a white house with a blue sky background.

Winter Maintenance

By beachpainting • January 6, 2026
Winter is here on the Outer Banks, and if your home is part of a rental program, you’re likely working through a long checklist to prepare for the upcoming season.
Overhead view of a hurricane swirling over a deep blue ocean, white clouds form a spiral.

Hurricane Season Tips For Your Outer Banks Home

By beachpainting • August 25, 2025
Hurricane season on the Outer Banks occurs between June and November, with the peak of the season occurring from Mid-August to Mid-October. If you own property on the Outer Banks, you’re already acutely aware of this. With Hurricane Erin currently wreaking havoc along the East Coast, now is a good opportunity to provide some quick tips for your home during hurricane season.
Light green three-story house with white trim, balconies, and turret under a blue sky.

The Real Value of Quality Work

By beachpainting • July 9, 2025
When it comes to home improvement, few things make an instant visual impact like a fresh coat of paint. Whether it's reviving weather-worn siding or refreshing an outdated interior, painting can breathe new life into your space. But as you start collecting quotes, you may wonder: why does a good painting contractor cost more than others?
Gray house with white trim, red door, and a circular driveway.

Boosting Curb Appeal

By beachpainting • June 24, 2025
The Transformative Power of Washing and Painting Your Home
Two-story house with weathered blue shingles, several windows. Ladder leans against the side.

Why Waiting Will Cost You More $$$

By beachpainting • June 10, 2025
If you’ve been putting off painting your house, you’re not alone—but it may cost you more than you think. Summer is the best time of year to paint your Outer Banks home. If you've noticed signs of paint failure (e.g. fading, peeling, blistering, chalking), give us a call today.
Hand with dusty fingers next to light-colored, horizontal wall siding.

How to Fix Paint Chalking

By beachpainting • May 27, 2025
If you've noticed a fine, powdery residue on your painted walls or outdoor surfaces, you may be dealing with chalking paint. This is a fairly common issue that occurs when paint breaks down over time due to weather exposure, UV rays, or low-quality paint ingredients. It’s especially prevalent on exterior surfaces (especially fiber cement siding). What Causes Chalking? Chalking happens when the paint binder deteriorates, allowing pigment particles to loosen and form a chalky dust. While it’s a natural part of aging for some paints, excessive chalking can affect appearance, stain surrounding surfaces, and prevent new paint from adhering properly. How to Fix Chalking Paint Test for Chalking: Rub your hand or a dark cloth over the surface. If it comes away dusty, you have chalking. Clean the Surface: Use a stiff brush or pressure washer to remove as much chalk as possible. Follow up with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Let It Dry: Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding. Prime If Necessary: For areas with stubborn residue or if you're repainting, apply a high-quality, binding primer suited for chalky surfaces. Repaint: Choose a premium, weather-resistant paint and apply as recommended. Preventing Future Chalking Invest in high-quality paint with strong UV resistance and proper binders. Regular maintenance, such as gentle washing and inspections, also helps keep surfaces looking fresh. By addressing chalking early and using the right materials, you can extend the life and look of your paint job for years to come!
Person on a ladder painting a house's exterior siding near an oval vent.

Picking the Right Color

By beachpainting • May 8, 2025
Summer is a great time to paint your Outer Banks home if it is not in rental program. Temperatures and humidity are relatively consistent and longer daylight hours generally lead to shorter project durations.