More Than a Paint Color

Here at Beach Painting & Construction Group, we are occasionally asked for color recommendations. I’m always hesitant to give advice because color and architecture are so subjective. However, there are certainly some things we can’t help but observe here on the Outer Banks.

When we think of coastal paint colors, ocean blues and crisp whites come to mind. However, creating a coastal look is about much more than color. The best coastal exteriors bring together colors, textures, and building materials inspired by the surrounding landscape.

There’s also a difference between “beachy” and “coastal.” Beachy colors tend to be a little brighter and more whimsical—turquoise, aqua, bright yellow, and glossy white. Coastal colors tend to be more understated.

Look around the OBX and you’ll find inspiration everywhere: weathered gray wood, sandy dunes, blue-gray water, and the ever-changing colors of the sky. Soft blues, sea-glass greens, sandy neutrals, and earthy grays can create a coastal look without making your home feel like Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurants.

Sherwin Williams’ coastal palettes are a great place to start, and you don’t have to limit yourself to blue and white. Some colors you might consider are Sea Salt SW 6204, Comfort Gray SW 6205, Accessible Beige SW 7036, Recycled Glass SW 7747, and Coastal Plain SW 6192, all of which appear in the “Coastal Cool” collection.

The siding on your home can have just as much impact as color. The “Old Nags Head” style of weathered cedar shakes and cedar lap siding has long been associated with coastal architecture, but cedar can be a very expensive proposition. In our experience, cedar siding on an oceanfront home may need replacement in as little as 15 years. Engineered products such as LP SmartSide offer a more durable and affordable alternative, with lap, shake, and board-and-batten profiles that can create a similar coastal character. LP SmartSide products are backed by a 50-year prorated limited warranty.

Combining these siding styles can add greater depth and visual interest. Lap siding on the main exterior can be paired with shakes or board-and-batten siding on the gables. Natural wood stain on decks paired with white handrails can provide protection while adding warmth and visual contrast to the home.

Ultimately, a coastal exterior isn’t just about paint colors. It’s the combination of color, siding, trim, texture, and craftsmanship that makes a home feel like it truly belongs on the Outer Banks.