Dec 17 , 2025 Anderson Painting

Lately, as you pull up to your home and take a long look at its exterior—the paint, the windowsills, maybe even the color of your door—are you missing that surge of excitement and pride you used to feel, or have yet to feel? What about when you enter your home? Do your interior walls inspire you, or bore you? If your home is not reaching its potential but you know it could be a showstopper, why not make this winter the season of your content?

At Anderson Painting, we’re always monitoring the latest trends and the colors that continue to dominate the interior and exterior paint palette charts, and this winter, our focus is on a range of colors to breathe new life into North Carolina homes.

Heading into 2026 and beyond, we expect shades that are warm, natural, and classic, as well as neutral, earthy green, and ocean-inspired hues to enjoy enduring popularity. Let’s take a walk through a few of the most compelling exterior home paint colors you’ll want to cozy up to this season.

Paint Colors Capturing the Spotlight This Winter

For a long while now, warm taupe has topped the painting palette charts, and it’s easy to understand why. Sitting between beige, brown, and gray, warm taupe brings a certain magic in its undertones; underlying hues like red or violet bring beautiful depth to a home’s exterior or interior walls. Our contractors at Anderson Painting can point you in the right direction with this unsung hero and its secret undertone sorcery to ensure you make the ideal selection for your home’s surfaces.

If, on the other hand, what you’re most drawn to are neutrals, today’s “griege” (a gray and beige blend) remains one of the best exterior color choices for its universal appeal and curb appeal. It’s a modern choice, to be sure, and one that provides ample opportunity for contrast with trim, furniture, and other decor.

A couple of timeless favorites for interior and exterior house painting in winter are off-white and cream. We predict these shades will never go out of style because of how they create a fresh, polished aesthetic that instantly brightens the home. They, too, are go-to shades for boosting curb appeal and interior intrigue, which is great for homeowners planning to sell this season.

Looking for something a little different but not too dramatic? Earthy olive green is a very popular choice throughout the U.S., offering a lively contrast to the stark winter months. Its grounded warmth makes it perfect for both contemporary and rustic Raleigh and Wilmington homes. Soft sage green (a close relative of olive green) is also making a splash right now. Serene, calming, and extremely versatile, soft sage green harmonizes beautifully with stone, wood, and a crisp white trim.

Bolder but still natural are shades of warm clay. Colors like terracotta or persimmon bring depth and personality to Raleigh and Wilmington homes with a bit of that southwest flair that conveys a welcoming presence.

Of course, coastal blues are a perennial favorite in North Carolina. Whether you’re drawn to a sky-inspired light blue or a deeper, more elegant deep cyan shade, coastal blues evoke feelings of tranquility and an air of sophistication. Colors in this range also pair beautifully with natural surroundings and landscaping, and truly ground a property, creating an Instagram-worthy vision no matter the season.

If you’re especially drawn to colors that make a statement, charcoal gray is a standout. Sleek, modern, and instantly eye-catching, charcoal gray is making its way into the mainstream for its capacity to elevate the home and its surroundings. It’s bold and sophisticated, and with a few exterior landscaping accents, can really distinguish a showstopping aesthetic. Inside, this darker gray makes rooms calm and cozy. Some might prefer lighter interiors for the added space they appear to bring, but a darker room might be a better fit for your space.

Accent Colors to Elevate Your Home

Accent colors can take a home to the next level without you needing to repaint your entire space. Bold or subtle contrast on trim, windowsills, shutters, or your front door can transform a façade into a fresh, beautifully cohesive palette. The same can be said for accent walls in rooms (these have become especially popular in kitchens).

Black trim on white or gray brings crisp, architectural definition. Deep navy enriches light-colored home exteriors, creating a subtle coastal vibe. Warm wood tones are ideal for those who love an organic, natural contrast. Pro tip: look for deep, rich stains.

Finishes That Hold Up to North Carolina’s Winter Weather

Choosing the right finish is just as important as choosing the right color. When painting in winter or planning exterior house painting in winter, it's important you select a finish that will carry your home through our region’s humid summers and stormy conditions.

A satin finish is ideal for siding because it’s easy to clean, it’s durable, and its soft sheen hides daily wear. Flat finishes are excellent for minimizing surface imperfections but should be reserved for shaded or low-exposure areas. Semi-gloss finishes are a top choice for doors, shutters, and trim because of their moisture resistance and polished appearance.

These rules apply to interior surfaces, too. Higher-gloss paints are best reserved for spaces that experience lots of traffic, activity, and moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms. Lower-gloss paints work better in rooms where you won’t need to clean as often, and where you’d prefer to see fewer surface imperfections.

At Anderson Painting, we use only weather-resistant paints that stand up to Raleigh and Wilmington seasons. Whether you’re updating a full exterior or a few accents, if you need a house painter Wilmington and Raleigh homeowners trust to deliver premium results, you can count on Anderson Painting for precision, reliability, and beautiful results that last season after season.

Partner With Anderson Painting for Interior and Exterior Home Perfection

As we approach our 20th anniversary serving Raleigh and Wilmington home and business owners, we are extremely proud to have grown into one of the region’s most trusted painting and carpentry companies. We are committed to helping those in our community enjoy the home interiors and exteriors they envision, and we work closely with our clients to ensure we deliver on every expectation.

If you’re ready to cozy up with a fresh winter color palette—indoors or out—we’re here to bring that vision to life.

Book your free estimate with Anderson Painting today and start the season with the home you’ve always wanted. Get in touch today!