If you’ve been searching for exterior inspiration lately, you’ve probably seen at least one modern black house with cedar accents pop up in your feed. In the world of home design, black houses have become a defining trend! This bold choice can give your home a sleek and sophisticated look, making it stand out in your neighborhood. Incorporating natural elements, like wood and stone, helps add warmth and texture, for a more inviting look. In this post, we’ll explore the trend of black houses with cedar accents, along with my picks for the best paint colors for achieving this look.
Is Painting Your House Black a Good Idea?
The idea of painting a house black might seem daring, but it’s a trend that’s here to stay! If you’re trying to decide whether a black house is right for you, there are several factors you should consider.
- Personal Style: If you appreciate a bold, contemporary look that makes a statement, then a black home with cedar accents might be a perfect fit for you.
- Surrounding Environment: It’s essential that your home integrates effortlessly with the natural landscape and neighboring properties. Weather is another factor, since black exteriors will absorb heat.
- Your Neighborhood: While individuality is important, you also need to consider the overall look and feel of your neighborhood. Black is a color that is best suited for modern architectural styes, so it might not be the best choice for a more traditional home or neighborhood.
Check out my post on Tips for Choosing Exterior Paint Colors for more guidance in choosing the best colors for your home and neighborhood.
Energy Benefits of Dark Exteriors
A dark color on your exterior offers more than just good looks! Black houses with wood accents can provide practical advantages, like improved energy efficiency, particularly in certain climates and settings. Dark colors absorb more heat, which can be advantageous in cooler climates by reducing heating costs. This natural warmth can make your home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
How to Incorporate Cedar Accents
Cedar siding and accents play a key role in the appeal of a black modern house. The natural warmth and organic texture of wood adds a stunning contrast against the boldness of a black paint, creating a balanced look that is both welcoming and sophisticated. There are a number of different ways to incorporate cedar accents into your black exterior house design:
- Front Door: A cedar front door serves as a welcoming focal point, drawing attention and adding timeless character to your home’s entrance.
- Garage Door: Enhance your curb appeal with a cedar wood garage door. The natural wood tones in your garage door will tie in with other cedar accents, creating a cohesive look
- Trim and Detailing: You can use cedar above or below your window frames, or for details like corbels and gable brackets to add depth and visual interest to your exterior.
- Porch Columns: Cedar columns frame your porch with a warm welcoming look.
Other Elements to Enhance Your Black Exterior
While black and cedar create a classic combination, there are additional features that can enhance your home’s exterior design. Incorporating metal elements, such as a metal roof or overhang, adds a contemporary touch that complements the overall modern look. Also, large black windows and glass doors allows tons of natural light to illuminate the interior while maintaining a sleek, moody exterior look.
Best Paint Colors for a Black House with Cedar Accents
Choosing the perfect black paint color for your home is key to achieving a beautiful modern look. It’s important to choose a shade that is dark enough to read black, with neutral or subtle undertones that complement the cedar accents. Here are my top picks for the best exterior paint colors for a black house with wood accents.
Sherwin Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069)
SW Iron Ore is my top choice for black exteriors. It’s a very neutral off-black that strikes the perfect balance…not too light and not too dark. Iron Ore looks fantastic with cedar accents, and can also be paired with a darker black trim for greater definition of your exterior architectural features.
Sherwin Williams Black Magic (SW 6991)
SW Black Magic is a classic dark black color with a hint of warmth to it. This black color is a favorite amongst interior designers due to its warm undertones, which make it a perfect choice to pair with cedar accents.
Benjamin Moore Onyx (2133-10)
BM Onyx is a soft, neutral black that is slightly lighter than SW Black Magic. It’s a great choice for exterior siding and trim, creating a striking contrast with your natural surroundings.
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
SW Tricorn Black is a very dark, neutral black. Because it’s so dark, I like to use this shade for trim and accents, rather than on the main body of the house. By painting your exterior a slightly softer shade of black, and using Tricorn Black for trim, you can create beautiful depth and dimension with your exterior color scheme. In the next image, you’ll see SW Iron Ore on the body with SW Tricorn Black on all of the trim.
For more paint color ideas for a gorgeous black house, along with expert tips and stain color recommendations, check out my Modern Moody Exterior Paint Palette! This ebook makes it easy to create a modern home exterior with designer-favorite paint colors you’ll love. Plus, you’ll get tips for testing your paint colors, and choosing the right paint sheen for your exterior.
Choosing the Right Paint Color for your Black House
When it comes to choosing the best paint colors for your black house, it’s essential that you get samples of the colors and test them on your exterior before committing to one. Lighting and surrounding elements can significantly influence how a color appears on your home, so it’s important to evaluate color options before you start painting.
You can get samples of all of the gorgeous black paint colors mentioned here at Samplize. Their large peel-and-stick sample sheets make it super easy to test colors without the hassle of brushes and sample cans of paint.
Final Thoughts
Over the past decade, we’ve seen white houses become a top choice for exterior paint colors. But, in recent years, black houses have surged in popularity. Modern homes painted in a dramatic black color, with warm cedar accents, results in a stunning exterior look that can make your house a neighborhood standout. Investing in a black house with cedar accents is more than just a design choice—it’s a statement of your personality and style!
For more help with exterior paint colors, check out the following posts:
