Exterior Paint Color Trends for Knoxville Homeowners: What’s Hot in 2024
As a Knoxville homeowner, choosing the right exterior paint colors is about more than just personal taste. It’s a way to showcase your home’s beauty while complementing the stunning natural landscape and unique architectural styles that define our city. Knoxville's climate and local preferences should also play a role in selecting paint colors that will not only look great but stand the test of time.
At Groovy Hues of Greater Knoxville, we understand that exterior paint can make or break the curb appeal of your home. As your trusted local painting contractor, we’re here to share the latest exterior paint color trends that Knoxville homeowners are loving. Whether you're revamping a traditional Craftsman-style home, updating a mid-century modern property, or simply adding fresh life to your cottage in Old North Knoxville, this blog has all the information you need to make your next paint project a success.
Why Color Choice Matters: Knoxville’s Climate and Style
Knoxville is a city rich with architectural diversity, from historic homes in the Fourth and Gill neighborhood to the contemporary styles found in West Knoxville. Your choice of exterior paint color should reflect both your home's architectural style and the region’s weather conditions. Here’s why.
Knoxville experiences all four seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, occasionally snowy winters. This means exterior paint needs to withstand temperature fluctuations, humidity, and UV rays. Choosing high-quality, fade-resistant paint in the right colors can make a world of difference in longevity and maintenance. According to This Old House, certain colors, like light neutrals and pastels, are particularly good at resisting heat absorption and fading in sun-soaked climates.
Additionally, Knoxville’s lush landscape—with its rolling hills, rivers, and dense forests—makes earth tones and greens particularly popular. Homeowners in areas like Sequoyah Hills often look for colors that blend with nature, while those in urban areas like Downtown Knoxville may prefer more modern, bold hues.
Top Exterior Paint Color Trends for Knoxville in 2024
Here are some of the top exterior paint color trends Knoxville homeowners should consider in 2024.
1. Warm Neutrals
While neutrals are a perennial favorite, this year’s warm-toned versions are taking center stage. Think soft taupes, beiges, and greiges that offer a cozy yet sophisticated vibe. These colors work beautifully in Knoxville's historic neighborhoods, such as the Emory Place Historic District, where they complement older brick and wood homes.
Warm neutrals have a universal appeal because they pair well with natural wood finishes, stone accents, and classic white trim. Brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore have launched a range of new hues this year, with colors like Sherwin-Williams’ “Accessible Beige” and Benjamin Moore’s “Revere Pewter” topping the list for their versatility.
2. Bold, Dark Accents
Many Knoxville homeowners are choosing to create contrast by using bold, dark colors for accents like shutters, doors, and window trim. Charcoal gray, navy blue, and even black are trending in 2024. These dramatic shades add depth to a home’s exterior, making features like wraparound porches or window details pop. This trend is especially popular in modern farmhouse designs or craftsman-style homes, which are common in neighborhoods like North Hills and Fountain City.
While dark colors might seem risky for a hot, sunny region like Knoxville, modern paint technologies have improved UV resistance, ensuring these shades maintain their boldness over time.
3. Earthy Greens and Deep Blues
Given Knoxville’s proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, it’s no surprise that earthy greens and deep blues are trending. These shades reflect the natural beauty surrounding our area. Whether it’s a subtle sage green, a deep forest green, or a classic navy blue, these colors work well with Knoxville’s natural and built environments.
Homes in wooded areas like Holston Hills or near the Tennessee River in South Knoxville particularly benefit from these tones, as they help homes blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Blues like Benjamin Moore’s “Hale Navy” and greens like Sherwin-Williams’ “Evergreen Fog” are set to be some of the most popular hues for Knoxville homes in 2024.
4. Off-White and Creamy Whites
White exteriors are a timeless choice that continues to trend in 2024, especially in classic and modern farmhouse styles. However, instead of stark white, Knoxville homeowners are opting for warmer, creamier versions that feel more inviting. Think ivory, eggshell, and alabaster tones that give your home a soft, elegant appearance without looking too cold.
These colors are perfect for homes with stone accents or rustic wooden features, making them a popular choice for houses in West Knoxville and Farragut. Off-white also provides a great backdrop for vibrant landscaping or colorful shutters.
5. Clay, Terracotta, and Warm Reds
Warm reds and terracotta tones are also making a comeback. Inspired by the rich tones of clay and earth, these colors are perfect for homes with Mediterranean or Spanish-style architecture. While this style is less common in Knoxville, warm reds work well in neighborhoods like Lyons View, where homes often feature brick or stucco exteriors.
Terracotta hues not only add warmth to your home but can also evoke a sense of history, making them a great choice for historic Knoxville homes. These earthy tones complement brickwork beautifully, adding depth and texture to your exterior.
The Importance of High-Quality Paint for Knoxville Homes
Choosing the right colors is important, but selecting high-quality paint is equally crucial. Knoxville’s humid summers can cause mildew and mold growth, while intense UV exposure can cause fading. That’s why you need a high-performance paint that’s designed to resist these environmental factors.
We recommend paints with UV inhibitors, such as Sherwin-Williams’ Duration or Benjamin Moore’s Aura Exterior, which offer excellent fade resistance and are formulated to handle the region’s moisture. Paint with built-in mildew resistance is also a great option for homes in shaded or wooded areas like Sequoyah Hills.
How to Choose the Best Exterior Paint Colors for Your Knoxville Home
With so many trending colors, it can be hard to choose the right one for your home. Here are some tips to guide you in making the best decision:
1. Consider Your Home’s Style
Your home’s architecture should guide your color selection. For example, a modern home in West Knoxville might look sleek in cool grays and dark blues, while a craftsman bungalow in the Old North Knoxville Historic District would benefit from warm neutrals or earthy greens.
2. Look at the Surroundings
Take note of your home’s surroundings. Homes in wooded areas or near water may look best with greens, blues, or earthy tones that echo nature. If you live in a more urban area like downtown Knoxville, bolder colors like charcoal or black can create a striking, modern look.
3. Test Before You Commit
Always test your chosen color on a small section of your home’s exterior. Lighting can significantly affect how a color looks at different times of day. You want to ensure your paint looks just as good in the bright Knoxville sun as it does in the shade of the evening.
4. Think About Longevity
While trends come and go, exterior paint is an investment that should last for years. It’s wise to choose colors that you’ll love for the long haul. Neutral and classic colors like beige, white, or gray often stand the test of time.
FAQs About Exterior Paint for Knoxville Homes
1. How often should I repaint the exterior of my home?
On average, homes in Knoxville need repainting every 5-7 years due to the climate. However, high-quality paints can extend this timeline, with some lasting up to 10 years with proper maintenance.
2. What type of paint is best for Knoxville’s humid climate?
Paints designed with moisture resistance and UV protection are ideal. We recommend using exterior paints from trusted brands like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore that offer these features.
3. Can I paint my home’s exterior during any season?
The best time to paint in Knoxville is during spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, and humidity is lower. Summer can be too hot, and winter weather can be too cold for optimal paint drying and adhesion.
4. How do I choose the right trim color?
A good rule of thumb is to choose a trim color that contrasts with your main exterior color. For example, if you’ve chosen a dark color for the exterior, opt for a lighter trim to create balance.
Author’s Comments
As a Knoxville resident myself, I know how much pride we take in our homes, and choosing the right exterior paint is a big decision. The colors we pick reflect not only our personal style but also our beautiful surroundings, from the Smoky Mountains to the Tennessee River. At Groovy Hues of Greater Knoxville, we’re here to help you choose colors that enhance your home’s appearance and withstand the elements. If you’re considering a new look for your home, contact us today for a free consultation.
About the Author
Josh Peters is the proud owner of Groovy Hues of Greater Knoxville. A Knoxville resident for nearly a decade, Josh and his family love everything about this vibrant community, from the outdoor adventures to the friendly faces. When he’s not overseeing paint projects, you can find Josh hiking the Smokies, golfing, or enjoying a latte in one of Knoxville’s cozy coffee shops.