15 Charming Cottages With Unexpected Exterior Colors

The right exterior cottage color scheme can give your home a timeless appeal and allure that will last for years.

Explore 15 enchanting cottages that break the mold with surprising and delightful exterior colors. From soft pastels to bold, unexpected hues, these homes showcase creative ways to make a statement. Discover how color can redefine curb appeal and add personality to any cottage.

With so many paint colors available on the market today, choosing an exterior color palette for your cottage can be overwhelming, not forgetting the daunting task that comes with painting.

However, this doesn’t have to be the case! Consider your trim, siding, front door, as well as other exterior elements as you select your preferred colors, while looking for ways to make all of them work together.

The following are some of the best cottage exterior color schemes that we’ve compiled to help you find the perfect exterior paint color combinations for your home.

Take a look!

1. Get Inspired by Nature

charming cottages with unexpected exterior colors 1

@jameshardie

Taking its cue from the nearby woodland-laden landscape, this timeless home quietly steps into view. The sage green siding is the home’s statement feature, with the peaceful hue establishing a sense of symmetry and highlighting the home’s best features.

Brown siding on the porch brings a rustic feel and adds a pinch of contrasting color into the mix. The dark shingle roof ties the look together for a home with a lovely streamlined silhouette.

2. Gray It Out

charming cottages with unexpected exterior colors 2

@hartmanbaldwin

Simplicity is key for exterior color schemes, especially if you have a smaller or more traditional-style home. The warm gray on the siding of this cottage creates a solid foundation. 

A brown door introduces a small dose of color, creating a focal point that doesn’t overwhelm the exterior palette. White trim keeps the look crisp and modern.

3. Black and White

charming cottages with unexpected exterior colors 3

@blackbirchhomes

White siding with black accents or trim is a modern color combination that’s often used on cottage exteriors. 

This elegant farmhouse veers slightly away from this familiar exterior look, using horizontal panels for white siding and vertical panels for black accents. The sleek design adds dimension and makes the exterior visually interesting.

4. Go for a Neutral Look

charming cottages with unexpected exterior colors 4

@southernlivingmag

Gray and white is a tried-and-true exterior color combination that’s always a safe bet. White trim creates a subtle dimension against the pale gray siding of this home, while beige shutters warm up the palette.

A rustic stone chimney towering above introduces a bit of flair to this classic color palette. The wooden-framed glass door creates a focal point in the midst of an otherwise neutral exterior.

5. Create an Informal Look

charming cottages with unexpected exterior colors 5

@betterhomesandgardens

A small dose of color goes a long way in an exterior color scheme. This chic home would look dull and uninviting without the pink door. The muted finish of the pastel blue siding makes it pair nicely with the pink.

The warm brick steps on the patio complement the door without taking attention away from it. White trim and window boxes keep up with the breezy exterior theme, while a lush cottage garden adds a whimsical feel.

6. Freshen Up Your Home

charming cottages with unexpected exterior colors 6

@southernlivingmag

Use your exterior color combinations to set a whimsical tone in cool colors. The navy blue door playfully sets off the turquoise siding of this bungalow. 

The striking exterior color palette offers a refreshing contrast to the series of planters and bushes in the space. White trim delicately frames the house, with the complementary color providing a no-fail combination with the sea-inspired hues.

7. Make a Bold Choice

charming cottages with unexpected exterior colors 7

@cottagesandbungalows

The beigey chimney of this beautiful craftsman cottage provides just enough color to add some personality to the bold exterior. 

The classic stone foundation and navy blue siding are brightened by crisp white trim. A lush green living wall is a welcoming touch.

8. Go for a Dreamy Feel

charming cottages with unexpected exterior colors 8

@diymom.ca

The pastel pink color scheme used here is sure to make your home a showstopper in the neighborhood. Passersby are first drawn to the stony accent on the porch stairs, with the textured look continuing onto the columns’ foundations.

The cool gray roofing offers a neutral backdrop, allowing the light pink paint color to do the talking. Off-white trim provides a more gentle contrast than crisp white would, keeping the dreamy palette cohesive.

9. Try a Lively Look

charming cottages with unexpected exterior colors 9

@drum679

Paint your cottage’s body a yellow hue and complement it with a bold red accent for it to be appreciated from the street. 

The subdued yellow siding of this farmhouse cottage is set off by red roofing for a flattering retro yet fresh exterior color palette. The pale yellow is rich enough to be eccentric but not too bold. White on the trim, railings, and pillars ties the look together.

10. Consider the Roofing

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@emmybehindemmy

The orange shingle roof offers a warm, contrasting backdrop for the soft pink concrete walls of this quaint cottage. 

White on the window trim for the attic punctuates the elegant façade, with the three colors creating a dreamy and cozy look that suits the cottage’s old-world architecture.

11. Blend in with the Surroundings

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@Hendel Homes

The dark gray siding of this charming lake cottage creates an exterior that’s easy on the eyes and benefits from the rustic and warm touches of the brown shingle roof. 

Crisp white outlines windows, highlights the trim, accents the front door, and defines the porch pillars, bringing brightness and dimension to the exterior.

12. Stand Out from the Rest

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@Erotas Custom Building

This guest cottage’s red and white exterior color palette guarantees a classic display that will look good all year. The rich red oxide hue enhances the home’s traditional appeal in all facets.

Crisp white trim makes a grand appearance on the trim, giving the cottage a crisp, clean look. A white lattice frames the wall without stealing the show, while the garage takes its color scheme cue from the home’s exterior for a cohesive scheme.

13. Achieve a Textured Look

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@emily lauderback stewart design renovation

The pale olive-gray trim, porch steps, and railings firmly anchor the red siding of this bungalow to nearby greenery. 

The door’s light wood framing pairs nicely with the rocking chair, with their wood tones allowing them to stand out against the weathered siding.

14. Make it Vibrant

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@LAND DEVELOPMENT BUILDING, LLC

Purple is an unexpected hue in an exterior color palette. Nonetheless, a bright white trim is an excellent way to tone down this eclectic paint color, as seen in this Betty cottage.

A soft blue door provides an equally playful color while subtly contrasting the white and purple. A modicum of flowers and hedges modernize the home’s exterior.

15. Go for a Monotone Look

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@Jameson Design Group

Thanks to a refreshingly cheery palette, this classic bungalow takes a contemporary turn. A shade of Benjamin Moore New Dawn sets the siding aglow, while bright white on the trim, drain pipes, and balusters highlight the home’s architectural features.

Benjamin Moore Deep Sea Green adds visual weight to the front door and porch steps. A smudge of red-brown on the handrails and window frames pulls in a small amount of contrast for a distinct and design-forward appearance.

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