The Big Debate at Our House
I’ll admit it—I really like the black-and-white house most of the time.
My husband? Not so much. 😂 He says it’s a passing trend. (But if he’s right, he’s going to keep the contractors in business, so I guess it’s a win either way.)
He prefers natural colors—warm wood tones, earthy greens, browns, and colors that blend into the beautiful Pacific Northwest landscape. I, on the other hand, love the clean, dramatic contrast of black and white.
So naturally, this has become a bit of a debate at our house!
Maybe that’s one of the fun things about remodeling and updating a home. We don’t always agree on the style, colors, or what needs to be changed. Sometimes you have to compromise—or at least have a few more conversations about paint colors! 😉
But whether you’re team black and white or team natural colors, there’s no denying that this trend has been making a big impression around the PNW.
Why Black and White Works So Well in the PNW
There’s something about the contrast of black and white against our Northwest landscape. Surrounded by tall evergreens, gray skies, mountains, and plenty of green, a black-and-white home can really stand out.
White siding keeps the home feeling bright and inviting, while black accents add depth and personality. The look can work beautifully on everything from traditional homes and farmhouses to modern Northwest designs.
The Cons of a White House
Let’s be honest—white can be a little high maintenance! 😂
In the Pacific Northwest, we have plenty of rain, moss, mud, pollen, and moisture. All of that can make a white exterior show dirt and grime more easily than darker or natural colors.
White siding may need more frequent cleaning to keep that fresh, crisp appearance. You’ll also notice things like muddy splashes around the bottom of the house, especially during our wet winter months.
So while a white house can look beautiful, it’s worth considering how much maintenance you’re willing to do to keep it looking that way. Also, not all home styles lend themselves to the new trend!
It’s All About the Details
You don’t necessarily have to repaint your entire house to get the black-and-white look. Consider adding black accents to:
- Front doors
- Window trim
- Shutters
- Garage doors
- Railings
- Porch details
- Exterior lighting
- House numbers
For a bigger transformation, pairing black trim with fresh white siding can completely change the personality of your home.
Thinking About Making the Change?
Before choosing your colors, consider how much natural light your home gets, the surrounding landscape, and the existing materials on your house. Also think about maintenance and how the colors will look throughout our changing PNW seasons.
A contractor can help you decide what will work best and make sure the exterior is properly prepared before painting.
And if you’re not ready to go completely black and white, start small. A new black front door or black window trim might be all it takes to give your home that fresh PNW look.
Whether you’re updating an older home or planning a larger exterior remodel, black and white can give your home a modern, clean, and welcoming look. Or, maybe it’s not for you!
As for our house? The debate continues. 😂
But one thing we agree on is that happiness happens inside a home, regardless of the paint color.
