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A white exterior paired with black trim is a classic look that will never go out of style because its monochromatic color scheme is versatile enough to work with any architectural style. Whether it's a colonial-style home or a classic modern rancher.
The timeless combination the also the perfect neutral backdrop for seasonal decor and other colorful accents throughout the year. If your home's curb appeal could use a boost, gain inspiration from these white houses with black trim that make a sophisticated statement.
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Install Window Awnings
Add charm and continue the black and white exterior aesthetic by installing window awnings. A clean and classic striped pattern on the awnings instantly elevates this home, echoing the modern lines of the floor-to-ceiling windows. It also breaks up the large portions of the white exterior with its design.
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Highlight Windows
Create contrast and highlight an oversized window with black shutters. Bring in an extra layer of visual interest with a raised x-design on the shutters and tie in the black paint color through other exterior trim details.
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Add Wood Accents
Tone down the stark contrast of a black and white home exterior with reclaimed wood accents. They add warmth and a rustic touch, giving a property a lived-in aesthetic. Play with shape and if you use straight wood planks, break up their linear nature with an arched door and curved light sconces.
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Paint the Front Door
Introduce a third color to a white house with black trim. A front door provides the perfect opportunity for an unexpected pop of color and a whimsical statement. Here, a soft pink door lightens the exterior and gives it a playful and inviting feel.
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Stick With Monochromes
Extend the monochromatic color palette to your outdoor furniture for a cohesive design. Opt for a black patio dining set with white cushions to echo the white exterior paint and black trim. Soften the space with potted greenery and rattan lights or lanterns that introduce organic shapes and materials while maintaining a neutral color palette.
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Update the Brick
Update a brick exterior with a coat of bright white paint for a relatively quick and inexpensive makeover that makes a huge impact. Go a step further by painting all trim black and completing the elegant color theme with a black mailbox, house numbers, and wall sconces.
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Extend the Color
To intentionally integrate a patio or deck with your black and white house exterior, continue the paint colors of a pergola or fencing. This will visually expand the area and help tie the whole outdoor space together.
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Create Contrast
Whenever you use a limited color palette, turn to other design elements to add layers of interest and variety. Installing windows that have contrasting shapes is one way to approach this trick on a home exterior—pair classic windows with arched French doors to change up the look without introducing a new trim color.
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Warm It Up
Layer a white exterior with black trim, then add a third contrasting color and material, such as brick. Either limewash the brick to help it blend in with the white paint, or create depth and warmth with red brick which will bring dimension and break up the two solid colors.
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Emphasize a Flat Roof
Black trim provides an excellent way to emphasize a cool design element such as a flat roof. Follow the shape of the roof with the dark paint color and repeat it through the window trim, front door, or gate for an integrated design.
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Match Sconces
In addition to providing light, outdoor wall sconces are a beautiful way to add a decorative touch. Highlight the black and white exterior theme with black sconces that pop against white siding or shingles for a sophisticated statement.
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Use Decorative Elements
If you want to add a little extra character to a white exterior with black trim, use decorative details such as patterned tile on the steps, a unique curved stair railing, or colorful flower pots that infuse the space with charm and personality.
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Go Rustic
A white house with black trim is incredibly versatile and offers a blank canvas for a number of design styles. Create a rustic aesthetic with clay roof shingles that will instantly warm up the exterior and give it a more relaxed appearance.
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Paint the Front Door
A black front door makes a classic statement and is the perfect pairing for a white-painted exterior. It's a neutral backdrop for holiday decor throughout the seasons, pairs well with any color hardware, and is timeless, so you don't have to worry about it looking outdated in a couple of years.
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Surround It With Greenery
Lush greenery will instantly liven up a black and white exterior. Juxtapose a crisp and modern monochrome color scheme with the organic beauty of nature, whether it's through in-ground greenery or potted plants by the front door.
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Create Dimension
Add dimension to a white house layered with black trim using natural materials such as stone. Its irregular texture and colors soften the black and white paint and provide visual contrast. Repeat the use of stone throughout the exterior for an intentional and even design.
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Incorporate Arches
An arched door or window instantly elevates an exterior and gives it a more custom, less builder-grade, look. Highlight black trim with arched shapes and echo the spherical design through other structural elements such as a doorway and decorative features in a wall sconce.
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Use Plenty of Glass
Invite as much natural light into your home as you can through oversized floor-to-ceiling windows that also make a stunning exterior statement. Lighten the weight of a white concrete structure with black trim through large glass windows that will create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
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Say Yes to Symmetry
A symmetrical entrance sets a visually pleasing scene and a classic design. Flank a black front door with identical sconces on each side and continue the symmetrical look through potted and in-ground greenery surrounding the entrance.
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Introduce Patterns
Break up solid surfaces on a white house exterior through not just black trim, but patterned tile. Whether it's a patio wall or flooring, opt for graphic black and white tile that will tie in the dual color scheme while introducing small scale patterns. This will modernize your outdoor space and give it a custom feel while still feeling fully incorporated.
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Paint the Porch
Create contrast and dimension by painting the porch floor and steps black, echoing the black trim on your white house. It'll make the space look crisp and modern, while setting a neutral base for a fun vintage-style door mat and tall planters to fill with seasonal plants.
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Opt for a Gray Roof
Stick with a cool color palette and opt for a gray roof on your white house. Although it's not black like the trim, it'll still add some softness and contrast while tying in the dark color. To give a nod to the roof, use gray stone or pavers to create a walkway to the house.
If you want to warm up the exterior without introducing a new color, go with a wooden front door. It'll stand out and be an instant focal point while warming up the facade.
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Stay Classic
A white house with black trim lends itself perfectly to a classic exterior design. Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication, so keep it uncluttered by sticking with clean lines, repeating details, and using timeless materials.
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Get Inspired
There are a number of architectural styles you can look to for inspiration for a white house with black trim. They range from colonial homes to one-level mid-century modern houses and everything in between.
Depending on the style of your own home, take cues from these design styles when it comes to trim details, what natural materials make for a good complement, and how to create a cohesive outdoor space that boosts curb appeal.
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