5 Modern Paint Colors That Work Surprisingly Well in Older or Historic Homes

July 2, 2024

an older home’s interior being repainted

Repainting an older or historic home is an opportunity to honor its past while also giving a fresh, updated look for the future. However, selecting the right color scheme is essential for preserving its character and architectural integrity – after all, these are elements that you should want to feature! Continue reading below for a few modern paint color ideas that tend to work surprisingly well in older or historic homes.

1. Neutrals

Many historic homes were originally painted using neutral colors since many of these paints were made from raw materials. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t still tasteful choices today. Warm, orange-tinged woods and earthy shades of red can work well, as can grays, beiges, and greiges (the tasteful combination of gray and beige).

2. Chrome Yellow

Did you know that Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the US, used chrome yellow in his house back in 1815? And when this historic country home in Charlottesville was restored back in 2010, this color was one of the first used! Despite its bold and modern look, the color was invented in France hundreds of years ago; if sunshine could be packaged, this is what it would look like!

3. Fresh Mint

Fresh mint is one of the trendiest colors on Pinterest and other social media platforms right now, and it’s not difficult to see why. This gentle shade of green looks just as current today as it did centuries ago. It also works well in Victorian-era style homes that utilize darker shades of green and other similar hues.

4. Bright Salmon

If you’re worried that pink might seem a little too sweet, or that orange might be a little too risky, but you absolutely love both of these colors, then you should try landing somewhere in the middle. This vibrant shade of salmon is an expected choice that somehow works; it’s warm, exciting, and welcoming, and certain to keep things fresh.

5. Rich Navy

A moody shade of navy can look both starkly modern and perfectly old-world, depending on how you stage it. If you pair it with a mixture of antiques, which you’ll find plenty of in older or historic homes, you can add a nice splash of drama to any room. Of course, navy is also known to pair well with white, especially if you’re aiming for a more nautical-inspired look. If you still want to go with blue but prefer something a little lighter, consider sky or pastel blue – this is a classic color choice for porches!

Lastly, you’ll want to be sure that you do your research beforehand about the home’s architecture, survey the building’s surroundings, and utilize paint test samples. Repainting an older or historic home isn’t an endeavor you should take lightly, so being thorough will ensure that no matter what color you choose, you’re happy with your results!

About Platinum Painting of Fort Worth

Our team here at Platinum Painting of Fort Worth has proudly assisted homeowners in Fort Worth and the surrounding DFW area for over 15 years, offering professional assistance with a wide range of interior and exterior painting projects. We love working on older or historic homes, too! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a FREE in-home estimate, please visit us online or call us today for further information. Telephone: (817) 380-4404.