Should I Get a Brown Roof?

Should I Get a Brown Roof? A Guide to Complementary Exterior Colors and Styles

Choosing a roof color is a major decision in home design, as it significantly impacts the curb appeal and character of your property. One popular choice for homeowners looking for a classic, warm aesthetic is the brown roof. But what colors and design elements work best with this versatile option? Let’s dive into exterior color schemes, trim choices, and home styles that pair beautifully with brown roofs, along with tips on colors to avoid to ensure your home’s exterior is both harmonious and inviting.

Best Exterior Colors to Pair with a Brown Roof

Brown roofs add warmth and depth to a home, making them a fantastic choice for a variety of styles and colors. The following exterior colors bring out the best in a brown roof and create a cohesive, attractive look:

• Reds: Rich, earthy reds like brick or terracotta look timeless against a brown roof. The natural warmth of these colors blends seamlessly, creating a welcoming, cohesive appearance.
• Yellows: Soft, muted yellows or buttery tones add a bright, cheerful feel that complements brown’s warm undertones without overwhelming the eye.
• Beige and Cream: These neutral colors create a balanced, understated look that allows the brown roof to stand out. Beige and cream offer a clean, classic look, ideal for homeowners seeking a neutral palette.
• White: For a crisp, timeless aesthetic, white siding paired with a brown roof provides a fresh, modern look. Adding natural wood elements or warm trim can add depth and avoid any starkness in the color contrast.

By choosing one of these warm or neutral shades, you’re setting the foundation for a cohesive exterior that highlights the earthy tones of a brown roof.

Trim Colors to Complement a Brown Roof

The right trim color can make all the difference in pulling together the look of your home. With a brown roof, warm and neutral trims work best to harmonize the exterior. Here are a few tried-and-true options:

• Deep Red or Burgundy Trim: A dark red or burgundy trim can provide a sophisticated contrast against light-colored siding and complement the brown roof’s warmth.
• Warm Wood Tones: Natural wood trim or accents, such as cedar or walnut, add an organic touch that blends perfectly with a brown roof. This choice is especially appealing on cottage or rustic-style homes.
• Cream or Off-White Trim: Creamy trims add a touch of softness and work beautifully with beige or yellow exteriors. This combination is perfect if you’re going for a classic or traditional look.
• Muted Blues and Blue-Greens: Surprisingly, subtle blue or blue-green trim can work if done thoughtfully. When paired with a white exterior and complemented by wood accents, this color scheme offers a charming, coastal feel.

Colors to Avoid: What Doesn’t Work with a Brown Roof

To keep your home looking cohesive, avoid colors that clash with the warm undertones of a brown roof. Cool colors that lean heavily into gray, bright blue, or stark black can create an unbalanced appearance and make your home feel disconnected. Here are some colors to avoid:

• Cool Grays: Gray siding or trim can appear harsh next to a brown roof and may wash out the warmth of the roof color.
• Vibrant Blues: While muted blues can work, brighter blues clash with brown’s warm undertones, making the overall look feel out of sync.
• Stark Blacks: Black trim or accents may feel too strong and overpowering, taking away from the warmth and natural beauty of a brown roof.

When selecting colors, it’s best to stay within warm or neutral tones to allow the brown roof to blend naturally with the exterior.

Can a Brown Roof Go with a Blue House?

Yes! Though it might seem unexpected, a brown roof can indeed work with a blue house—when done thoughtfully. The key to making this combination work is choosing complementary colors for the trim and accents. Consider a white exterior with blue trim, paired with wood elements that have warm undertones similar to the brown roof. Brown roofs have hints of orange in their makeup, which sits opposite blue on the color wheel, making it a complementary match.

By balancing the coolness of blue with warm wood or neutral trim, you can achieve a harmonious look that feels both modern and inviting.

Home Styles That Look Great with a Brown Roof

Certain architectural styles seem to naturally pair with brown roofs, creating a seamless and cohesive look. Here are a few home styles that are often enhanced by a brown roof:

• Cottage: With its storybook charm, the cottage style comes to life with a brown roof. Paired with white or cream exteriors and natural wood trim, the look is cozy and timeless.
• Craftsman: The earthy tones and natural elements of a Craftsman-style home blend beautifully with a brown roof. Brown roofs enhance the warm wood accents and typically earthy color palette of these homes.
• Mediterranean or Spanish: For homes with stucco or stone siding, a brown roof adds an authentic, European feel. Muted yellows, creams, and soft reds complement these styles well, creating a warm and inviting exterior.
• Rustic or Log Cabin: The organic elements of log cabins and rustic homes naturally work with brown roofs, which further emphasize the earthy, grounded feel of these styles.

A Timeless Trend: When Brown Roofs Became Popular

Brown roofs have been a popular choice in American architecture for decades, especially in homes built from the 1970s onward. Their warm, earthy tones were particularly favored in the 70s and 80s, aligning with the natural, earthy design trends of the time. Today, brown roofs continue to be popular for those seeking a classic look that harmonizes with natural surroundings, providing a timeless appeal that can blend well with traditional, rustic, and even modern home styles.

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Photo Credits: CertainTeed Roofing Products

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a brown roof, rest assured it’s a versatile choice that can work with a variety of exterior colors, trims, and architectural styles. By pairing your brown roof with warm, complementary colors and carefully chosen trim, you can create a beautiful, harmonious exterior that adds curb appeal and timeless style to your home. Just be mindful to avoid overly cool or stark colors, and you’ll have a home exterior that feels warm, welcoming, and perfectly coordinated.