Popular Paint Colors for Lamorinda Homes in 2025

Choosing paint colors for your Lamorinda home is more than just picking shades you like. It's about finding colors that complement your home's architecture, fit with your neighborhood's character, and reflect the natural beauty of Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga's oak-studded hills and Mediterranean climate.

We've painted hundreds of homes throughout Lamorinda over the past 20-plus years, and we've watched color trends evolve from the beiges and tans of the early 2000s to today's warm whites, earthy greens, and sophisticated neutrals. In this guide, we'll share the colors we're seeing most often in 2025, explain why they work so well in Lamorinda, and offer advice on choosing colors that will look beautiful and timeless on your home.

This isn't a generic color trend article. We're focusing specifically on colors that suit Lamorinda's architectural styles, natural surroundings, and local design sensibilities. Whether you're painting a mid-century modern in Orinda, a craftsman bungalow in Lafayette, or a Mediterranean-style home in Moraga, these insights will help you make confident color choices.

Understanding Lamorinda's Unique Color Context

Lamorinda's natural landscape, architecture, and lighting all influence which paint colors look their best here. The golden hills, oak trees, and intense California sunlight create a specific color environment that differs from coastal areas or valley locations.

Natural light in Lamorinda is bright and warm, especially during summer and fall when the hills turn golden. This warm light affects how colors appear on walls. Cool grays and blues that look crisp in northern climates or overcast regions can feel cold and out of place here. Warmer neutrals, greiges, and colors with earthy undertones tend to harmonize better with Lamorinda's light quality.

Architectural styles in Lamorinda range from ranch homes and mid-century moderns to craftsman bungalows, Mediterranean estates, and contemporary farmhouses. Each style has traditional color palettes that work well. Ranch and mid-century homes look great in warm whites, soft greens, and natural wood tones. Craftsman homes suit deeper earth tones, greens, and rich trim colors. Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes traditionally use warm whites, terracottas, and ochre tones.

Neighborhood character also matters. Some neighborhoods lean traditional and conservative, with mostly whites, grays, and neutral exteriors. Others embrace more color, with blue-greens, sage greens, and even bold accent colors. Walking your neighborhood and noticing what colors are common helps you choose colors that fit in while still expressing your personal style.

Native vegetation, including oaks, pines, and native grasses, provides a natural color palette of greens, golds, and browns that many homeowners echo in their paint choices. Colors that reference these natural tones feel rooted and appropriate in Lamorinda's landscape.

Trending Exterior Paint Colors for Lamorinda in 2025

Exterior colors in Lamorinda are moving away from stark whites and cool grays toward warmer, more nuanced neutrals that feel organic and connected to the natural surroundings. Here are the colors we're painting most often in 2025.

Warm Whites and Off-Whites

Warm white exteriors remain the most popular choice throughout Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga. But homeowners are choosing warmer, creamier whites instead of the bright, stark whites that were popular a decade ago.

Sherwin-Williams Alabaster is one of the most requested exterior whites right now. It's a soft, warm white with subtle beige undertones that looks crisp but not cold. Alabaster works beautifully on craftsman homes, farmhouse-style properties, and contemporary designs. It pairs well with black, charcoal, or dark bronze trim for a modern look, or with wood tones and natural stone for a more traditional feel.

Benjamin Moore White Dove is another top choice. It's slightly warmer than Alabaster, with a hint of gray and beige that prevents it from looking too creamy or yellow. White Dove is versatile and flattering in Lamorinda's bright sunlight, and it works well on a wide range of architectural styles.

Sherwin-Williams Snowbound and Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace are brighter, crisper whites that still have enough warmth to work in Lamorinda. They're popular on modern farmhouse homes and on properties where homeowners want a clean, fresh appearance without going full stark white.

Greige and Taupe Neutrals

Greige (gray-beige blends) continues to be popular for homeowners who want neutrals with more warmth and depth than pure gray. These colors feel sophisticated and modern while still harmonizing with Lamorinda's warm natural tones.

Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige is one of the most popular greiges in Lamorinda. It's a true greige with a perfect balance of gray and beige, and it reads as a soft, neutral backdrop that works with almost any landscape and trim color. Accessible Beige is especially popular on ranch homes and contemporary properties.

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter is a slightly cooler greige with more gray presence. It's a go-to color for homeowners who want a modern, sophisticated neutral that still has warmth. Revere Pewter works well on modern exteriors and pairs beautifully with black windows, dark trim, and natural wood accents.

Sherwin-Williams Balanced Beige and Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray are warmer greiges that lean more beige than gray. They're soft, versatile, and flattering in Lamorinda's golden light. We see these colors often on Mediterranean-style homes, where they complement terracotta roofs and stone details.

Earthy Greens and Sages

Green is having a major moment in Lamorinda, especially soft, earthy greens and sages that reference the native oaks and hillsides. These colors feel fresh and current while still being grounded and timeless.

Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog was the 2022 Color of the Year, and it's still incredibly popular in Lamorinda. It's a muted, sophisticated green-gray that works beautifully on exteriors, especially when paired with warm white trim and natural wood accents. Evergreen Fog suits craftsman homes, mid-century moderns, and contemporary designs.

Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage is a softer, more delicate sage green that's popular on farmhouse-style homes and on properties where homeowners want color without going too bold. Saybrook Sage feels calm and organic, and it pairs well with warm whites, creams, and natural stone.

Sherwin-Williams Clary Sage and Benjamin Moore October Mist are other popular greens that range from soft gray-green to deeper olive-green. These colors work especially well on homes surrounded by oak trees or in neighborhoods with lots of natural vegetation.

Charcoal, Black, and Deep Blue Accents

While most Lamorinda homes stick with neutral main colors, bold trim and accent colors are increasingly popular. Charcoal grays, matte black, and deep navy blues are showing up on front doors, window trim, shutters, and architectural details.

Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black and Benjamin Moore Black are popular for modern farmhouse and contemporary exteriors, especially when used on windows, doors, and trim against a white or light neutral body. The contrast creates a crisp, striking look that feels fresh and current.

Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore and Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal are softer charcoal grays that offer contrast without the starkness of true black. These colors work well on trim, garage doors, and shutters, and they pair beautifully with warm neutrals and greiges.

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy and Sherwin-Williams Naval are deep, sophisticated navy blues that homeowners are using on front doors, shutters, and accent walls. Navy feels classic and timeless, and it adds personality without being too bold or trendy.

Natural Wood Tones and Stains

Lamorinda's architectural heritage includes many homes with natural wood siding, trim, and details. Instead of painting over wood, many homeowners are choosing to restore and stain it, preserving the natural grain and warmth.

Transparent and semi-transparent stains in warm browns, honey tones, and natural cedar tones are popular for decks, fences, siding, and trim. These finishes protect wood while letting the natural beauty show through. Brands like Sherwin-Williams Woodscapes and Benjamin Moore Arborcoat offer excellent semi-transparent stain options formulated for California sun.

For homeowners who want the look of natural wood without the maintenance, solid-color stains in warm browns and grays provide the coverage of paint with the texture and appearance of stained wood. These finishes are especially popular on siding, fences, and architectural accents.

Trending Interior Paint Colors for Lamorinda in 2025

Interior color trends in Lamorinda reflect a desire for warmth, calm, and connection to nature. Homeowners are moving away from cool grays and stark whites toward softer, warmer neutrals and earthy accent colors.

Warm Whites for Walls and Trim

Warm white interiors remain the foundation of most Lamorinda homes, but the specific shades have shifted toward creamier, softer whites that feel inviting rather than clinical.

Sherwin-Williams Alabaster is just as popular for interiors as it is for exteriors. It's a warm, soft white that works beautifully on walls and trim throughout the home. Alabaster has enough warmth to feel cozy but enough crispness to look clean and modern.

Benjamin Moore White Dove and Simply White are also top choices for interior walls and trim. White Dove is slightly warmer and softer, while Simply White is crisper with a hint of coolness that works well in south-facing rooms with lots of natural light.

Sherwin-Williams Pure White and Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace are brighter, crisper whites that work well in rooms with limited natural light or in homes where homeowners want a fresh, airy feel. These whites pair beautifully with colorful accents, artwork, and furnishings.

Soft Greiges and Warm Grays

For homeowners who want something slightly warmer and more enveloping than white, soft greiges and warm grays are popular choices for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.

Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray is one of the most popular interior paint colors nationwide, and it's equally popular in Lamorinda. It's a warm, soft greige that works in almost any room and with almost any decor style. Agreeable Gray feels neutral and calming without being boring.

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter and Edgecomb Gray are similar warm greiges that offer slightly different undertones. Revere Pewter leans slightly cooler and grayer, while Edgecomb Gray is warmer and more beige. Both colors are versatile and flattering in Lamorinda's natural light.

Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray and Benjamin Moore Classic Gray are true warm grays that work well in modern interiors and in rooms where homeowners want a neutral backdrop for colorful furnishings and art.

Earthy Greens, Blues, and Terracottas

Accent walls and feature colors are trending toward earthy, nature-inspired tones that add warmth and personality without overwhelming spaces.

Soft greens like Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog, Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage, and Farrow & Ball Green Smoke are popular for bedrooms, home offices, and living rooms. These colors feel calm and restorative, and they work well with natural wood, linen fabrics, and organic textures.

Warm blues, including Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, Sherwin-Williams Naval, and softer shades like Benjamin Moore Breath of Fresh Air, are popular in bedrooms, bathrooms, and dining rooms. Blues feel timeless and sophisticated, and they pair well with white trim and warm wood tones.

Terracotta and warm clay tones are showing up as accent colors in dining rooms, kitchens, and powder rooms. These colors reference Mediterranean influences common in Lamorinda architecture and feel warm and inviting. Sherwin-Williams Cavern Clay and Benjamin Moore Adobe Orange are popular choices.

Natural Wood Tones and Unpainted Surfaces

Instead of painting everything, many Lamorinda homeowners are choosing to celebrate natural materials like wood, brick, and stone. Exposed wood beams, natural wood cabinets, and unpainted shiplap are popular in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms.

When natural wood is incorporated, paint colors tend to be softer and more neutral to let the wood shine. Warm whites, soft greiges, and muted greens all pair beautifully with natural wood tones.

How to Choose Colors That Complement Your Lamorinda Home's Architecture

Different architectural styles have traditional color palettes that enhance their character and design elements. Here's guidance for the most common home styles in Lamorinda.

Craftsman and Bungalow Homes

Craftsman homes feature natural materials, exposed beams, and detailed woodwork. Traditional craftsman colors include warm earth tones, greens, and rich wood stains.

For exteriors, consider deep greens, warm browns, taupes, and sage greens for the body, with contrasting trim in cream, tan, or soft green. Front doors in deep reds, dark greens, or rich browns add character. Stained wood details like corbels, brackets, and porch posts should be preserved and maintained.

For interiors, warm whites, soft greiges, and earthy greens work well on walls. Consider deeper accent colors like forest green, terracotta, or warm gold in dining rooms or libraries to honor the craftsman aesthetic.

Mid-Century Modern Homes

Mid-century modern homes feature clean lines, large windows, and integration with the outdoors. Traditional mid-century colors include soft neutrals, muted greens and blues, and bold accent colors.

For exteriors, warm whites, soft greiges, and muted greens work beautifully. Consider painting the body in a neutral and using a contrasting color on the front door or a single accent wall. Natural wood siding and trim should be stained rather than painted when possible.

For interiors, stick with soft whites and warm neutrals on most walls, and introduce color through accent walls, built-in cabinetry, or feature walls behind fireplaces. Soft greens, warm blues, and earthy ochres all suit mid-century design.

Mediterranean and Spanish-Style Homes

Mediterranean homes feature stucco walls, terracotta roofs, arched openings, and wrought-iron details. Traditional colors include warm whites, creams, ochres, and terracotta tones.

For exteriors, warm white or cream stucco with natural terracotta roof tiles creates a classic look. Trim can be the same color as the body or slightly deeper. Accent colors like warm terracotta, soft gold, or deep green can be used on shutters, doors, or wrought-iron details.

For interiors, warm whites and soft creams work well on walls. Consider accent colors like terracotta, warm gold, deep blue, or soft green in kitchens, dining rooms, or bedrooms to enhance the Mediterranean character.

Ranch and Contemporary Homes

Ranch homes feature horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, and integration with the landscape. Contemporary homes emphasize clean lines, minimal detail, and bold contrasts.

For ranch exteriors, soft neutrals like Accessible Beige, Balanced Beige, or warm whites work well. Natural wood accents and stone details should be preserved. Trim can match the body or provide subtle contrast.

For contemporary exteriors, crisp whites, charcoal grays, or bold contrasts (white body with black trim) create a striking, modern look. Natural wood accents and large expanses of glass add warmth and interest.

For interiors in both styles, stick with neutral walls in soft whites or warm grays, and introduce color and personality through furnishings, art, and accent pieces.

Color Combinations We're Painting Most Often in 2025

Here are some of the most popular color combinations we've painted on Lamorinda homes this year.

Warm White with Black Trim (Modern Farmhouse) Body: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore White Dove Trim, Windows, Doors: Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black or Benjamin Moore Black This combination feels fresh, modern, and crisp. It works beautifully on farmhouse-style homes and contemporary designs.

Greige with White Trim (Transitional/Contemporary) Body: Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige or Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter Trim: Sherwin-Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore Simply White This is a soft, sophisticated combination that suits ranch homes, mid-century moderns, and contemporary properties.

Soft Green with Warm White Trim (Craftsman/Farmhouse) Body: Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog or Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage Trim: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster or Benjamin Moore White Dove This combination feels fresh and organic, and it works beautifully on homes surrounded by trees and natural landscapes.

Warm White with Natural Wood Accents (Mid-Century/Craftsman) Body and Trim: Benjamin Moore White Dove or Sherwin-Williams Snowbound Accent: Natural stained wood (cedar, redwood, or walnut tones) This combination highlights natural materials and creates a clean, timeless look.

Charcoal with White and Wood (Contemporary) Body: Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore or Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal Trim: Sherwin-Williams Pure White Accent: Natural stained wood siding or garage door This bold combination creates strong contrast and works well on modern and contemporary homes.

Tips for Choosing and Testing Paint Colors

Choosing paint colors can feel overwhelming, but a few practical strategies make the process easier and more successful.

Start by looking at your home's fixed elements: roof color, brick or stone details, flooring, countertops, and cabinetry. Your paint colors should complement these permanent features, not fight against them.

Gather inspiration from homes in your neighborhood, design blogs, and paint manufacturer websites. Save images of colors and combinations you're drawn to, and notice what they have in common.

Order large sample sheets or paint sample boards from your paint store. Many stores sell peel-and-stick sample sheets or foam core sample boards that are much larger than the small paint chips you see in the store. These larger samples give you a much better sense of how the color will look on your walls.

Test colors on multiple walls and in different lighting conditions. Paint looks different in morning light, afternoon sun, and evening light. It also looks different on north-facing walls versus south-facing walls. Live with your samples for a few days and notice how the colors feel at different times of day.

Consider how interior colors flow from room to room. You don't need to paint every room the same color, but colors should transition smoothly as you move through the house. Using different shades from the same color family or using a consistent white trim color throughout helps create visual continuity.

Don't be afraid to ask for professional advice. We offer color consultations to help homeowners choose colors that suit their home's architecture, neighborhood, and personal style. We can show you examples of colors we've painted on similar homes and help you avoid common mistakes.

Why Lamorinda Painting Helps Homeowners Choose the Right Colors

Choosing paint colors is one of the most important decisions in any painting project, and we understand how overwhelming it can be. We've painted hundreds of homes throughout Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga, and we've developed a deep understanding of which colors work well in Lamorinda's climate, light, and architectural context.

We're happy to walk you through color options, show you examples from past projects, and help you test colors before committing. We use high-quality paints from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Dunn-Edwards, and we have access to thousands of colors and custom color-matching services.

We also understand proper surface preparation, primer selection, and application techniques that ensure your colors look exactly as you expect. We're fully licensed and insured, and we take pride in delivering high-quality painting services at affordable prices. We protect your home during the project, work efficiently, and always leave your home spotless when we're done.

Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our estimates are always free. If you're planning a painting project and need help choosing colors, we'd be happy to schedule a consultation and provide guidance tailored to your specific home and style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Colors in Lamorinda

What's the most popular exterior paint color in Lamorinda right now?

Warm whites like Sherwin-Williams Alabaster and Benjamin Moore White Dove are the most popular, followed by warm greiges like Accessible Beige and Revere Pewter. Soft greens like Evergreen Fog are also trending for homeowners who want color.

Should I match my neighbors' paint colors?

You don't need to match exactly, but it's wise to stay within a similar color family and tone. Walking your neighborhood and noticing the overall color palette helps you choose colors that fit in while still expressing your personal style. Homes that are too different can feel out of place and may be harder to sell.

How do I know if a color will look good on my home?

Test large samples on your actual home exterior or interior walls and view them in different lighting conditions over several days. Consider your home's architecture, fixed elements like roof and stone, and neighborhood context. Professional color consultations can also provide valuable guidance.

Are trendy colors a bad idea?

Some trendy colors have staying power and become new classics (like greige and soft greens), while others feel dated quickly. If you choose a trendy color, use it as an accent rather than covering your entire home. Neutral bases with colorful accents are easier to update as trends change.

What's the best white paint for Lamorinda homes?

Sherwin-Williams Alabaster and Benjamin Moore White Dove are the most popular warm whites. They work well in Lamorinda's warm light and suit most architectural styles. For a crisper white, consider Sherwin-Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore Simply White.

Ready to Choose the Perfect Colors for Your Lamorinda Home?

Choosing paint colors that suit your home's architecture, your neighborhood, and your personal style is an important decision, and we're here to help. We bring over 20 years of experience painting homes throughout Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga, and we're ready to guide you through the color selection process with expert advice and practical insights.

Contact Lamorinda Painting today for a free estimate and color consultation. We'll discuss your goals, show you examples of popular colors on similar homes, and help you test colors before making final decisions. We're fully licensed and insured, and your satisfaction is our top priority.

Call us at (925) 890-0361 or email lamorindapainting@gmail.com to get started. We look forward to helping you choose beautiful, timeless colors for your Lamorinda home.