The Best Exterior Paint Colors for Farmington Hills Homes Built in the 90s and Early 2000s

The Best Exterior Paint Colors for Farmington Hills Homes Built in the 90s and Early 2000s

If your home in Farmington Hills was built in the 1990s or early 2000s, there's a good chance it’s ready for a fresh coat of paint. Many of the homes built during that era came in neutral colors like beige, taupe, or off-white. While those shades were popular back then, they can now look faded, outdated, or just a little…blah.

The good news? A new exterior paint job can completely refresh your home’s appearance, make it feel more current, and even boost your curb appeal and property value.

Let’s explore some of the best exterior paint color options for updating your home—and a few tips to help you choose the right one.

Common Exterior Styles from That Era

Homes built in Farmington Hills in the 90s and early 2000s tend to share a few design elements. Many are two-story colonials, ranches, or transitional-style homes with features like:

Vinyl siding and/or partial brick fronts
Gable or hip roofs
Narrow shutters and large garage doors
Front porches or entryways with white columns

The original paint colors on these homes were often soft neutrals like taupe, light tan, dusty rose, or pale yellow. Some even had bold forest green or burgundy trim—which hasn’t aged quite as well. Over time, paint fades, mildews, or just stops looking fresh. So if your home still has its original colors from the early 2000s, it’s likely time for a refresh.

Why Now Is a Great Time to Repaint

Most exterior paint jobs last between 15 and 20 years, depending on sun exposure, moisture, and prep work. In Michigan, weather extremes—especially freeze-thaw cycles—can speed up paint deterioration.

If you’re seeing signs like peeling, cracking, fading, or mildew, your paint is past its prime. Even if it’s holding up okay, outdated color schemes can make your home feel older than it is.

A new paint job doesn’t just fix wear and tear—it also gives you the chance to modernize your home’s look and make it stand out for the right reasons.

Updated Color Combinations That Work Well

When choosing a new exterior color scheme, it’s all about balance. You want something that feels fresh and current but still fits into your neighborhood. Here are a few ideas that work especially well on suburban homes from this era.

1. Modern Neutrals with Contrast

Give beige a break and go for warmer grays or rich neutrals.

Main Color: Warm greige, soft taupe, or mushroom
Trim: Crisp white or charcoal gray
Accent (front door/shutters): Navy, black, or brick red

This palette feels clean and timeless. It works especially well on homes with vinyl siding and brick accents.

2. Earthy & Organic Tones

Bring in natural elements that pair beautifully with brick, stone, or landscaping.

Main Color: Sage green, terracotta, or warm clay
Trim: Cream or soft white
Accent: Olive, bronze, or slate blue

These colors are great if you want a cozy, welcoming vibe without going too bold.

3. Cooler Grays and Blues

If your home gets a lot of sunlight, cooler colors can help it stand out without looking too harsh.

Main Color: Light gray, blue-gray, or stormy blue
Trim: Bright white or slate
Accent: Black, cobalt, or deep blue

This combination feels fresh and coastal without being over the top.

What to Avoid When Repainting a 90s or 2000s Home

A few mistakes can take a good repaint and make it feel off. Here's what to watch out for:

Copying the original color exactly. If the point is to update, don’t stick with what you already had—go for a modern twist.
Using too many colors. Keep it simple: one main color, one trim color, and an optional accent for doors or shutters.
Ignoring your roof or brick color. Your paint needs to coordinate with any permanent exterior materials.
Skipping the trim. Fresh white or deep contrast trim can make a huge impact and highlight architectural features.

Tips for Picking the Right Color Scheme

Choosing paint colors can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Look around the neighborhood. See what colors work well on homes with similar styles and materials.
Consider your fixed features. Your roof, brick, or stone isn’t changing—so make sure your paint complements those colors.
Test samples. Paint a few swatches and look at them at different times of day. Colors can shift dramatically in sunlight.
Think long-term. It’s tempting to go with a trendy color, but you’ll want something that still looks good five or ten years from now.

Why Work with a Pro Like Visual Paint

Painting your home’s exterior is a big investment, and it pays to get it done right. Here’s why working with a professional like Visual Paint makes all the difference:

Expert color advice. We can help you choose colors that fit your home and neighborhood.
Thorough prep work. From pressure washing to scraping and caulking, we make sure your surfaces are ready to hold paint.
Weather-smart timing. Our team knows how to schedule your job around Michigan’s unpredictable weather.
Long-lasting results. Professional tools and techniques lead to a smoother finish and better durability.

Plus, we make the process simple—from the first quote to the final walkthrough.

Ready to Update Your Farmington Hills Home?

If your 90s or early 2000s home is due for a refresh, a new coat of paint can make all the difference. Whether you want to modernize a dated exterior or just boost your home’s curb appeal, choosing the right color combination is key—and Visual Paint is here to help.

Contact us today for a free quote and personalized guidance on updating your home’s exterior. We’ll help you find a color scheme that fits your style, complements your home, and stands the test of time.