Neutral siding colors rule the suburbs—they’re safe and sophisticated at the same time. When selecting your home’s exterior hue, it’s important to look around and play off your surroundings. Are other homes on the block neutral? Do tall trees surround your home? You should connect your siding and trim selections with the look of your environment, not necessarily mimic it.

 If you want something a little bolder than a cream or beige, look into brown hues. Turns out, Midwest homeowners prefer brown siding more than the rest of the nation, and there are more shades of brown available than you may have figured.

 The color of a fallen leaf, a warm cup of cocoa, the bark of a cedar tree—each one is a different shade of brown, colors that seems to evoke warmth and natural surroundings.

 Whatever shade you choose, you can feel secure knowing the siding color will stay vibrant longer with less maintenance. James Hardie® siding and trim offer the option of ColorPlus® Technology, which helps to resist damaging UV rays that can usually dull the finish over time. 

 Here are a few homes clad in James Hardie’s brown tones, along with style tips when designing with this color family:

1. HardiePlank® lap siding in Navajo Beige and straight edge HardieShingle® siding in Montery Taupe with HardieTrim® boards in White. We like that the siding color matches the mulch surrounding the home. 

Style tip: Add interest to a home by using a variety of siding styles, such as lap siding and shingles. The multiple textures pump up the exterior’s individuality, despite the home’s one main color. 

2. HardiePlank lap siding in dusty Evening Blue, with HardieTrim boards in White. 

Style tip: Including a brighter shade, such as the red shutters and potted flowers, is an effective way to boost your curb appeal.  

3. HardiePlank lap siding in latte-like Boothbay Blue.