Siding Colors That Boost Curb Appeal and Resale Value
- Lake Effect Exteriors

- Oct 5
- 4 min read
Your siding is one of the first things people notice when they drive past your home. The right color can make your house look newer, more welcoming, and more valuable. Whether you're thinking about selling or just want to feel proud every time you pull in the driveway, choosing the right siding color can make a big difference.
In Michigan, where the seasons shift quickly and sunlight changes everything, it is important to pick a color that works all year round. It is also important to choose a material that holds up.
Why Curb Appeal Matters
Studies show that homes with strong curb appeal sell faster and for more money. Siding color plays a huge role in that first impression. It also affects how you feel about your home every day. A well-chosen color makes the whole exterior look cleaner, brighter, and more intentional.
How to Choose a Siding Color That Works
1. Look at the Fixed Elements
Before choosing a color, look at what you are not changing. That includes your roof, windows, trim, and any brick or stone on the house. Pick a siding color that complements those features. For example, black and gray roofs work with a wide range of siding colors. Brown or red roofs do better with warmer tones.
2. Consider the Lighting
Michigan light is different in winter and summer. A gray color might look sharp on a sunny July afternoon but dull on a cloudy day in February. Deeper tones like navy or charcoal often stay rich year-round. Lighter colors can brighten up shady areas but may require more cleaning in areas with trees or pollen.
3. Think About Architecture
Your home’s style plays a role too.
Colonials often look great in white, slate blue, or classic taupe
Craftsman and ranch homes shine in earth tones like olive, tan, or warm gray
Farmhouse styles lean toward soft whites with black or bronze trim
Brick homes do well with complementary colors that soften or contrast the red or tan tones
What Makes LP SmartSide ExpertFinish a Smart Choice

LP SmartSide ExpertFinish is a pre finished engineered wood siding that comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors. It is treated with SmartGuard technology to resist moisture, mold, and pests. Because the color is applied in the factory, it looks clean and consistent right out of the box.
This saves time on the job site, avoids weather delays, and gives you a professional look with less maintenance over time. The boards also come in longer lengths, which means fewer seams on your wall and a smoother appearance.
High-Impact Siding Color Combinations That Work in Michigan
These popular exterior color combinations are trending in places like Ann Arbor, Plymouth, and Grosse Pointe. If you're planning to upgrade your siding, these looks offer strong curb appeal, better resale value, and the durability of LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® products.
Charcoal Siding with White Trim
This bold, modern look is perfect for homes with black windows and architectural shingles. For this combination, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish in Abyss Black delivers that deep, rich charcoal tone with long-lasting factory-applied color.
Greige Siding with Bronze or Wood Accents
A warm greige pairs beautifully with bronze gutters, wood-tone garage doors, and natural stone. LP SmartSide ExpertFinish in Tundra Gray is a perfect match, offering subtle warmth and a clean, neutral base.
Navy Blue Siding with White Trim and Shake Accents
This timeless combo is popular on colonial, coastal, and craftsman-style homes. To achieve this deep navy look, LP ExpertFinish in Cavern Steel is a great option. Add shake-style siding in the gables to break up large walls and add dimension.
Soft White Siding with Black Trim
A clean, classic choice for modern farmhouses and updated traditional homes. LP SmartSide ExpertFinish in Snowscape White brings a crisp, bright appearance that pairs effortlessly with black or bronze window frames.
Olive Green Siding with Cream Trim
This earthy combo blends perfectly into wooded lots and historic neighborhoods. For that rich, natural green tone, LP ExpertFinish in Terra Brown offers a subtle olive-inspired hue that plays well with softer trim colors like beige or off-white.
Add Contrast for More Impact
Want to make features like windows, gables, or porch columns stand out? Choose a trim color that contrasts with your siding. A high-contrast combo feels bold and sharp. A low-contrast combo feels calm and modern. You can also use vertical panel siding, shakes, or board and batten to break up large walls and add texture.
Want Help Choosing the Right Color?
At Lake Effect Exteriors, we bring full-size LP SmartSide samples to your home so you can see how the colors look in real light and also offer photo mockups so you can compare combinations before making a final decision. Whether you want your home to stand out or fit in just right, we will help you find the color that matches your style, your neighborhood, and your long-term goals.
Upgrading your siding is about more than just protection. It is about giving your home a fresh look that reflects who you are and makes a lasting impression. The right color, paired with the right material, can boost your home's value and help you enjoy it more every day.
LP SmartSide ExpertFinish gives you durable color, real-wood texture, and a cleaner install with fewer seams. It is a smart choice for Michigan homeowners who want beauty that lasts.
Ready to get started? Reach out today for a free design consultation and estimate. Contact us at (313) 518-4258 or online HERE.
Learn more about Lake Effect Exteriors being an LP Smartside Preferred contractor HERE.

