Trending Outdoor Color Palettes That Work Year-Round

Are you building or renovating your outdoor space but struggling to find inspiration for color choices? It can be tricky to decide whether you should stick with a more neutral palette, a moody, dramatic option, or Earthy hues.

Learning about the year-round fun activities other homeowners are enjoying lately can be an excellent first step in choosing a color palette that works wonders for your outdoor plans.

Neutral Earth Tones

Many modern and classic outdoor spaces incorporate earthy tones to enhance the space. Warm beige or tan can make excellent rattan patio furniture or deck colors. Incorporate some terracotta or earthy clay red through planters, sculptures, rugs, or tiles.

Add some accent pillows or throw blankets in a softer olive green, especially when paired with similar foliage choices. As a bonus, this color palette works exceptionally well with natural wood, making it easy to add a DIY flower bed, deck, or storage shed to the property without sticking out like a sore thumb.

You can even purchase replacement shed doors to match the tone and style of your natural-themed patio. This color palette works exceptionally well for Bohemian-style outdoor spaces or those with Mediterranean influences. Desert landscapes can also work with this palette naturally. 

Cool Coastal Tones

If you live in a coastal climate or simply love the style, you can easily incorporate this theme into your outdoor space with just a few colors.

Coastal tones also make excellent palettes for modern farmhouse or cottagecore lovers as well. Combine some navy blue, seaglass green, or aqua with neutral tones like ivory or natural gray (think driftwood).

Stripes in rugs or throw pillows, clean lines through patio furniture, and linen upholstery pair wonderfully with these color choices. You can enjoy pops of color in the greens and blues while still enjoying the neutrality and serenity of warm whites and grays.

Moody or Gothic Garden

If you love a gothic or more modern outdoor space, you can add some drama or moodiness by darkening the hues.

You can start with a foundation of black or charcoal gray for your fire pits and string lights—think metal finishes. Incorporate deep greens, wine reds, and plums with your throw pillows, foliage choices, and rugs.

The more color you add, the livelier your outdoor space can become. This color palette blends in seamlessly in urban patio spaces or gardens that see a lot of shade. You don’t need to have a Victorian Gothic home to enjoy some drama in the garden, though these colors can work wonderfully during the autumn months.

Warm Minimalist With Colorful Accents

If you love minimalism and neutrality without sacrificing beauty and style, Scandinavian-inspired outdoor spaces are likely a great choice.

You’ll prioritize neutral tones such as gray, beige, graphite, whites, and softer blacks. Incorporate natural fibers into the space through furniture, rugs, and pillows when desired.

A subtle yellow or orange, such as mustard or ochre, can help liven up the space and add a touch of personality. If your outdoor space features a lot of concrete or wood, this color palette can be a gorgeous way to complement these materials. Ceramic tiles or pottery can also fit well in this space.

Classic Monochromatic With Green

When most people picture a classic garden or patio color palette, they’re likely thinking of the powerful trio of a soft black, stark white, and botanical green. This combination is classic for a reason; it looks wonderful in any style home or patio space.

If you’re looking to rent out the space or blend in with the neighborhood, this is a solid option, as it suits most neighborhoods and seasons well. Black wrought-iron garden chairs and tables blend with some beautiful white umbrellas.

Vibrant green foliage can surround you on a balcony or in a flowerbed. If you want a vibrant but fitting accent color, you can add some gold finishes or even some blush tones. The monochromatic look can suit any type of garden or outdoor theme, and green blends seamlessly with nature.

How to Choose a Suitable Color Scheme

There isn’t a wrong choice when it comes to choosing a color scheme. Think about the type of garden you want to enjoy, as well as the materials you’re looking to use. Some colors, such as terracotta or ochre, look wonderful with concrete tones.

Metal furniture or accents look great paired with earthy tones, such as natural wood or olive green. Combine your favorite colors with the function of the space and the existing elements you can utilize.

Browse online for outdoor color theme inspiration or mix and match paint swatches at the hardware store.

Conclusion

When designing your outdoor space, you’ll want color choices that blend well together, are stylish, and appropriate for year-round enjoyment. Some opt for neutral Earth tones that mimic the world around them.

Others prefer a more dramatic and moody style in a shaded or urban yard, with dark purples, reds, or greens. Those who prefer a rental-friendly space opt for a more neutral, minimalist, or Scandinavian-style patio.

Get creative and try combining different colors and materials. The best color palette blends seamlessly with your lifestyle and style preferences.

---

Jenny Kakoudakis is a seasoned interiors blogger that follows and writes about design trends. She launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs.