What Color Makes Your House Look Expensive? 10 Options

Rich tones like navy blue, charcoal gray, and olive green instantly elevate your home’s look. The right paint color adds depth, character, and curb appeal, making your house look more expensive without changing anything else.

We’ve been in this business long enough to walk into a home and instantly sense whether it feels expensive. 

It’s not always the furniture or square footage that does it, it’s the paint. A well-chosen color dresses up the walls and shifts the entire personality of a space. It adds depth, balance, confidence, and yes, a bit of royalty.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into what truly creates that luxurious, high-end look. 

You’ll learn 10 colors that scream royalty.

We’ll also discuss colors are HOA-friendly, because beauty and compliance should never be at odds.

Let’s begin by understanding what actually makes a house look expensive in the first place.

10 Best Colors That Make Your House Look Royal (and Weather-Proof)

Making your house look expensive isn’t about chasing trends, it’s about choosing colors that feel intentional, timeless, and built to last. 

The colors below were chosen for their timeless luxurious appeal.

Whether you're updating a front door, kitchen cabinetry, or your entire exterior, these ten shades deliver lasting impact, and that unmistakable high-end feel.

1. Navy Blue – Deep, Rich, and Timeless

Photo Source -> Dunn Edwards

Navy is a foundation color in high-end design. 

It anchors a room like a well-tailored suit, offering depth, balance, and a quiet kind of confidence. In both interiors and exteriors, navy carries formality without being cold. 

When paired with gold, cream, or walnut finishes, it delivers immediate sophistication.

• Best for: Formal dining rooms, exterior shutters, built-ins, bedroom accent walls.

• Recommended brand: Dunn-Edwards “Ink Well” – engineered to resist fading in extreme UV exposure.

2. Olive Green – Earthy Luxury with Depth

Photo Source -> Angi

Olive is where elegance meets restraint. It’s saturated but grounded, bold but livable. Designers often reach for olive when they want to add richness without overwhelming a space. It pairs effortlessly with brass fixtures, linen fabrics, and natural materials, delivering a tailored, curated effect.

• Best for: Exterior siding, cabinetry, powder rooms, home libraries.

• Recommended brand: Behr “Mountain Olive” – long-lasting pigment and strong weather resistance.

3. Oxblood Red – Bold, Regal, and Sophisticated

Photo Source -> Martha Stewart

Oxblood is architectural. The color conjures historic interiors, leather-bound libraries, and bespoke spaces. It commands attention, creates intimacy, and adds a level of seriousness that trendy reds can’t match. This is a power color, but one with heritage.

• Best for: Statement front doors, formal dining rooms, moody powder rooms.

• Recommended brand: Sherwin-Williams “Crabby Apple” – maintains tone integrity under direct sunlight.

4. Dark Teal – Modern Royalty

Few colors offer the dual sophistication of dark teal. It reads jewel-toned without feeling flashy, and its complexity gives it a designer edge. Used on cabinetry or full walls, it adds mood and intentionality, like a high-end hotel suite or bespoke library.

• Best for: Office spaces, kitchen islands, media rooms, built-ins.

• Recommended brand: Benjamin Moore “Aegean Teal” – excellent color density and versatile for varied lighting.

5. Plum Purple – Soft Drama with a Touch of Royalty

Long considered a symbol of royalty, plum offers softness and sophistication without veering into trend. Under warm light or paired with brass, it creates a luxurious, intimate feel.

• Best for: Primary bedrooms, guest suites, reading rooms.

• Recommended brand: Valspar “Plum Dandy” – fade-resistant and rich in pigment layering.

6. Charcoal Gray – Understated Opulence

Charcoal is modern luxury at its most restrained. It provides a backdrop that allows furniture, lighting, and architecture to shine. Unlike flat black, charcoal holds nuance and softness, making it a favorite for homes that want a tailored, editorial look.

• Best for: Full exteriors, feature walls, high-contrast modern interiors.

• Recommended brand: Farrow & Ball “Down Pipe” – offers deep saturation with a refined matte finish.

7. Smoky Taupe – Feels Like Suede, Looks Like Wealth

This isn’t your average neutral. Smoky taupe behaves like a shadow, it shifts with the light, wraps a room in softness, and adds dimension that stark grays lack. It’s versatile, forgiving, and quietly elegant, perfect for larger spaces or open layouts.

• Best for: Great rooms, hallways, transitional spaces.

• Recommended brand: Glidden “Whiskers” – delivers tonal consistency and high coverage in fewer coats.

8. Off-White – Sophistication Without Sterility

The right off-white elevates any neighborhood it’s in. It reflects natural light in a soft, flattering way and enhances architectural features rather than washing them out. Off-white walls paired with wood floors and high ceilings instantly read as premium.

• Best for: Ceilings, trim, minimalist interiors, Mediterranean-style exteriors.

• Recommended brand: Benjamin Moore “White Dove” – highly rated for warmth, light retention, and longevity.

9. Dusty Blue – Elegance Inspired by Old-World Textiles

Dusty blue offers emotional depth. It’s a color often found in bespoke upholstery, aged frescoes, and hand-dyed textiles. It feels storied and intentional, never mass-produced. It creates calm, but without becoming invisible.

• Best for: Cabinetry, guest bedrooms, entryways, shutters.

• Recommended brand: Behr “Blue Moon Bay” – long-lasting finish and strong UV protection for outdoor use.

10. Terracotta – Modern Mediterranean Warmth

Terracotta is soulful. It brings heat, heritage, and humanity to a space, perfect for exteriors or interiors that embrace texture. When softened with modern neutrals or dark metals, it feels like a luxury retreat tucked in the hills of Spain or California.

• Best for: Stucco exteriors, bathroom walls, sun-facing accent walls.

• Recommended brand: Sherwin-Williams “Redend Point” – performs exceptionally on rough and textured surfaces.

These colors deliver lasting elegance and performance, perfect for elevating any space. But if you live in an HOA community, there’s one more filter to apply. 

Before jumping to that though, here’s a quick note: if you live in sunny areas like Arizona or Florida, your choice will be impacted significantly by the weather conditions. Choosing dark “royal” colors may be an unwise move. 

Read more about that in our guide 👉 Arizona Black Exteriors: Hot Trend or Heat Trap?

Up next: how to choose colors that meet HOA rules without sacrificing that high-end, custom look.

What Makes a House Look Expensive? (It’s Not Just the Color)

The homes that look expensive are built on intention. Depth, contrast, lighting, and finish all play a role. Even small details like trim color or sheen can shift a space from basic to high-end.

Here’s what separates a “royal” space from the rest.

The 3 Key Factors Behind “Royal” Vibes

These three factors are what designers rely on to bring that subtle, polished elegance into a home.

1. Depth & Richness of the Color

Luxury has layers. 

Deep tones like navy, oxblood, and olive bring weight and confidence to a room. 

But rich color doesn’t have to be dark, smoky blues and warm taupes can feel just as upscale when thoughtfully paired with surrounding elements.

2. Finish Matters: Why Matte Looks Pricier Than Gloss

Glossy walls can cheapen the look by highlighting flaws and creating glare. 

Matte and eggshell finishes, on the other hand, absorb light and give off a refined, soft finish, especially when paired with velvet, brass, or natural wood.

3. Contrast and Cohesion in Walls, Trim, and Ceilings

A rich wall color paired with crisp white or ivory trim instantly elevates a space. 

Keep trim consistent across rooms for flow. Avoid painting everything the same color without contrast, it flattens the space instead of adding depth.

The Role of Lighting, Texture, and Prep

Every color looks different under changing light. Add to that surface prep and texture, and suddenly your paint color either shines, or falls flat.

1. Lighting Changes Everything

Colors shift throughout the day. A warm greige might turn pink under LEDs. Always test large swatches at different times to avoid surprises.

2. Prep Work = Luxury Finish

A polished paint job starts with smooth surfaces. Poor prep (like skipping primer or sanding) leads to bumps, streaks, and patchy finishes, even with expensive paint.

3. Texture Adds Sophistication

Limewash, suede-matte walls, and velvet-inspired tones add dimension. Techniques like “color drenching” (using one tone across walls, trim, and ceiling) create an immersive, high-end feel without needing extra decor.

→ Next, we’ll explore the 10 best paint colors that combine luxury and durability, perfect for homes in high-heat states like Arizona or Florida.

Navigating HOA Rules: Safe, HOA-Friendly Colors That Still Look Royal

If you live in an HOA community, choosing paint isn’t just about style, it’s also about compliance. While rules may limit your options, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland. 

With the right palette, you can achieve a look that’s both refined and HOA-approved.

1. Why HOAs Often Restrict Color Choices

HOAs aim to maintain visual consistency across homes. 

That means limiting bold or trendy colors in favor of timeless, neutral tones to preserve property values.

2. What’s Usually Allowed: Neutral, Natural, Muted Palettes

Commonly approved shades include beige, taupe, olive, soft gray, and warm white. 

These blend well with roofing, trim, and surrounding landscapes, without sacrificing elegance.

3. How to Request Approval or Submit Custom Colors

Not on the list? Most HOAs allow custom submissions. For a smoother approval:

• Provide a physical sample or digital rendering

• Include the brand, color code, and finish

• Highlight how it complements nearby homes

A well-documented request can often get the green light, especially if the color looks refined and cohesive.

That said, here are some safe options that aren’t usually a hassle with HOAs.

6 Royal Colors HOA Boards Commonly Approve

Each of these shades is designed to meet HOA standards and deliver that refined, high-end feel. All six are well-suited for hot, sunny climates and offer durability against fading, peeling, or discoloration.

1. Greige (Gray + Beige) – Calm, Contemporary, Classy

This hybrid neutral strikes the perfect middle ground. It offers more depth than beige and feels more inviting than gray.

• Recommended brand: Dunn-Edwards “Foggy Day” – a reliable performer in high-exposure areas.

2. Warm Taupe – Soft Luxury with Traditional Appeal

A warm taupe adds elegance without pushing the envelope. It pairs beautifully with white trim or darker shutters.

• Recommended brand: Behr “Perfect Taupe” – smooth finish, great sun resistance.

3. Soft Olive – Subtle Earth Tone with Royal Feel

A whisper of olive feels upscale without being loud. It harmonizes well with stone features, clay roofs, and natural landscaping.

• Recommended brand: Sherwin-Williams “Svelte Sage” – holds undertone well, even in direct sunlight.

4. Warm White – Classic Elegance Without Being Stark

A creamy off-white looks fresh and inviting, without the coldness of pure white. It adds a hint of sophistication to any style home.

• Recommended brand: Sherwin-Williams “Greek Villa” – subtle undertone, HOA favorite.

5. Light Dusty Blue – Gentle Contrast, Subtle Sophistication

This soft blue feels polished and calming, perfect for shutters, doors, or full siding when paired with neutral accents.

• Recommended brand: Glidden “Blue-Grey Whisper” – fade-resistant and soft in tone.

6. Chocolate Brown – Bold Base with Rich Undertones

Chocolate tones bring unexpected richness to desert or stucco homes while still blending into HOA palettes.

• Recommended brand: Dunn-Edwards “Cocoa Craving” – a deeper neutral that performs well under UV pressure.

Local Insight: In Arizona communities, HOAs tend to favor colors that blend with the surrounding desert palette, sun-washed neutrals, sandy browns, and warm whites. 

These six options all pass the visual test and bring that elevated, royal feel to the curb.

Coming up next: why even the perfect color can fall flat without a professional finish, and how to spot the kind of paint job that makes a home look expensive, not just freshly painted.

Choosing the Right Paint Contractor Matters More Than the Color

The right paint color can elevate your home. But without a quality finish, it can also highlight every flaw.

Here’s why craftsmanship matters just as much as color choice, and how to spot a contractor who gets it right the first time.

Why a Perfect Color Can Still Look Cheap

Even the most luxurious color will fall flat if it’s poorly applied.

• Bad prep shows: Uneven patches, brush marks, and roller streaks make even premium paint look messy.

• No shortcuts: Skipping sanding or priming leads to early peeling, bubbling, or uneven coverage.

• Finish is everything: A rushed job can make rich colors look blotchy or dull.

And let’s not forget materials. Cheap paint fades fast, especially under the Arizona or Florida sun. You might save upfront, but a redo in two years costs more in the long run.

How to Spot a Quality Painting Company

Hiring the right pro protects your investment and gives you that truly polished look. Here’s what to look for:

1. No large deposits upfront

Great contractors don’t ask for 50% down before doing any work. That’s a red flag. Look for companies that offer payment after satisfaction.

2. Clear process and communication

• A good painter will walk you through:

• What prep they’ll do

• Which paints they’ll use (and why)

• How long the job will take

• What happens if something goes wrong

3. Uses the right paints for your region

Climate matters. Arizona sun and Florida humidity demand paints with high UV resistance and long-term adhesion. Professionals know the difference, and explain it clearly.

4. Satisfaction guarantees and follow-up

Quality painters don’t disappear after the job’s done. Look for companies that:

• Offer post-project walkthroughs

• Fix touch-ups without hassle

• Back their work with real warranties

Bottom line: Choose companies that earn your trust with their process, not promises.

Helpful Resource → What’s the Cost to Paint a House in Arizona?

Wrapping Up: Painting Isn’t Just Color, It’s a Statement

Luxury doesn’t come from square footage or flashy design, it starts with intention. The right paint color can elevate your home’s entire feel, creating an atmosphere of warmth, refinement, and personality. But as we’ve seen, it’s never just about the color.

It’s the richness of tone. The way it interacts with light. The quality of the finish. And most importantly, the craftsmanship behind the application. Whether you're working within HOA rules, dealing with extreme climate, or simply want to create a space that feels more “you,” the power of paint is unmatched when used wisely.

At ProSmart Painting, we bring that vision to life, professionally, precisely, and without the stress. No deposits. No guesswork. Just expert painting backed by Arizona’s only no-exclusions warranty.

Call (480) 226-3200 or visit www.paintprosmart.com to request your free quote today. Let's make your home feel as beautiful as it should.