Paint is more than just a protective layer—it’s a reflection of the times. Over the decades, paint colors and techniques have evolved to mirror changing design philosophies, societal shifts, and technological advances. In cities like Raleigh and Durham, homes showcase this transformation, combining elements of history with modern-day style. Whether it’s the vibrant hues of the 1960s or the sophisticated neutrals of today, the evolution of paint trends tells a fascinating story about how we view our homes and our surroundings.
At New Image Painting, we’ve seen firsthand how the paint choices of homeowners have evolved across different neighborhoods in Raleigh and Durham. In this blog, we’ll take a walk down memory lane, exploring how local homes have embraced changing trends over the years and how today’s homeowners blend vintage charm with modern sensibilities.
A Look Back: Popular Colors and Techniques in the 1960s, 80s, and 2000s
Each decade has its own distinct flavor when it comes to paint colors and styles. Let’s take a look at how these trends have manifested in Raleigh and Durham homes over the years.
1960s: Bold Colors and Optimism
The 1960s were a time of optimism, change, and experimentation. In the post-World War II era, homeowners were ready for something fresh and lively. In Raleigh and Durham, many homes embraced bold, bright colors as part of the era’s energetic and adventurous spirit.
Pastel tones, such as mint green, pale pink, and soft yellow, were common choices for interiors, reflecting a sense of lightness and fun. Exteriors were often painted in rich colors like mustard yellow, bold red, or turquoise—shades that conveyed confidence and vibrancy. It wasn’t uncommon to see houses in neighborhoods like Five Points and downtown Raleigh painted in these vivid hues, with front doors boasting deep oranges or bright blues, capturing the dynamic nature of the decade.
1980s: Earthy Tones and Traditional Elegance
As the 1980s rolled in, homeowners in Raleigh and Durham turned toward more earthy, muted tones. The decade’s design aesthetic was influenced by a desire for comfort and a return to more traditional looks. Homes in suburban neighborhoods like North Ridge saw a shift toward neutral shades, such as beige, taupe, and earthy greens.
The use of wood paneling also became popular during this era, with homes reflecting the desire for warmth and organic materials. Exterior colors, especially in affluent areas like Hope Valley Farms, were often a mix of soft grays, muted browns, and traditional whites. The aim was to create a welcoming, timeless look that resonated with both young families and older generations alike.
2000s: Sleek and Sophisticated Neutrals
In the early 2000s, the design world saw a move towards sleek and sophisticated neutrals. Homeowners in Raleigh and Durham began to gravitate toward colors like soft gray, taupe, and off-white for their interiors, often using monochromatic schemes for a clean, modern look.
Exteriors of homes in neighborhoods like Brier Creek were often painted in warm tones of beige and light brown, with pops of darker colors like navy or charcoal gray used for accents. The use of faux finishes, such as textured walls or Venetian plaster, became increasingly popular during this time, showcasing the desire for luxury and refinement.
While this trend was certainly more subdued than the bold hues of the 1960s, it marked a significant shift toward the modern, minimalist aesthetic that has influenced today’s design world.
Modern-Day Classics: How Today’s Homeowners Blend Vintage Charm with Contemporary Palettes
Fast-forward to today, and homeowners in Raleigh and Durham are embracing a blend of vintage charm and contemporary design, creating unique spaces that reflect both tradition and modern sensibilities.
Today’s paint trends often draw inspiration from past eras while incorporating the simplicity and elegance of modern palettes. Many homeowners choose a combination of muted neutrals paired with pops of vibrant, retro-inspired colors. For example, a living room might feature soft gray walls with a striking mustard yellow accent wall or a deep forest green door. These color choices give a subtle nod to the past while keeping the space fresh and contemporary.
In neighborhoods like Downtown Raleigh and East Durham, this fusion of old and new is especially apparent. Homes are being updated with modern tones like light gray, deep navy, and black, but with careful attention to detail that honors their historical roots. Whether it’s a traditional colonial-style home or a mid-century modern masterpiece, Raleigh and Durham homeowners are finding ways to make their spaces feel timeless.
Neighborhood Spotlights: Unique Trends in Old Five Points, Hope Valley Farms, and North Ridge
Raleigh and Durham each have neighborhoods with their own distinct character, and this is reflected in the paint trends we see in those areas. Let’s take a closer look at some of the unique trends we’ve observed across a few local neighborhoods.
Old Five Points (Raleigh)
In Old Five Points, a neighborhood known for its historic charm and tree-lined streets, homes often feature soft, natural shades of taupe, light gray, and cream. These colors allow the natural beauty of the homes’ architectural details, such as exposed brick or original woodwork, to shine. At the same time, homeowners in this area aren’t afraid to add splashes of bold color—think deep emerald green front doors or soft pastel shades for window shutters.
This blend of neutral tones and vibrant accents perfectly encapsulates the character of the neighborhood, where old-world charm meets contemporary vibrancy.
Hope Valley Farms (Durham)
Hope Valley Farms is one of Durham’s most well-known and sought-after neighborhoods. Here, homes often feature traditional brick exteriors with soft, muted tones like beige, taupe, or light gray. However, what sets this neighborhood apart is the use of accent colors. Homeowners in Hope Valley Farms are known for using bold, dark hues like charcoal gray, navy blue, and deep plum to highlight architectural features such as shutters, trim, and doors.
This combination of classic and contemporary makes Hope Valley Farms a visually interesting and timeless neighborhood, where homes seem to embrace both history and modernity in perfect harmony.
North Ridge (Raleigh)
North Ridge is an affluent Raleigh neighborhood that features large, stately homes. Here, the color trends often lean toward more elegant tones like off-white, light taupe, and soft gray. Homeowners in this area often use accent colors like deep navy, burgundy, or dark green for doors and shutters, adding a touch of sophistication to the traditional architecture.
What’s interesting about North Ridge is how the neighborhood’s paint choices seem to celebrate both luxury and understated elegance, allowing the natural beauty of the homes’ exteriors to take center stage.
How New Image Painting Honors Tradition
At New Image Painting, we’ve had the pleasure of working with many homeowners in Raleigh and Durham, helping them honor the traditions of their homes while bringing them up to date with modern colors and techniques.
One such example is a home in Old Five Points that had original wood paneling and a classic brick exterior. The homeowners wanted to keep the vintage charm of the space while updating it for modern living. We carefully selected a neutral color palette that respected the historical nature of the home while incorporating deep forest green accents and a bold red front door for a splash of personality.
In another project in Hope Valley Farms, we helped a family update their brick home with a combination of light taupe and soft gray, accented with navy blue trim and a bright orange door. This blend of traditional and contemporary elements created a look that was both timeless and unique.
These projects, and many others, reflect our commitment to helping homeowners maintain the charm of their properties while embracing the trends that make their homes feel fresh and modern.
Conclusion
The evolution of paint trends in Raleigh and Durham tells a story of change, creativity, and tradition. From the bold, adventurous colors of the 1960s to the sleek, sophisticated neutrals of today, paint has always been a reflection of the times. Homeowners today are mixing vintage charm with contemporary style, creating homes that are both timeless and unique.
At New Image Painting, we’re proud to be part of this ongoing transformation. Whether you’re looking to honor the past with a fresh coat of paint or embrace modern design, our team is here to help you make your vision a reality. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us help you transform your home with the perfect colors for today—and for the future.