We spend countless hours picking out the perfect paint color for every room in our home, testing endless samples and looking at paint chips in various palettes. While all of this time is spent inside the home, the exterior sometimes receives less consideration. But the facade of your home boosts curb appeal and sets the tone for what lies behind your front door, so it’s essential not to overlook its aesthetic. 

To help you design a beautiful exterior for your home, Behr Paint just revealed its 2025 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, alongside its annual Curb Appeal Collection. Ahead, we’re taking a closer look at the exterior shades the company thinks will dominate home design this year and beyond. 

Behr’s 2025 Exterior Stain Color of the Year

Behr’s 2025 Exterior Stain Color of the Year is Cedar, a warm, earthy, and versatile hue. “The selection of Cedar as Behr’s 2025 Exterior Stain Color of the Year reflects the growing trend toward natural, earthy tones in home design,” Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr, told MarthaStewart.com. “Homeowners are increasingly drawn to warm, inviting colors that create a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. This color choice aligns with the desire for spaces that feel open and welcoming, brightening exteriors and enhancing outdoor living areas.”

This shade complements a wide range of architectural styles, from contemporary to farmhouse to mid-century modern, adding to its versatility and appeal. While there are many ways to incorporate Cedar around the home, there are a few applications that Woelfel swears by. 

• Wood Decks: Cedar brings an elevated, rustic charm to any wood deck, whether you’re updating an existing deck or building a new one. “Its light wood tone can brighten your outdoor space, creating an expansive, open feel that enhances your home’s exterior,” says Woelfel.
• Wood Fences: Add a natural, inviting touch to a wood fence with Cedar. “Its rich, warm hue blends seamlessly with different landscaping and home designs to create a welcoming atmosphere,” says Woelfel. “Whether your fence is functional or decorative, Cedar brings a timeless aesthetic that complements a wide range of outdoor spaces.”
• Wood Siding: Brighten your home’s exterior by using Cedar on your home’s siding. “This stain adds character and warmth to wood siding, helping your home stand out while maintaining a timeless appeal that will last for years,” says Woelfel. 

Behr’s 2025 Curb Appeal Collection

Alongside Cedar, Behr is also unveiling the brand’s second annual Curb Appeal Collection, featuring 45 on-trend exterior paint colors that can be used to tackle big and small outdoor projects. The colors draw inspiration from emerging home design trends, blending timeless elegance with contemporary freshness. “The 2025 Curb Appeal Collection offers a glimpse into upcoming outdoor home trends by highlighting a shift toward natural, earthy tones and vibrant accents,” says Woelfel. 

The collection features hues that appeal to a variety of aesthetics. For example, the Traditional palette features soft neutrals and sophisticated tones, while the Modern palette highlights bold colors like yellow, teal, and orange, for a fresh look. “The Casual and Craftsman palettes emphasize calm, coastal-inspired tones and warm, earthy shades, respectively, reflecting a demand for relaxing, welcoming outdoor spaces,” Woelfel says. 

One of Woelfel’s favorite colors in the collection is Celebration, which strikes the perfect balance of brightness and warmth. “Its warm, cheerful tone creates a welcoming and lively atmosphere, making it perfect for front doors, shutters, or even outdoor accents like chairs, planters, and more,” she says. “I love how Celebration injects excitement without being overpowering.”

Cedar is designed to pair effortlessly with any of the colors in the Curb Appeal Collection to achieve a cohesive look when updating your home’s facade. Whether you’re giving your home a quick refresh by painting your windows or tackling a larger project like painting your deck, Behr’s 2025 Exterior Stain Color of the Year and Annual Curb Appeal Collection will take you one step closer to creating the exterior of your dreams.