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Timeless Roof Colors

Written By Owens Corning Roofing

Designer Chad Esslinger explains how picking a roof color that is classic can help to keep your home exterior design looking timeless.

Homeowner Question: How do I pick a roof color that’s considered to be ‘classic’ or ‘timeless’?

Chad’s Answer: “Classic” and “timeless” are words you hear a lot when it comes to design. Classic design stands the test of time and does not appear “dated” – creating a look that is timeless.


Classic Roof Colors

The opposite of classic is trendy. Creating a classic home exterior design means that the look of your home is timeless and doesn’t look outdated once a trend has come and gone. Now you may assume that this means a white house, black shutters, and a red front door – it can, but it doesn’t have to mean that.

Navy, heather gray, forest green, almond, and creamy yellow could all be considered colors that have stood the test of time and are solid colors to bring into your palette.

And “classic” doesn’t mean boring either.

Dated vs Timeless

You know that feeling when you go into a home and you know with certainty that the kitchen was designed in the mid-’70s? While the kitchen may still be functional, it’s probably one of the first things you would want to update.

Vintage retro kitchen with orange pattern tiles, american retro kitchen home interior design 70's style close-up

But then there are those homes that have a feeling of timelessness, in both their interior and exterior design and décor and you can’t quite pinpoint when it was built or decorated.

So when it comes to selecting a roof color that’s timeless you should choose something that you can see liking 10 years from now. A roofing manufacturer typically designs shingle colors to go with the trends, not to be the trends.

It may be hard to predict the future, but try to focus on colors that stand the test of time and bring a sense of calmness vs. chaos. Classic design is understated, not fussy. Choose a palette that belongs in the current and potential future exterior surroundings, not against them.

More from Chad Esslinger

Illustration of a house with the text "Roof Color Q&A" layered over top of the graphic

Chad answers homeowners’ questions about their roofs and home exterior design.

Roof Color Q&A with Chad Esslinger, Designer
Style board graphic featuring Aged Copper swatch and color palette with the text “Aged Copper Style Board” layered over top of the visual

Chad shares his thoughts and style board for our 2021 Shingle Color of the Year, Aged Copper

Chad's thoughts on Aged Copper

Design Inspiration from Owens Corning

Looking for design inspiration? Explore the many tools and content Owens Corning has to offer:

Montage image with a wooden boat in a lake with a scenic wooded landscape behind. Wooden oars and deep green furs also composited for a very earthy, nature-inspired visual.

Learn more about our 2021 Shingle Color of the Year, Aged Copper

Learn more about Aged Copper
Style board graphic with text "Shingle Style Boards" in the upper corner

Not sure what color shingle will work with your roof? Explore our Style Boards

Explore style boards
Owens Corning Design EyeQ® displayed on a laptop, tablet, and mobile phone

Upload a picture of your home and “try on” shingles with Design EyeQ®

Try Design EyeQ®
Screenshot of Owens Corning Pick Your Shingles web page with text "Pick Your Shingles" in top right corner

Explore the many shingle color options from Owens Corning with Pick Your Shingles

Pick Your Shingles

About Chad Esslinger Design

A photo of Chad Esslinger on the left with a logo on the right with the text "Chad Esslinger Design"

Chad Esslinger Design is a full-service design company focusing on residential interior design, decorating and remodeling. Chad loves partnering with homeowners to create beautiful and functional living spaces.

Chad Esslinger Design is committed to beautiful and creative design as well as unparalleled service. Chad believes that great design is contemporary but timeless, simple but elegant. The goal of any project is to create breathtaking beauty, innovative functionality, and a truly enjoyable design process. Learn more about Chad.

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