Reese Witherspoon's porch color might seem like an 'outdated' choice – but it adds an 'air of sophistication' that is back for 2024

Black paint is controversial, but when it works, it really works. Lightning struck with the exterior of Reese Witherspoon's home, creating one of the most striking examples of how to use black paint effectively we've ever seen.

Reese Witherspoon's porch is simple and stylish. Her stairs and beams are painted in a deep, dark charcoal shade that creates the perfect contrast against the red brick exterior of her home. The paint color perfectly offsets the industrial feel of the brick, making the home look contemporary and chic but with an edge. A metallic brass light fixture reflects light off the home, adding a subtle, glamorous touch. To make the space even homier, Witherspoon has added a potted monstera plant.

'Black paint on a porch, especially with brick, creates a stunning look,' says Kevin McLaughlin, the owner at Heritage Exteriors LLC. He continues, 'The dark color absorbs light, emphasizing the texture of the materials. The brick appears deeper and richer, anchoring the space. A black porch presents an air of sophistication that invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.'

Furthermore, it's the perfect exterior paint color for an antique home like Reese Witherspoon's. Tyler Tranni, owner of Tranni Home Remodeling states: 'As an experienced home renovator, black paint can be an excellent choice for porches. It creates a bold, dramatic look that emphasizes architectural details. The dark color helps hide imperfections in older homes and contrasts well with lighter exterior colors.'

Before rushing to the store to buy black paint, it's crucial to consider how the shade might fit into your exterior color scheme. First of all, black paint absorbs light. Therefore, it might be the best choice if your home is heavily shaded or does not receive a lot of natural sunlight. Second, it's a highly contemporary shade. While it can enhance accents on an antique house, it can create a slightly dissonant work when applied over the entire home. Instead, black paint should be used as an accent shade for a brighter, more light reflecting scheme. A black porch, black shutters, or a black door are all wonderful ideas.

Backdrop's Dark Arts paint is a perfect example of a matte shade that can add depth and sophistication to the home without overwhelming it. The velvety quality of the hue evokes all of the positives of black paint: its depth, its coziness, and its drama, without dwelling on the darkness.

If you are hoping to recreate Reese's porch style, it requires careful planning and the proper painting tools. Even if you know how to paint a house, painting a porch needs a few extra steps. McLaughlin tells Homes & Gardens: 'For the best results, use quality, exterior porch paint. Clean, then apply two coats, waiting for each to dry. The dark color may need extra coats for an even finish. Add a clear sealer to prevent fading and ease cleaning.' As opposed to the steadfast exterior walls of a home, porches see heavy foot traffic, so it's important to make the paint job as durable as possible.

Reese Witherspoon has always been the blueprint, her dramatic and striking porch color is just one more thing to admire. As trends come and go, this shade remains constantly in style.