Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ Anti-Trend Color Choice Brings a Moody Twist to Their Rustic Porch – It’s the Chicest Way To Boost Curb Appeal

Blake Lively’s sophisticated porch serves as the ultimate source of contemporary country inspiration – and real estate experts love her look

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
(Image credit: GettyImages)

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds may be one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples, but they prefer to spend their downtime away from the West Coast hills. As the spring of 2026 brings fresh blooms to the East Side, the pair enjoys a notably quieter family life in the verdant town of Pound Ridge, located in Westchester County, New York.

Hidden from the urban buzz of New York City, Pound Ridge is a picturesque rural town defined by sprawling hills and winding country roads. This charming aesthetic attracts various celebrities – including Richard Gere, Mike Myers, and Susan Sarandon – who seek a more private, rustic retreat.

It is only fitting that the couple’s home pays tribute to this style, particularly through its exteriors. In the photos below, Ryan Reynolds offers a glimpse of their back porch – a space that perfectly celebrates contemporary country design while painted in a classic anti-trend color: Black.

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Shop the Black Porch Edit

Surrounded by the crisp air of early April, Ryan is pictured on the porch amidst black and neutral tones. Wooden furniture nearby appears to hold various DIY tools, suggesting a hands-on approach to their home. The couple has avoided overloading the area with outdoor furniture, opting instead for practical pieces – though a comfortable gray sofa is visible in the post below.

The porch maintains an unmistakable rustic feel with its traditional wooden door and roof, yet a stylish coat of black paint brings the space firmly into 2026. This design choice is more than just an aesthetic preference; black exteriors are currently one of the most effective ways to add value to your home.

Data scientist Shane Lee from the real estate company RealtyHop notes that black exteriors are increasingly popular in New York. Consequently, this bold tone could significantly boost the property's market value.

'One of the best ways to add value to a home is to paint it black,' Lee explains. 'In New York State, many agents and interior designers have noticed that you can charge a premium of $15K-$20K simply by painting your house black,' she says.

While painting the entire exterior is the most impactful way to embrace this color trend, a black-painted porch is an excellent alternative. 'One of the most popular colors among homeowners and sellers renovating their homes for sale is Tricone Black from Valspar (available at Lowe's),' she says.

You can shop for her recommendation (or any outdoor black paint of your choosing) as you prepare your own home for the sunnier months ahead. We're turning our back on color trends, in favor of classic choices, exactly as Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds intended.

Plus, if you enjoy our celebrity news (especially porch and garden advice over summer), why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.