Trust us – you'll want to copy Gwyneth Paltrow's 'anti-fashion' house colors for guaranteed curb appeal

It's no secret that Gwyneth Paltrow's property is among the chicest in Montecito. The Academy Award-winning actress enlisted the expertise of celebrated designer Brigette Romanek to create a space that is as stylish as it is holistic – and this begins at the front door. 

Gwyneth, founder of lifestyle empire Goop, recently shared her in-flight skincare routine – starting, as every trip does: with a suitcase at her front door. After loading her luggage in the car, she heads to the airport (naturally) – but while we are interested in her beauty tips – we're more distracted by her home's monochromatic exterior – seen in the backdrop of the footage. 

The light-gray-painted home boasts a matte black front door surrounded by a striking white trim – creating a classic monochromatic contrast. But what makes this color pairing so timeless? And what can it do for our curb appeal? Designer Chrissy Arsenault weighs in. 

'Porches with white paint and a black front door are what I'd call the "true timeless,"' Chrissy says. 'While considered a color trend, you can trust these classic contrasting tones will stand the test of time and continue to add curb appeal for years to come.'

The designer comments that black-painted doors and white trim work particularly beautifully alongside a gray façade, such as Gwyneth's. However, it's hard to go wrong with this pairing. We can all experiment with this timeless feature, whatever exterior paint color we're working with. 

'It's also the perfect neutral backdrop to add your own pops of color as the seasons (or your preferences) change. It adapts to you.'

Chrissy Arsenault

Chrissy Arsenault, owner, and principal designer for Live Original Design, established in 2007. She has designed residential landscapes for over 18 years, including all sizes of decks, patios, gardens, and structures. She also specializes in interior design, including renovation and millwork design, in and around the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara.

So, this pairing itself is timelessly anti-fashion – but how can we ensure our exteriors continue to impress after weathering the seasons? 

'To ensure long-lasting beauty, use a durable low-luster acrylic porch paint [such as this one from Lowe's] that will withstand wood expansion and contraction with seasonal temperature and moisture changes.' Chrissy explains. 'This will prevent chipping and wear over the years.  A semi-gloss exterior latex paint [like this one, also at Lowe's] will be the most durable option for your door.'

Aside from her black outdoor lighting, Gwyneth has kept her front door area minimal – ensuring our focus remains on her front door color choices. However, when styling our own spaces, Chrissy says that a little pattern, texture, and green foliage can help accentuate our home's entrance further. 

'Add a bold black and white stripe or graphic patterned outdoor area rug [Ed: Wayfair has a great range of black and white outdoor rugs] in your seating area or layered under a natural coir doormat. Similarly, I love to accent entries with a pair of medium-to-large concrete or modern black metal planters filled with oversized ferns, boxwood topiaries, or white-flowering hydrangeas.'

We're taking this as our cue to step up both our curb appeal and our in-flight skincare routine.