The South's Most Colorful Houses

By Michelle Darrisaw

You’ve probably already noticed how color can completely change and revamp a city. Just take a look at the Rainbow Row district in Charleston, South Carolina. The tourist attraction and postcard fixture draws crowds from all over to take in the beautifully-hued series of private Antebellum-style homes lining the street. It’s obvious designers of the Victorian era embraced color palettes. Beyond the Lowcountry, though, any road trip across the South will reveal bold, eye-catching, and stately homes that borrow more colors from the rainbow than classic neutral shades from Benjamin Moore Paints. Among a sea of gray, white, and light blue, it’s quite refreshing to see pink, purple, and green exteriors that are no shrinking violets in their coastal community and neighborhoods. Some boast just one pop of color, others somewhat mimic a box of Crayola, but they all deliver major curb appeal—without us ever stepping a foot inside. When you’re ready to give your humble abode a complete makeover, start with the exterior, even if it’s just the front door. These homes will inspire you to paint the town red, or in any other bright color you prefer.  

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: Old Brand New

This house with bubblegum-colored trim has us, well, tickled pink.

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Cloudland Station, Georgia

Photo: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn/This Old House

At first glance, this charming North Georgia cottage house may seem totally out of the blue, but it really comes to life with the "Asparagus" green front door.

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Key West, Florida

Photo: Robin Owen Photography

We love the architectural style and tropical inspiration of a classic Conch Victorian home.

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Serenbe, Georgia

Photo: Jean Allsopp

We don't know what's more beautiful, those tasty-looking blueberry bushes lining the driveway or the sunny exterior paint that's making us feel a little cheery.

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Bluffton, South Carolina

Photo: Tom Jenkins Films/Interior Design

A bold yet subtle change from the bright colors of the Lowcountry's Rainbow Row. The navy finish is unexpected and quite beautiful.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: FollowYourNOLA.com

Lay it all out in lavender.

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Savannah, Georgia

Photo: Donnali, via Flickr

If all Victorian homes could be this pretty in pink.

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Waveland, Mississippi

Photo: Thornhill Construction

White may be the go-to color choice for trims and shutters, but this house proves mint green and orange are complementary shades for blue siding.

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Anniston, Alabama

Photo: Pinterest

A historic home painted in any (and every) color under the sun, with the sun's rays depicted, too.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: FollowYourNOLA.com

Patriotic pride on full display.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: Gibleho, via Shutterstock

Suffice it to say, we're green with envy.

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Key West, Florida

Photo: Island Jane Magazine

The ultra-vibrant color combination of yellow and blue come together surprisingly well here.

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Galveston, Texas

Photo: Pinterest

A real-life Southern Barbie dream house.

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Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

Photo: The Cottages Communities

One of the many brightly-colored beachside homes that make up this quiet coastal community.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: FollowYourNOLA.com

Gorgeous fuchsia accents and trimming.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: Ray Laskowitz/Getty Images

This happy-hued house spans the entire color spectrum of the rainbow.

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Galveston, Texas

Photo: Pinterest

Go big, or go home, right?

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