Colors of the Month: Southern Charm in Every Shade

This effortless color palette weaves together local history, Southern style and inviting comfort.

There’s something undeniably magical about a Southern porch, and nothing embodies that charm quite like a blue ceiling. Steeped in Gullah-Geechee tradition, this timeless custom was originally believed to ward off “haints,” or restless spirits, by mimicking the sky or water and preventing them from crossing into the home. Over time, the practice revealed a practical perk —  bugs seemed to avoid the blue hue, mistaking it for endless sky. Today this tradition endures, blending folklore, function and Southern hospitality. With this gorgeous palette from Benjamin Moore, you can bring some Lowcountry magic to your own outdoor space.

Get the look

Transform your porch into a dreamy Southern retreat, as inviting as a cool glass of sweet tea on a warm spring afternoon. Begin with a soft, neutral foundation: paint the walls in a warm, welcoming white like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, and frame windows and doors with bold, high-gloss Onyx black for striking contrast. Don’t forget the finishing touch — a powder blue ceiling, such as White Satin, as a nod to Deep South tradition and style. Enhance the charm and comfort with a cozy rattan or cane swing bed, topped with crisp, white cushions and layered pillows in an array of blue and white hues for a breezy, coastal vibe. For practical style, incorporate a sleek side table — perfect for holding a refreshing drink, your favorite book or even a glass vase filled with palm fronds from the yard. Pair it with a woven basket to elegantly conceal outdoor essentials while keeping them effortlessly within reach. By combining soothing colors, natural textures and carefully chosen details, you can craft a porch retreat that’s equally perfect for entertaining friends or savoring life’s quiet, peaceful moments.

Walls

White Dove (OC-17)

Aura Exterior Paint, Low Lustre

Crisp, clean and effortlessly versatile, White Dove is a classic that reflects the natural light streaming onto your porch. Its subtle warmth balances the bright, airy vibe of the space, making it the perfect canvas for showcasing statement furnishings or lush greenery.

Windows and Doors

Onyx (2133-10)  

Advance Interior/Exterior Paint, High Gloss

Bold and sophisticated, Onyx adds a striking contrast to lighter tones, grounding the design with depth and character. Its high-gloss finish not only exudes modern elegance but also captures the light, making windows and doors stand out as stunning focal points.

Ceiling

White Satin (2067-70)

Aura Exterior Paint, Soft Gloss

This soft, powdery blue with a hint of lilac is more than just a beautiful hue — it carries a rich Southern tradition when used on porch ceilings. It evokes the serenity of an endless sky, and its gentle sheen catches and reflects light, adding a touch of elegance.