Clary Sage green has become one of the most sought-after exterior paint colors for homeowners looking to create a calming, sophisticated facade. This soft gray-green shade with subtle yellow undertones offers the perfect balance between modern elegance and natural warmth.
Sherwin Williams Clary Sage SW 6178 works beautifully across multiple architectural styles, from sleek contemporary designs to classic farmhouse exteriors. The versatile nature of this color allows it to complement both traditional and modern elements while maintaining its timeless appeal.
Whether you’re drawn to the clean lines of mid-century modern architecture or the cozy charm of ranch-style homes, Clary Sage provides a fresh alternative to typical neutral exterior colors. You’ll discover how this sophisticated green transforms different home styles and why it continues to be a designer favorite for exterior applications.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern homes showcase clean lines and geometric shapes that pair perfectly with Clary Sage green. This architectural style from the 1950s and 1960s emphasizes horizontal elements and large windows.
Clary Sage complements key mid-century features:
- Flat or low-pitched rooflines
- Exposed beams and natural materials
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Open floor plans
You can apply Clary Sage to your home’s horizontal siding or board-and-batten exterior. The color’s green-grey undertones work well with the natural wood accents common in mid-century design.
Popular color combinations include:
- Clary Sage with warm wood tones
- Crisp white trim and window frames
- Natural stone or brick accent walls
The vintage authenticity of Clary Sage makes it ideal for mid-century homes. Decorators from past eras favored green tones, making this color choice historically appropriate.
Your mid-century modern home benefits from Clary Sage’s ability to act as both a colorful statement and neutral backdrop. The shade brings tranquility while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic these homes are known for.
Consider using Clary Sage on your main exterior walls while keeping natural materials like wood and stone as accent elements. This approach preserves the architectural integrity while adding contemporary appeal.
Ranch
Clary Sage green works exceptionally well on ranch-style homes. This versatile color complements the horizontal lines and low-profile design typical of ranch architecture.
Color Characteristics:
- Soft green-grey undertone
- Muted, sophisticated appearance
- Timeless earth tone quality
Ranch homes benefit from Clary Sage’s calming properties. The color adds visual interest without overwhelming the simple, clean lines that define this architectural style.
Recommended Trim Colors:
- Crisp white – Creates classic contrast
- Warm neutrals – Enhances earthy appeal
- Natural wood tones – Complements outdoor elements
You can paint your entire ranch exterior in Clary Sage for a cohesive look. Alternatively, use it as an accent color on shutters, doors, or decorative elements.
The color pairs particularly well with ranch homes featuring:
- Stone or brick accents
- Large windows
- Covered porches
- Landscaped yards
Clary Sage green creates a mature, sophisticated appearance on ranch exteriors. Unlike bright greens, this dusty sage tone appears refined and established.
Application Tips:
- Test the color in different lighting conditions
- Consider your home’s surrounding landscape
- Ensure proper surface preparation before painting
Your ranch home will achieve an on-trend aesthetic while maintaining classic appeal. The color works across various ranch substyles, from mid-century modern to traditional designs.
Contemporary
Clary Sage works exceptionally well with contemporary home designs. The color’s soft gray-green tone complements clean architectural lines and modern materials.
Key Contemporary Features:
- Large windows and glass panels
- Flat or low-pitched roofs
- Minimal decorative elements
- Mixed materials (stone, metal, wood)
You can pair Clary Sage with crisp white trim for a classic contemporary look. The contrast creates visual interest without overwhelming the design.
Popular Material Combinations:
| Material | Effect |
|---|---|
| Steel accents | Industrial edge |
| Natural wood | Warm balance |
| Stone veneer | Textured depth |
Contemporary homes often feature asymmetrical layouts. Clary Sage adapts well to these irregular shapes and angles.
The color’s versatility allows it to work with various contemporary substyles. Mid-century modern homes benefit from its earthy undertones.
For ultra-modern designs, use Clary Sage as an accent wall. Combine it with neutral grays or stark whites on remaining surfaces.
Lighting Considerations:
- North-facing walls show cooler tones
- South-facing walls emphasize warmth
- LED landscape lighting enhances evening appeal
Contemporary landscaping pairs naturally with Clary Sage. Ornamental grasses and sculptural plants create cohesive outdoor spaces.
The color photographs well against modern architectural photography. This makes it popular for design-focused homeowners.
Farmhouse
Clary sage green perfectly captures the farmhouse aesthetic with its connection to nature and rustic charm. This earthy tone brings the calming essence of the countryside directly to your home’s exterior.
Traditional farmhouse elements pair beautifully with clary sage green paint. White trim around windows, doors, and rooflines creates classic contrast that highlights architectural details.
You can enhance the farmhouse look by combining clary sage with complementary colors:
- Cream or ivory for shutters and porch railings
- Warm white for trim and window frames
- Natural wood tones for doors and accents
The versatility of clary sage allows it to work with various farmhouse materials. Metal roofing, stone foundations, and wooden siding all complement this sophisticated green shade.
Porch features become focal points when your home is painted in clary sage. Wide front porches with white columns and railings create an inviting entrance that embodies farmhouse hospitality.
This color choice works particularly well for both traditional and modern farmhouse styles. The muted green tone provides enough character to stand out while maintaining the understated elegance farmhouse design requires.
Landscaping integration becomes seamless with clary sage exteriors. The color naturally blends with garden plantings, mature trees, and pastoral surroundings that define farmhouse properties.
Your clary sage farmhouse exterior will maintain its timeless appeal across seasons. The color’s connection to nature ensures it remains fresh and relevant while honoring traditional farmhouse design principles.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.