Trending Exterior Paint Colors Defining SoCal Homes | Home Tips

When it comes to selling a home in Southern California, first impressions are everything. The bright, relentless SoCal sun acts as a natural spotlight on your property’s exterior, meaning your choice of paint can either elevate your home’s equity or leave it looking dated.

According to a new 2026 Curb Appeal Report published by Thumbtack and shared by Martha Stewart Living, there is a massive nationwide shift in how homeowners approach their outdoor spaces.

Stark, cold minimalism is officially out. Instead, property owners are using warmer, more expressive palettes to inject personality and create a welcoming atmosphere.

For local buyers and sellers, alignment with these trending exterior paint colors is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to maximize a property’s market value. Here is how to apply the latest national color insights to the unique architectural landscape of Southern California.

Say Goodbye to Cold Grays and Stark White

For the last several years, Southern California neighborhoods have been dominated by the modern farmhouse look: bright, blinding white stucco paired with jet-black trim. However, design experts note that homeowners are rapidly moving away from these high-contrast, stark combinations.

Instead, the trending exterior paint colors for home bodies are warm, creamy neutrals. Shades like Sherwin-Williams’ Greek Villa (a soft off-white with creamy undertones) and Natural Linen (a warm beige) are taking over. In Southern California, these tones are a dream for Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, and Mid-Century Modern homes. Warm off-whites absorb the intense local sunlight beautifully without causing the harsh glare that stark whites produce, giving your property an instantly luxurious, inviting feel.

Embrace Earthy, Restorative Accents

Buyers in today’s real estate market are looking for homes that feel like personal sanctuaries. The report reveals that nearly a third of homeowners are using color to establish a specific restorative mood.

To achieve this vibe, look to earthy, nature-inspired tones for your trim, front doors, and shutter accents. Muted green-grays like Retreat and tranquil blue-greens like Rainwashed are highly favored choices. These shades coordinate flawlessly with SoCal’s native landscaping—clashing less with drought-tolerant succulents, olive trees, and sage, and blending seamlessly into coastal or hillside environments.

Bring on the Drama with Sophisticated Contrast

If you want your home to stand out in a competitive market, don’t be afraid of rich, moody accents. The 2026 data highlights a strong preference for sophisticated, deep colors on focal points like front doors or architectural alcoves.

Deep charcoal blacks like Iron Ore and rich navy blues like Naval offer a grounding effect without feeling as harsh as standard black. For a truly unique touch, consider mid-tone clay neutrals like Redend Point. Additionally, deep reds like Sommelier pay a beautiful homage to classic California terracotta. Likewise, both catch the eye of design-conscious buyers.

The Bottom Line for Sellers and Buyers

For potential sellers, updating your property with trending exterior paint colors is a strategic investment that directly translates to shorter days on the market and higher offers. For buyers, looking out for these warm, intentional color choices can lead you to homes designed with modern longevity in mind.

March 16, 2026May 27, 2026

Your Guide to Spring Entertaining | Home Tips

There is a certain kind of magic that arrives with spring entertaining in Los Angeles. The light softens, evenings stretch just a bit longer, and suddenly your home begins to feel like it should open itself to the outdoors. For luxury homeowners, this is the season where design becomes experiential. Spaces are not just seen, they are lived in, flowing effortlessly from interior to exterior.

Creating that seamless transition is the essence of indoor-outdoor living, which Los Angeles luxury homes are known for. With a few intentional updates, your home can transform into the perfect setting for al fresco dinners, sunset cocktails, and weekends that feel like a private resort.

Open the Space with Sliding Doors

The foundation of spring entertaining begins with access. Expansive sliding or pocket doors instantly dissolve the boundary between your interior and patio.

As spring approaches, ensure your doors are functioning smoothly and that tracks are clean and unobstructed. Consider upgrading to ultra-slim frames or glass walls if your home allows, maximizing natural light and uninterrupted views. When fully opened, these doors should create a continuous visual line that invites guests to move freely between spaces without hesitation.

Refresh Your Patio for the Season

After the cooler months, outdoor areas often need a thoughtful reset. Start with a deep clean of surfaces, furniture, and cushions to remove any dust or wear from winter.

Luxury patios in Los Angeles are extensions of the home, not afterthoughts. Update your seating with plush, weather-resistant cushions in neutral tones or soft seasonal hues. Layer in lightweight throws for cooler evenings and consider adding sculptural side tables or statement loungers to elevate the space. The goal is to create an environment that feels just as curated as your interior.

Define the Space with Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs are one of the simplest ways to anchor a seating or dining area while adding texture and warmth. Choose high-quality, weather-resistant materials that can withstand sun exposure without fading.

For a refined look, opt for subtle patterns or tonal palettes that complement your home’s exterior finishes. A well-placed rug beneath a dining table or lounge area creates a sense of intimacy, making outdoor entertaining feel intentional rather than improvised.

Incorporate Fresh Planters and Greenery

Nothing signals the arrival of spring quite like lush greenery. Incorporating fresh planters is an easy way to breathe life into your outdoor spaces while enhancing the overall design.

Select oversized ceramic or stone planters for a more elevated aesthetic. Fill them with seasonal blooms, olive trees, or sculptural greenery that complements the architecture of your home. Placing planters strategically near entryways, seating areas, and dining spaces creates visual cohesion and a sense of abundance.

Style a Bar Cart for Al Fresco Spring Entertaining Evenings

A well-styled bar cart is the finishing touch for effortless entertaining. Whether positioned just inside your sliding doors or out on the patio, it becomes both functional and visually appealing.

Stock your cart with curated glassware, a selection of wines or spirits, and fresh garnishes like citrus or herbs. Add a decorative tray, linen napkins, and perhaps a small floral arrangement to tie it into your overall aesthetic. The result is a space that feels ready for guests at any moment, without ever appearing overdone.

A Seamless Spring Entertaining Transition

For those embracing indoor-outdoor living, Los Angeles luxury homes offer the perfect canvas. The key is continuity. Materials, colors, and layouts should flow naturally from inside to out, creating a unified experience.

As spring unfolds, your home should feel open, inviting, and quietly luxurious. With thoughtful updates to your doors, patio, décor, and entertaining elements, you create more than just a beautiful space. You create a lifestyle that captures the essence of Southern California living at its finest.

March 29, 2019March 29, 2019

Brendan Barry sells Vintage 1930’s Spanish to Comedian Chris O’Dowd

Rodeo Realty’s Brendan Barry recently closed sale on a 100-year-old Spanish bungalow to comedian Chris O’Dowd.

The sale picked up media coverage in outlets like Variety and Architectural Digest. Both publications focused on the homes Old-Hollywood charm. Originally built in 1930, the two-story residence was on the market for the first time in 50 years. Located in the affluent Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles’ Mid City West, the home sold for nearly $2.15 million.

It boast almost 3,000 square feet of living space and features authentic details throughout. From its hand-forged wrought iron accents to a gently curved stone staircase that ascends unto the terra cotta tile foyer is golden era glamour.

The home also features natural light that floods in through the living rooms multi-colored stain glass window. While stunning accents like the antique crystal chandelier hanging in the homes formal dining room add a touch of elegance.

This is the second piece of U.S. real estate for U.K. Actor/Comedian Chris O’Dowd and his writer/TV Presenter wife Dawn O’Porter. Their first home on this side of the pond is a mere few blocks away from their new abode.

O’Dowd is most notable for his role in Bridesmaids and Sundance TV’s State of the Union. He will also be featured in the CBS All Access upcoming reboot of The Twilight Zone hosted by Oscar Winner Jordan Peele.

Variety article-click here.

Architectural Digest article-click here.

To view Brendan Barry’s current listings click here.

March 20, 2019March 28, 2019

10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home

Now that spring is officially here the time to tidy up around the home has also arrived. As cliche as it sounds to “Spring Clean” there is no better time to clean house and spruce up in and around your abode. That’s why we have rounded up 10 of the best tips to clean your home for the Spring Equinox!

Bye, Bye Dust Bunnies!

Use a sticky lint roller to clean dirt and pet fur off the lower parts of drapes. For a deeper clean, take the drapes down, remove the hooks and run them through an air-fluff cycle in the dryer with a damp towel for 15 minutes. Rehang immediately after.
Dust blinds often with a microfiber cloth, swiping left to right and blade by blade from top to bottom on each window.
Spring is allergy season so dust end tables and shelves in your home thoroughly to keep allergies at bay.

The Rinse Cycle

Wash out trash cans. To really clean garbage cans, spray them thoroughly with a hose and then dump the water out. Afterwards use a disinfectant spray on the inside, then scrub the trash can with a handled brush and rinse it out again. Leave the trash can upside down to thoroughly dry.

Kitchen Kleanse

To clean glass, chrome or steel appliances, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of 50 percent rubbing alcohol and 50 percent water. Then use a dry cloth to polish and clean the surfaces to remove spots and fingerprints.
The refrigerator can become an unexpectedly cluttered place. Organize it once it’s had a thorough cleaning. Keep highly perishable food front and center and sort the longer-lasting ingredients and toppings by category.

Scrubba-Dub the Tub

Maintain the tile surfaces of your bathroom, especially the shower by spraying the surface with generous amounts of cleaner. Allow the cleaner to sit while cleaning the rest of the bathroom, then go back to start scrubbing. If the grout is dirty with mold or mildew, make a paste of washing soda and peroxide to deep clean and disinfect.

Bedhead

On average we spend about 3,000 hours a year in our beds, almost the equivalent of four months to be exact! With that in mine, keeping our mattresses clean is as easy a flip of a coin. Rotate your mattress a few times a year and vacuum the surface. Afterwards sprinkle a mixture of baking soda and a few drops of essential oil. Let the mixture sit for a couple hours then vacuum the mixture away.

Office Space

Spend the day getting your files organized and space decluttered. Aside from going through papers on your desk, you should also take the time to back-up files on external or cloud devices so they’re secured. Have a lot of documents to toss? Make sure to shred anything personal before throwing it in the bin!

Outside and over Yonder

Cleaning your outdoor furniture is incredibly simple, but easily forgotten. While the rain can wash away some dirt and pollen, a thorough wipe down with a mild detergent goes a long way. Make sure to check your furnitures manufacture guidelines if a special care routine is required.

March 7, 2019August 6, 2025

A Rodeo Guide to Moving and Packing

Moving can be stressful. From sorting through what stays and what goes to purchasing a heap of supplies, it’s a journey. Literally. But it does not always have to be. At Rodeo Realty we pride ourselves on making your home experience as seamless as possible. Thats why we’ve narrowed down your moving and packing essential tips! Read below for a helpful handful of moving tricks and click the link at the bottom for your moving checklist!

1. Don’t hesitate on ordering a-lot of boxes…because you never know

It is better safe then sorry! Rather then get the bare minimum and have to last minute track down more boxes, bulk up on extra boxes. It will save you that extra time you can use towards a well deserved glass of wine after all the packing is finished.

2. Pack in all sizes

When picking out boxes, it is better to get a variety of sizes. You are likely to need more small and medium boxes rather then a heap of large ones. Grab a few wardrobe boxes, many medium and certainly a lot of small boxes.

3. Don’t forget the other moving supplies

Sure you’re all set on boxes but make sure you have enough tape to close them securely! More then what you think you will need is better then not enough. Make sure you grab packing paper and everything else you will need to ensure your items are packed safely and securely.

4. Keep your fragile items safe

Group delicate items together and make sure they are labeled as fragile so your movers know which boxes need extra care and a secure space in the van.

5. Paper packing

When packing you delicate items, avoid using newspaper as it can stain and smear. Instead go for the real deal and pick up packing paper to save yourself the ink scrub down on your fine china.

6. Bundle Breakables

As you pack your dishes, put packing paper around each one, then wrap bundles of five or six together with more paper. Pack dishes on their sides and never flat. Make sure to use plenty of bunched-up paper as padding above and below. Cups and bowls can be placed inside one another with paper between and rapped three or four in a bundle.

7. Consider other items that will need special treatment

Plasma TVs require special wooden crates for shipping if you don’t have the original box and can be ruined if you lay them flat. If packing yourself, double box your tv, setting the box containing the tv into another box that you’ve padded with packing paper.

8. Label your boxes

This is an easy but often overlooked step. Label each box so you know whats in it and in what room it goes. This will make the unpacking process a breeze.

9. Ditch the heavy load!

The heavier the item, the smaller the box should be! It is much easier to carry heavier items when they’re in smaller boxes. Save the larger boxes for things that are lighter but hard to carry on their own. And of course never over pack a box!

10. No packing on moving day!

Take on the busy day with ease by making sure all your boxes are packed already. It is less stress ! This includes removed pictures from the walls beforehand.

11. Put heaver items on the bottom of boxes add lighter items on top.

If you are loading the truck yourself, it is better to have your boxes properly proportioned. Another tip is to pack heavier boxes first and toward the front of the truck for balance.

12. Don’t leave empty spaces

Fill in the gaps with clothing , towels, or packing paper. Movers often wont move boxes they feel are loosely packed.

Packing with movers?

We have you covered here too!

1. Last in, First Out

Tell your movers which boxes you need first at your new home and they will load the moving truck accordingly.

2. Keep your most important things with you

Don’t pack jewelry or medication–keep these with you. You might need to access them on moving day and its nice for the movers if they know they don’t need to worry about keeping track of these small items.

3. Sort out the details ahead of time

Make sure you know where you movers can park. This is LA and we know how parking is. Visit the parking enforcement page head of your move in case you need to obtain a permit.

4. Prep your furniture

Remove all heavy and breakable items from dressers and desks so they are easier to lift.

5. Moving fine art?

Ask your movers about special crating for you prized positions. Never wrap an oil painting in regular paper. For pictures that are framed behind glass, make an X with masking tape across the glass to strengthen it and hold it together if it shatters.

Need a checklist to get you through the big day? Click here for Rodeo Realty’s Moving Checklist and check those moving jitters off your list!

February 12, 2019February 12, 2019

All-Natural Easy Home Cleaning Tips

If there is one thing we pride ourselves on in LA, it is clean and natural home living. Rather then perusing the household products of your local Whole Foods, we’ve listed below 10 easy ways to use Vinegar as your go-to cleaner.

As an all-natural, all-in-one cleaner, white vinegar really does work wonders in terms of making your home look spic and span. In the kitchen, it cleans out your coffeemaker, removes hard water stains on your glassware, and rinses down your waste bins. In the laundry room, it keeps your colors bright and your whites whitened. Have a pest problem? You won’t for long with the help of white vinegar. It works as a repellent against ants in places where they like to crawl and hide (think: your patio, porch, or picnic table). Pick it up once, and it will become your new go-to cleanser.
-Martha Stewart

Deodorize the Room

Unpleasant odors lurk in the carpets, rugs, and upholstery. To remove these musty smells, fill a dish with half an inch of white vinegar and leave it out in the room until the smell dissipates.

Click here for the step-by step

Dissolve Rust

To clean sharp edges on a dirty knife or pair of shears without cutting yourself, pour white vinegar over the blade. Then sprinkle with coarse salt and rub with a cork. Rinse with water and wipe dry to prevent rusting.

Keep Colors Bright

If you think that the colors of your clothing may run in the wash, try this time-honored treatment: Pre-rinse laundry in a solution of distilled white vinegar and cold water, using 2/3 cup vinegar for each gallon of water. Let the garments soak for up to 15 minutes, then wash and dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Click here for a step-by-step

Clean the Faucet

Cut through the crusty buildup of mineral deposits on your faucet with this trick: Soak a paper towel in full-strength white vinegar, then drape over the buildup. Leave for about an hour, then scrub scum away.

Wash Your Windows and Mirrors

Reflective surfaces such as these should have a streak-free shine. You can make your own cleaner by mixing one part vinegar and one part water.

Sanitize Your Garbage Disposal

It’s no surprise that a trash bin can harbor the worst odors in your home. But a rinse-down doesn’t always do the trick. After rinsing with fresh water, use a long-handled brush to scrub the inside with a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. Rinse once more and let dry.

Remove Hard-Water Stains

Use a clean rag to rub each piece with distilled white vinegar. This will remove the hard water’s calcium and magnesium buildup. (And don’t worry—the items won’t smell like vinegar once dried.)

Clean Bath Toys

Wash bacteria and mildew from bath toys by giving them a bath of their own: Fill a bucket or large bowl with warm water, adding 1/2 cup white vinegar per gallon of water. Soak toys for 10 minutes, then rub gently with a sponge and allow to dry. The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through dirt buildup and works as a natural disinfectant.

Save Your Shoes

Leather and suede are some of the hardest materials to maintain. Stains can easily result when our shoes come in contact with rain or salt. To rid your shoes of unsightly salt spots, rub them down with a paper towel dampened with white vinegar, which dissolves the salt.

Shine the Silver

Silver is easily scratched and tarnished. Restore its sparkle by gently buffing your pieces with vinegar and a soft cotton cloth. Finish by rinsing and drying your silver with the cloth.

Courtesy of: Martha Stewart Home Living