Exterior Home Design Trends for 2026

As a new year approaches and you begin to look at trends in design and color it’s easy to fall in love with everything you see online or in a magazine.  Keep in mind that not every trend is right for your home or the neighborhood your home is located in.  It’s also not realistic to “shake it up” every year just to meet the latest design trend or fad.  The best exteriors balance trends in design with timelessness in order to make a design statement that is right for you, your pocket book, your home style, and your neighborhood.  Begin your design creation by asking yourself the following questions:

• What is the existing architecture of my home?
• How much maintenance do I want to deal with?
• What is the overall design style of the rest of my neighborhood? Modern? Rustic? Something else?
• Do I want a full redesign or do I want to make a few impactful updates?

Once you know the answers to these questions, select one major trend you love and one supporting accent.  For example, a new bold front door color or a much-needed siding update for your home.

To help you get started let’s look at exterior housing trends for 2026.  Nature-Inspired appears to be the overall theme in design for 2026.  Earthy greens and warm, complex neutrals like blue-gray and taupe are the front runners in color.  Bold, dark tones like charcoal gray and deep navy are also popular if you are looking at a modern design.  Matte finishes are favored over glossy finishes.  Sustainability in materials, personal expression, regional harmony, and the use of accent walls and two-tone combinations are key components when selecting color and materials. Bold front door color tones and turning porches into entryway “living” spaces are leading the choice of many designers in creating an updated curb appeal.

Popular colors

• Earthy and natural:

Sage green, olive, and other greens are used to create calming, organic exteriors. Warm taupe is replacing flat grays for a cozier feel. 

LP Smart Side Colors by Casey Nelson Exteriors

• Complex neutrals:

Nuanced colors like blue-gray provide a balance of sophistication and tranquility. Soft creams and muted ivories offer a gentler alternative to stark white. 

Norandex Colors by Casey Nelson Exteriors

James Hardie Colors by Casey Nelson Exteriors

LP Smart Side Colors by Casey Nelson Exteriors

• Bold and dark:

Charcoal gray is a strong trend for creating a modern yet timeless look. Deep navy is also appearing, particularly on coastal homes, and dark green-black is a dramatic option for cabin-style homes. 

Norandex Colors by Casey Nelson Exteriors

James Hardie Colors by Casey Nelson Exteriors

LP Smart Side Colors by Casey Nelson Exteriors

• Accent and detail:

Black accents are a statement, often used on trim or doors to frame the main color. Bold, experimental colors like sunflower yellow, mint green, and tomato red are being used on front doors. 

Norandex Colors by Casey Nelson Exteriors

James Hardie Colors by Casey Nelson Exteriors

LP Smart Side Colors by Casey Nelson Exteriors

Materials and Finishes

• Matte finishes:

There is an increasing preference for matte finishes over glossy ones for a more sophisticated look.

• Wood and texture:

Natural looks are being achieved with wood stains and semi-transparent paints that highlight the grain of the wood.

• Two-tone and accent walls:

Two-tone combinations are being used to highlight architectural features. Exterior accent walls are also emerging as a design element. 

• Mixed-material exteriors: Combining different materials to add texture and visual interest. 
• Sustainable driveways: Permeable pavers and other eco-friendly options to reduce runoff. 
• Smart technology: Integrated smart systems like motion-sensor LED lighting for security and energy efficiency. 
• Vertical gardens: Incorporating green walls and vertical gardens to add greenery and save space. 
• Mixed-use front porches: Transforming the front porch into a functional and inviting “living” space with furniture for seating and socializing. 

Design and sustainability

• Regional harmony:

Exterior color choices are increasingly being used to align with the local environment.  Examples are: blues for coastal areas and adobe tones for desert regions.

• Sustainable choices:

Sustainability is a key aspect with a focus on low-VOC (low volatile organic compounds) weather-resistant paints. Smart color choices that can help regulate temperature are also a consideration. 

Landscaping

• Native and sustainable landscaping: Using native plants that are low-water and support local wildlife. 
• Edible gardens: Integrating edible plants, including herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees, into the overall design. 
• Fire-resistant landscaping: In some regions, moving away from flammable plantings close to the home and focusing on defensible space with fire-resistant plants. 
• Modern landscaping: Clean lines, geometric shapes, and modern water or fire features. 

Whether you are planning a major renovation or making color changes to your front door self-expression appears to be the overall design trend for 2026 giving you, the homeowner, the opportunity to make design choices that make your home truly yours.