The grey days are over.
After years of cool grays dominating home exteriors, 2026 will likely show warmer, more natural palettes and mixed-material designs. Homeowners are prioritizing cozy, inviting, and sustainable exteriors that connect with nature.
Check out the siding trends shaping 2026, according to new product launches and consumer preferences.
Color trends: Earthy tones take root
Across the board, paint manufacturers are moving away from sterile, cool tones toward earth-inspired colors that feel grounded and authentic.
- Warm, earthy neutrals: Instead of stark whites, 2026 signals softer, creamy shades and warm beiges. For example, Dutch Boy Paints chose acreamy, soft beige “Melodious Ivory” its 2026 Color of the Year, while Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home jointly selected “Universal Khaki,” a grounded neutral that offers stability and warmth.
- Green hues: Preference for calming, nature-inspired sage and moss greens is growing, like Behr's 2026 Color of the Year, "Hidden Gem.”
- Rich, bold accents: Drama is taking the lead, with deep and moody colors.
- Deep reds and terracotta: Glidden's 2026 Color of the Year is “Warm Mahogany,” a rich, burnt red that pairs well with natural wood accents. Terracotta tones are also making a comeback. Blue-greens and navy blues: Deeper navy and charcoal blue are popular choices, while WGSN and Coloro named "Transformative Teal" as their 2026 Color of the Year.
- Matte finishes: Glossy sheens will take a backseat to matte or low-sheen finishes that offer a more refined, timeless look.
Style and texture trends: Layered and intentional design
Exterior design is moving beyond single materials to a more layered and intentional approach, where different textures and profiles create visual interest.
- Mixed materials: Major siding manufacturers are showcasing mixed-material facades, swapping out uniform siding for fiber cement, metal, and natural stone veneer to create multi-dimensional curb appeal. For example, a home might feature horizontal lap siding on one section, vertical board and batten on another, and a natural stone accent around the base or entryway.
- Prominence of board and batten: Manufacturers like Westlake Royal Building Products are updating the modern farmhouse aesthetic, using vertical board and batten siding to add visual height and a cleaner, more contemporary look.
- Wider plank profiles: Wider siding panels are in demand, reducing seams for a cleaner, smoother, and more polished exterior that works well on modern architectural designs.
- Trim as a focal point: Manufacturers are incorporating trim as part of the overall exterior design. They’re using tonal color schemes (where the trim is a slightly lighter or darker version of the main color) to highlight architectural features or contrasting dark trim to add a bold, modern edge.
Material trends: The rise of sustainable performance
Durability, sustainability, and technological innovation are high priorities for homeowners in 2026.
- High-performance fiber cement: Still a frontrunner, fiber cement siding is prized for its extreme durability and fire resistance. Manufacturers like James Hardie and Allura offer products that mimic the look of natural wood grain and textures without the intensive maintenance.
- Durable and low-maintenance metals: Steel and aluminum siding, available in sleek, modern finishes and realistic woodgrain patterns, offer superior longevity and fire protection. This makes them an increasingly attractive choice, particularly in fire-prone regions.
- Eco-conscious alternatives: The market is seeing a rise in sustainable materials like eco-friendly vinyl and WPC (wood-plastic composite) cladding, which are made from recycled or bio-responsive materials (like CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions®).
The future is smart: Today’s siding is engineered to provide improved airflow and comfort in hot or cold temperatures. It can also stand up to weather, pests, and other culprits that can damage or decay. Building in curb appeal
The 2026 siding trends are clear: homeowners are taking the lead from manufacturers, choosing rich, earthy colors, layered textures, and high-performance, sustainable materials. The result is a home that looks fresh and contemporary, yet feels inherently warm, authentic, and enduring.
Check out the latest trends on your own projects today with Instant Design.
