7 Exterior Renovation Trends for 2026

Considering Renovating Your Exterior? Here are Seven Trends of 2026 to Inspire You.

Building a custom home or renovating your existing one can be an exciting time. Looking online for inspiration for your exterior can feel like a daunting adventure. And if you want to stay current, look no further.

We’ll review exterior design trends for 2026 in Canada.

Check Out What Designers Are Doing This Year! 

This year, homeowners are focusing on sustainability, textures, detail, and nature for inspiration. 

1 – Utilizing Architectural Details to Add Character. The Modern Farmhouse aesthetic is taking over. You can balance charming details, such as:

• Transom dormers
• Classic shutters
• Pergolas
• Trellis accents
• Decorative brackets
• Awnings
• Window grilles
• Eyebrow roofs
• Clean, geometric lines
• Authentic woodgrain aluminum siding, which defines modern home design
• Linear systems and trim reveals add rhythm and shadow depth to the exterior facades

Transom dormers are extremely popular on sheds and garages. They introduce natural light, increase privacy, and enhance ceiling height.

Vedrex states that authentic woodgrain finishes capture “the warmth of timber and the resilience of metal.”

2 – Energy-Efficiency and Sustainability. Save money on utility bills with:

• Energy-efficient windows and doors
• Permeable pavers that reduce runoff
• Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) weather-resistant paints
• Smart colors that regulate temperature
• Low-water, native plants that support local wildlife
• Aluminum systems

3 – Popular Colors. This year’s theme is nature-inspired.

• Natural, earthy colors:
  1. 1. 1. Earthy, sage, olive, mint, dark, and soft greens evoke a calming atmosphere.
        2. Warm taupe is replacing flat grays.
        3. Terra cotta
        4. Espresso
• Complex neutrals:
  1. 1. 1. Brown is the foundational neutral in 2026.
        2. Blue-gray reflects sophistication and tranquility.
        3. Muted ivory is a gentler alternative than stark white.
• Bold, dark, and modern shades:
  1. 1. 1. Charcoal gray
        2. Deep navy is especially popular on coastal homes.
        3. More and more homeowners are painting their doors sunflower yellow and tomato red.
• Accent and detail:
  1. 1. 1. Designers are using black accents as a statement on door frames and trim.
• Blue instead of green palettes:
  1. 1. 1. Deep teal and traditional blues are making a comeback. It’s no wonder with the way they bring depth and their timeless appeal!
• Custom colors
  1. 1. 1. Custom hues and textures are the key to reflecting modern identity.

4 – Turning the Porch into a Living Space. Currently, this is one of the leading strategies to enhance curb appeal. Other benefits include:

• Feeling a stronger connection to nature
• Creating “a sense of cohesion between indoor and open-air living areas” and serving as “a retreat for both comfort and community,” according to Beaver Homes and Cottages.
• You can use it year-round.

A significant first step is to screen in your porch. Then, you could include:

• Furniture for seating and socializing
• An outdoor fireplace and kitchen
• Built-in barbecues, pizza ovens, and small appliances
• Extended roof overhangs for shade and protection

5 – Landscaping. Modern landscaping features clean lines, geometric shapes, modern water, and fireplace features. Also trending are:

• Edible gardens, which mix edible plants, like herbs, veggies, and fruit trees, into your overall design
• Fire-resistant landscaping

6 – Materials and finishes. The most significant shift seems to be a preference for matte finishes over shiny ones. Matte adds sophistication. There are more trending materials:

• Custom finishes: Designers are using an extensive range of finishes, from metallic accents to matte neutrals.
• Natural wood looks: Use wood stains and semi-transparent stains to highlight the texture of the wood.
• Two-tone walls: Two-tone combinations are excellent at highlighting architectural features.
• Accent walls are gaining popularity as a design element.
• The refined, historic aesthetic: Stay away from contrast colors, and choose subtle variations of materials, like limestone instead of variegated shades. Doing so brings continuity to the overall design.
• Mixed-material exteriors: Combining various materials is an effective strategy to add texture and visual interest.
• Integrated soffit and siding systems
• Smart technology: Enhance security and energy efficiency with integrated smart systems, such as motion-sensor LED lighting.

7 – A Shift in Texture Trends. Nuanced, dimensional patterns are replacing familiar farmhouse finishes. Beaver Homes and Cottages states that both “painted shakes paired with horizontal siding in the same color” and “subtle shifts in siding direction” bring “a fresh layer of visual interest to the tonal palette trend.”

Uncomplicate the process. Whatever you need, from local painters to contractors or builders, you can make a FREE Request on the GetAssist Business Directory.