The Top 5 Exterior Design Trends for 2026
This year, Minnesota homeowners are revitalizing their homes with modern siding colors, subtle accents, and unique touches to add curb appeal while maintaining energy efficiency. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, selecting the right exterior materials can make a big difference in your home’s value.
1. Muted & Monochromatic Color Palettes
Homeowners are gravitating toward exterior color choices that feel timeless and cohesive. Soft whites, warm grays, neutral or earthy colors—often leaning towards monochromatic palettes—are replacing stark contrasts and short-lived trends. Keeping a single color palette with subtle variations in tone can add depth without visual noise, complement natural surroundings, and age well over time, making them a smart long-term choice.
2. Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials
No surprise, material selection continues to focus on longevity and performance. Fiber cement, engineered wood, metal roofing, and composite trim are popular choices for their resistance to weather, pests, and wear. Choosing materials that require less upkeep helps protect your investment and reduces maintenance costs down the road.
3. Thoughtful Architectural Details
Small exterior details are getting more attention. Trim profiles, mixed materials, board-and-batten accents, and intentional siding layouts add depth and character without overwhelming the home with extra details. These subtle elements help define architectural style and elevate overall curb appeal.
4. Outdoor Living Spaces
Exteriors are being designed with functionality in mind. Covered or multi-season porches, decks, and seamless door transitions make outdoor living spaces feel like a natural extension of the home. When planned alongside siding and roofing projects, these features can feel cohesive rather than added on.
5. Energy-Efficient Exterior Upgrades
Efficiency remains a priority in exterior design this year. Improved insulation systems, energy efficient windows, reflective roofing, and proper ventilation all contribute to better comfort and lower energy costs. These upgrades often go unnoticed visually, but they make a significant difference in how a home performs year-round and can create energy cost savings for the homeowner in the long run.
Did these exterior trends inspire you for a project of your own this year? Whatever your home needs, Exteriors by Highmark is here to help you every step of the way. Our team will help you pick the perfect exterior materials and make it all a reality.
