The 2026 U.S. Outdoor Trends Study from home remodeling and design platform Houzz indicates that homeowners are gravitating toward warm color palettes and durable materials and solutions that will hold up over the long term. 

Homeowners like warm color palettes

Exterior trends have shifted in 2026 to complement interior spaces, with homeowners now seeking out warm, earthy color palettes in both spaces. Beige is now the most popular exterior wall color, having more than doubled in popularity from 10% in 2024 to 24% in 2026. Meanwhile, white and gray have declined in popularity, with only a respective 14% and 12% of homeowners opting for these colors in the latest study.

While exterior wall colors are warming up, trim is moving in the opposite direction. Black is now the most popular trim color, rising 17 percentage points since 2024 to 39%, overtaking white, which fell to 19% in 2026. 

Long-lasting upgrades that improve durability are important to homeowners

Homeowners are looking to make upgrades that improve the durability and structural quality of their home. Of those choosing to do so, 51% are replacing their roof, while 48% are upgrading gutters and downspouts.

Durability is also top of mind when it comes to material choices. Stucco is the top exterior choice for homeowners, with 28% selecting this cladding application. Additionally, 27% of homeowners selected fiberglass for their front doors, followed by wood at 20%, and aluminum-clad doors at 19%.

Trim, awnings, and other architectural accents are popular upgrades

Architectural accents are also helping homeowners upgrade the look of their exterior spaces. Trim is the most popular upgrade, selected by 69% of homeowners. Another 42% are adding columns or pillars, and a respective 30% and 19% of homeowners are adding awnings and shutters.