By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine; editor of the Styled, Staged & Sold blog

The latest exterior color trends show a shift toward warmer neutrals and higher-contrast accents that are transforming curb appeal.

For years, white has been the go-to choice for home exteriors, with homeowners painting everything from brick to siding in crisp, bright shades. But homeowners may want to rethink painting that brick. Exterior home trends are favoring warmer color palettes.

In 2024, white accounted for about one-quarter of renovated home exteriors. By 2026, that share had dropped to just 14%, according to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study. Gray is also falling out of favor, declining from 19% to 12% over the same period.  

So, what exterior home color is emerging as the new favorite?    

Beige has surged to the top. Once found on just 10% of renovated home exteriors in 2024, beige now accounts for 24%—more than doubling its popularity in just two years, according to the survey.

Photo credit: Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images 

The Comeback Exterior Color

“Exterior color palettes are shifting in 2026 as homeowners embrace warm, inviting hues,” the Houzz report notes.

The move toward beige reflects a broader design trend that favors softer, earth-inspired neutrals over stark whites and cool grays. Whether applied to brick, stucco or siding, beige offers a timeless look while adding warmth and curb appeal.

Photo credit: JamesBrey / Getty Images

A Contrasting Trim Color Takes the Spotlight

As exterior wall colors warm up, trim is going in the opposite direction.  

Black has become the most popular trim color, chosen by 39% of homeowners renovating their exteriors—a 17 percentage point increase since 2024. In contrast, white trim has fallen to 19%, according to the Houzz survey.

Photo credit: Artistic Operations / Getty Images 

The report also found that nearly seven in 10 homeowners are choosing contrasting trim and exterior wall colors. The contrast helps highlight architectural details and adds visual depth, which aims to create a more distinctive and modern curb appeal.

Photo credit: © Joe Hendrickson / iStock / Getty Images