As part of its annual U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study, the AI-powered software platform surveyed 1,000-plus U.S. Houzz users who completed an outdoor or home exterior upgrade in the past 12 months, were currently working on one, or planned to begin one in the next six months.
Its results reveal how design choices are creating inviting, polished exteriors while also improving durability and long-term performance. Homeowners are refreshing the look of their homes with thoughtful exterior updates that combine warmer color palettes, bold architectural details and layered landscaping.
Here are some important outdoor trends outlined in the study:
- Back to beige. Exterior color palettes are shifting in 2026 as homeowners embrace warm, inviting hues. Beige is now the most popular exterior wall color, having more than doubled in popularity from 10% in 2024 to 24% this year. Meanwhile, white (14%) and gray (12%) have both declined in popularity. Green (9%), black (8%) and brown (7%) are also notable choices for exterior walls.
- Black trim. While exterior wall colors are warming up, trim is moving in the opposite direction. Black has become the most popular trim color, jumping 17 percentage points since 2024 to 39%, overtaking white, which fell to 19%. Nearly 7 in 10 homeowners (69%) are choosing contrasting trim and wall colors, highlighting architectural details and adding visual depth to their home’s exterior.
- The front yard. The front entrance continues to be a focal point for homeowners investing in their home’s exterior — whether it’s a simple plant at the front door or a pair of rocking chairs. More than three-quarters of exterior door projects take place at the front of the home (78%), up 8 percentage points from 2024.
- Architectural alterations. Homeowners are enhancing curb appeal by adding architectural features that bring character and dimension to their homes. Trim remains the most common exterior accent (69%), but beams have emerged as one of the year’s biggest design trends, jumping 24 percentage points from 2024 to 43%. Columns or pillars (42%), awnings (30%) and shutters (19%) have also grown in popularity.
- Set the scene. Landscaping plays a major role in shaping today’s curb appeal. Nearly three-quarters of homeowners upgrade plants, shrubs or trees (74%), while many also invest in beds or borders (62%) and paths, stairs or steps (45%). Homeowners are choosing plants that combine visual interest with resilience, including flowering varieties (82%), low-maintenance plants (73%), pollinator-friendly options (56%), native species (55%) and drought-resistant selections (49%). The result is an inviting landscape designed to look beautiful throughout the seasons with minimal ongoing maintenance.
For additional information on outdoor renovation and design trends, check out the complete 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study.
