Two Common Facade Colors Make Homes Look Older by 2026, Study Finds

Your façade is still in good condition, but its color seems dated? Repainting remains one of the most visible ways to restore charm to the house: studies reported by Maison et Travaux indicate a gain of 2 to 5 % on the sale price when the façade is updated. Hence the importance of aiming accurately from the choice of the tint.

A new study is precisely shaking up habits. The 2026 exterior survey by Houzz, conducted among 1,191 homeowners between April 25 and May 6, 2026, shows a clear shift toward warmer colors. Beige has risen from 10 % of façade renovations in 2024 to 24 % in 2026. At the same time, two hues long considered essential are starting to make houses look older than they really are.

Outdated facade colors: bright white and cool gray losing speed

According to the data detailed by Houzz, the exterior white chosen by 23 % of homeowners in 2024 no longer appeals to only 14 % of renovations in 2026. The gray follows the same trajectory, moving from 19 % to 12 %. Color analysts cited by Maison et Travaux describe cold grays and all-white décors as the sign of the 2010s-2020s, which today makes them truly outdated facade colors.

In practice, it is especially facades that are entirely white or very cold gray, often paired with black joinery, that appear dated. “Homeowners are moving away from cold grays, off-whites, and stark black-and-white combinations,” continues Juliano Da Cruz of the Thumbtack network. Creamy whites or warmly tinted grays remain possible, but they fit more with the current return to welcoming palettes inspired by nature.

Why white and gray no longer captivate for the facade

For Houzz and color experts, this retreat of white and gray fits into a shift toward warmer exteriors after years dominated by cool palettes. Homeowners now favor neutrals close to earth tones, which dialogue better with vegetation, wood or stone, while colors such as green, black, brown or blue progress slightly.

Contrasts do not disappear; they move. Houzz notes that black has become the most chosen color for joinery: 39 % of homeowners opt for a dark surround, compared to 19 % only for white, and 69 % select a color for joinery or framing that contrasts. A beige or cream base paired with black windows then provides relief, whereas a total all-white look appeared flatter.

Which colors to choose for an up-to-date façade in 2026

For a renovation planned in 2026, warm neutrals remain the safest bet. Maison et Travaux recommends, for example, Greek Villa, a soft cream that is bright enough, or Repose Gray, a warm gray more welcoming than the blue-tinged grays of yesterday, or Natural Linen, a solid beige that works well with a dark roof. Navy blue or sage green accents on the front door and shutters add character without locking the façade into a passing trend.

Before deciding, experts recommend starting from what won’t move: roof color, brick or stone, existing joinery, dominant vegetation. A simple rule is to limit yourself to three coherent tones (facade body, trims, accents) while staying in the same warmth family. According to the FacadeColorizer tool, the analysis of 16,983 simulations shows that 73 % of individuals change their mind after testing multiple combinations, underscoring the usefulness of swatches.