If the exterior of your home is looking tired and dated, it is time for a refresh. From the latest stains and paints to a new roof and more, there are plenty of ways to boost your home's curb appeal. Homeowners are increasingly investing in renovations rather than buying new properties, and exterior upgrades are at the top of their list to enhance and add value to their homes.
Exterior Stains
BeautiTone describes its 2026 Exterior Colour of the Year, Bark, as a warm, transparent stain that enhances the natural grain of wood. It is designed to elevate any outdoor structure, from decks, pergolas, and sheds to fences and siding. According to Kristen Gear, colour and graphic design specialist at BeautiTone Paint and Home Products, Bark makes the grain of the wood feel deeper, the texture more pronounced, and the colour unmistakably natural.
Meanwhile, Behr Paint Company has announced Taupe as its 2026 Exterior Stain Colour of the Year. This colour blends soft brown with gentle grey undertones. Kayla Kratz, senior director of colour and design strategy at Behr Paint Company, explains that Taupe brings a sense of harmony and balance to exterior spaces. Pairing Taupe with complementary Behr stain colours is an easy way to introduce contrast and highlight architectural details like railings, trim, and decking borders without a full renovation. Taupe can be paired with warm tones like Cordovan Brown or cool tones like Pewter to create subtle contrast.
Roofing
If you are looking to update the exterior of your home but are concerned about the budget, BP Canada recommends dividing the task into annual projects. Nathalie Lambert, marketing director of BP Canada, notes that in today's challenging housing market, homeowners are investing in renovations rather than buying new properties, and exterior upgrades are a top priority. However, the effort and expense of an exterior makeover can seem daunting.
BP Canada's multi-year plan breaks down an exterior facelift into phases. In the first year, it recommends replacing your roof's shingles. It is no longer just about having a functional roof overhead; the trend is to combine durability with design and infuse roofing with colour and texture to significantly enhance curb appeal and home value. Lambert suggests using multi-toned shingles for maximum beauty and flexibility to colour-coordinate with other elements of the home's façade over the course of the makeover. For example, a brown roof with hints of copper and beige or a black roof with grey and tan nuances can blend well with an existing exterior and provide more options when choosing hues for new siding, doors, and trim.
Siding
In the second year, BP Canada recommends replacing your home's siding. Because siding is meant to last decades, colour selection is key. Coordinating the colour of siding with the roof and trim can dramatically transform a home's exterior. Lambert emphasizes that careful planning ensures a cohesive look that enhances overall curb appeal.
