Natural colors and intentional design

By Jenny Yu.  

Build customer trust by keeping up with the latest trends in exterior building design.  

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards spoke with Shara Gamble, CEO of Attic Breeze, to discuss emerging trends in the exterior design space and how contractors can best position themselves for success.  

Blending performance and aesthetics 

The main driver of today’s exterior trends, Shara shared, was in homeowner education and mindset. “Homeowners are really thinking about the roof and the exterior differently than they did even five years ago,” Shara explained. “Homeowners expect it to perform; they want energy efficiency, longevity, ventilation.”  

Now, homeowners are realizing that their roof isn’t just about performance; it also takes up a large percentage of the aesthetic appeal of their home. “They want the exterior of the home to feel cohesive,” Shara stated, noting how homeowners have become more engaged with the details of building design. “Functional elements have to complement design. Homeowners want these materials to work together and work harder than they have been expected to in the past.” 

This trend toward more intentional design invites roofing contractors to partner collaboratively with clients so homeowners can feel informed, empowered and, ultimately, pleased with the process and outcome of roofing projects.  

2026 color trends: Natural neutrals 

Homeowners’ attention to detail and desire for complementary components extend to color choices. According to Shara, nature-inspired neutrals are gaining popularity, while black remains a staple.   

“Dark roofs paired with lighter siding are still very popular. We've seen a rise in darker-colored window frames and things like that,” Shara said, noting some specific colors in demand. “Weathered wood is always going to be a crowd pleaser, and we’re seeing warm gray, different from past cooler grays. We're seeing more earthy tones: clay, bronze and deeper charcoals.” 

Homeowners are pairing these natural, grounded colors with matte black and bronze accessories, creating a visually coordinated effect. “More cohesive, small details come together, and all the visible parts of the exterior of the home are telling that whole design story,” Shara said. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about how Attic Breeze meets the newest exterior trends!