Trends in Vinyl Siding for 2026

When it comes to updating the look and efficiency of your home, vinyl siding continues to be one of the most popular choices among Connecticut homeowners. It’s durable enough to withstand our unpredictable New England weather, it comes in styles that complement the region’s classic architecture, and today’s innovations make it more attractive and energy-efficient than ever. If you’re thinking about a siding refresh, here are some of the latest vinyl siding trends making waves in our neighborhoods.

1. Bolder, Richer Colors

For decades, vinyl siding meant beige, white, or maybe a soft gray if you were feeling adventurous. Not anymore. Manufacturers are now offering deeper, richer colors designed to make a statement while still fitting into the traditional character of New England homes. Think deep navy, forest green, slate, or even bold shades of red. These colors pair beautifully with white trim and shutters, creating the kind of crisp, timeless curb appeal that stands out on a colonial, cape, or farmhouse-style home.

2. Natural-Look Finishes

One of the biggest shifts in siding design is the move toward natural, organic-looking finishes. Homeowners are embracing vinyl siding that convincingly mimics wood grain or even the texture of stone. Cedar-look shingles, rustic board-and-batten, and stacked-stone accents are all achievable with vinyl today—without the ongoing maintenance and cost that real wood or masonry demands. The result is a warm, welcoming exterior that feels timeless while still delivering the practical benefits of vinyl.

3. Energy-Efficient Insulated Siding

Our winters can be brutal, and summers are getting hotter every year. That’s why more homeowners are choosing insulated vinyl siding, which adds a layer of foam backing to improve energy efficiency. It helps regulate indoor temperatures, reduces drafts, and may even lower heating and cooling costs. Beyond comfort and savings, insulated siding also adds rigidity to panels, helping them resist impact and look straighter on your home.

4. Mix-and-Match Profiles

One of the newest design trends in siding is mixing different profiles and textures to create architectural interest. For example, you might combine traditional clapboard-style siding on the main levels of your colonial with shingle-style siding in the gables, or add board-and-batten panels to highlight a dormer or entryway. This layered approach works especially well on larger homes, breaking up long runs of siding and giving the exterior a custom, high-end look.

5. Matte and Low-Gloss Finishes

Gone are the days when vinyl siding had a shiny, plastic appearance. Today’s homeowners are opting for matte or low-gloss finishes that mimic the painted wood look. Not only does this create a more natural and authentic appearance, but it also holds up beautifully against the harsh sunlight and weather shifts we see across our four seasons.

6. Low Maintenance, High Value

Perhaps the most enduring “trend” in vinyl siding isn’t flashy at all: homeowners love it because it’s low-maintenance. Unlike wood, vinyl doesn’t need to be repainted, sanded, or sealed. It resists pests, rot, and warping, which means you’ll spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying your home. That peace of mind never goes out of style.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Spruce Up Your Front Porch on a Budget

There’s something about fall that makes us want to hit the reset button on our homes. Maybe it’s the cooler air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, or just the pull of pumpkin spice everything. Whatever the reason, the season is tailor-made for giving your front porch or entryway a little extra love. And here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to make your home look inviting. With about $100 and an afternoon, you can create curb appeal that makes your house the coziest stop on the street.

Start with the Front Door

Your front door is the first thing people notice and it sets the tone for your home. A fresh coat of paint in a bold, welcoming color can make all the difference. Think deep red, navy, or one of the 2026 colors of the year to embrace fall’s golden hues. A quart of exterior paint runs about $30, and it’s a project you can tackle in a single afternoon.

Not in the mood for painting? Swap in a new doormat. Look for one with a witty seasonal saying or a classic coir mat with a simple design. At $20 or less, it’s an easy upgrade that makes guests feel welcome before they even knock.

Add Seasonal Planters

Nothing says “fall” like a burst of color from mums or the leafy texture of ornamental kale. Skip the expensive pre-made arrangements and head to your local garden center for mums, cabbage, and pumpkins to cluster by your steps. Place them in terra-cotta pots, galvanized buckets, or even a wooden crate for a rustic vibe.

Here’s a trick: elevate some of the plants on overturned pots or stacked bricks so the arrangement has different heights. It gives your porch a professional look without the price tag.

Layer in Lighting

As the days get shorter, lighting becomes essential, not just for safety, but for atmosphere. Solar-powered lanterns are affordable, energy-efficient, and easy to find for about $10 each. Arrange a couple along your steps or hang them near the door.

Another option is a short strand of LED string lights. Wrapped around a railing or tucked into a planter, they add just the right amount of glow for those chilly fall evenings. For $20, you’ll have enough to make your porch shine without looking like you’re skipping ahead to the holidays.

Cozy Finishing Touches

This is where you can really make the space feel personal. A seasonal wreath is a classic, and you don’t have to spend $50 on a store-bought one. Craft stores sell plain grapevine wreaths for under $10 and you can dress it up with faux leaves, ribbon, or even pinecones collected from your own yard.

If you have a chair or bench on your porch, drape a plaid throw over the back. You can pick up an inexpensive one at a discount store for $15 or less. It instantly says “cozy” and ties the whole look together.

Final Ideas

For less than the cost of a family dinner out, you can completely transform your front entrance for the season. The key is to invest in a few small upgrades that make a big impact: a fresh front door, a splash of color from plants, warm lighting, and a couple of personal touches.

Fall is about comfort, warmth, and community, and your home’s curb appeal should reflect that. So grab a paintbrush, a couple of mums, and a lantern or two. With $100 and a little creativity, you’ll have a front porch that welcomes neighbors, delights trick-or-treaters, and makes you smile every time you walk through the door.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

The 2026 Interior Colors of the Year

Color‑of-the-year season is officially a thing, and yes, it’s time to ditch the beige‑gray snooze fest and step into 2026 with some actual personality. This year’s palette brings a mix of mood‑boosters, nostalgic neutrals, and dramatic elegance for every vibe.

Behr: Hidden Gem

Leading the visual charge, Behr’s Hidden Gem is a smoky jade—somewhere between blue and green, with a moody but approachable richness. It’s dramatic enough for a color-drenched room, yet subtle enough to work as a trim or kitchen island accent. Think velvet coziness meets soothing nature.

Glidden: Warm Mahogany

Glidden’s pick is Warm Mahogany (PPG1060‑7), a warm, brown‑red that feels retro mid‑century but still totally on‑trend. It’s the kind of cozy hug hue that works for an entire room—or just pops nicely on built‑ins or wainscoting. In a nutshell: classic, bold, and timeless.

Valspar: Warm Eucalyptus

Want serenity with a splash? Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus is a sage‑green that feels spa-worthy. Warm undertones give it a calming, grounded vibe—perfect for kitchen nooks, bathrooms, or wherever you want a slice of zen.

Dutch Boy Paints: Melodious Ivory

If you’re still leery of color but want to keep it fresh, Melodious Ivory is your friend. This creamy, nostalgic beige goes with anything: woods, fabrics, even that weird throw pillow you can’t part with.

Minwax: Special Walnut

Let’s not forget wood lovers—Minwax’s Special Walnut brings rich, earthy depth to stained surfaces. Think furniture, floors, trim that ages gracefully. It’s comfortable, familiar, but updated.

What These Picks Tell Us

1. Mood Over Monochrome – Goodbye stark whites and cool grays; 2026 is about warmth, depth, and emotional resonance.

2. Goodbye Primary Overload – Designers are steering clear of bold primaries and neons—this year wants color with substance, not just eye candy.

3. Greens in Charge – From Warm Eucalyptus to the leafy vibe of Hidden Gem, green is king—always safe, now stylish again.

How to Use These Shades Without Going Overboard

• Start small. Brush on an accent wall, paint that tired bookshelf, or swap cabinet doors. A little color goes a long way.

• Pair smart. Hidden Gem pops against creams or jewel tones; Mahogany feels grounded with natural woods or greens; Eucalyptus calms when paired with soft blues or earth tones.

• Go bold…or don’t. Full room color-drench is daring—and fun. But even a subtle application (trim, furniture, ceiling) packs style without commitment.

What not to do in 2026? Designers are collectively side-eying two things for next year: bright, cool whites (they feel cold and impersonal) and shouty neons. If you’re after a modern feel, go for cozy neutrals or moods with character instead.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.