Facade Trends Shaping Homes in 2026

Contemporary, but softened

Looking ahead to 2026, facade preferences aren’t neatly split between modern and traditional. Instead, buyers are gravitating toward designs that sit comfortably in between.

Clean-lined contemporary facades, like the Brooklyn Hebel, continue to resonate, particularly for their simplicity and strong street presence. What’s changing is how those lines are treated. There’s a noticeable move away from facades that feel overly sharp or trend-driven, replaced by designs that introduce warmth through proportion, material contrast and subtle detailing.

As Carlisle’s Senior Designer, Ricky D’Alesio, explains, “Buyer preference is less about selecting one definitive style and more about choosing a facade that feels adaptable, enduring and personal. Designs that blend contemporary forms with softer detailing are resonating most strongly.”

Texture takes centre stage

Render, like that of the Hebel-constructed facades, remains a cornerstone thanks to its durability, thermal performance, and timeless appeal, but it’s increasingly paired with secondary materials to add depth and interest. Timber accents, feature tiles, stone, and even light metal detailing are used to add a personalised touch.

“Material selection is centred on texture, depth and longevity,” says D’Alesio. “Layered material palettes allow homeowners to personalise their facade while maintaining a cohesive and refined overall aesthetic.”

For buyers looking to elevate their home without locking into a short-lived trend, upgrades such as premium brick ranges, textured renders, or sleek roof tile applications are proving especially popular.

The rise of modern heritage

There’s also a clear appetite for facades that feel familiar rather than overtly contemporary – a direction often described as ‘modern heritage’.

These designs, like the Regent brick facade, borrow from classic architectural principles such as symmetry, defined entryways, and balanced proportions, then reinterpret them with modern colour schemes and curation.

“Facades that combine classic forms with paired-back detailing strongly appeal to buyers who see their home as a long-term investment,” D’Alesio notes. “They feel relevant now and are likely to remain appealing in 10 or 15 years, regardless of future trends.”

Colour palettes that last

When it comes to exterior colour, buyers are thinking long-term. Rather than bold statements, there’s a clear preference for tones that feel settled within the Australian streetscape and won’t date quickly – a perfect example being the Adina brick facade on the Clovelly 33 at Riverfield estate in Clyde.

“We’re seeing strong interest in soft off-whites, warm greys, muted charcoals and earthy hues,” says D’Alesio. “These colours work well across different facade styles and sit naturally within their surroundings, especially when paired with brick, render and textured finishes.”

That restraint on the exterior is deliberate. A neutral facade allows the focus to shift inward, giving homeowners the freedom to bring warmth, colour and personality into their interiors. It creates a calm outer shell, while leaving room for design choices inside to evolve as tastes and lifestyles change.