At Royal, Wrought Iron has become the top color. “It’s a deep gray and looks fantastic with white trim, which provides a great contrast,” says Booz. “Colors have trended to dark, bold colors more.”
But ProVia’s Mickle sees some movement in the opposite direction. “We’re seeing off-white and light neutral colors trending upward for 2016,” he reports. “It’s a bit of a contrast to what we’ve seen recently, with dark colors being the big trend. Those colors provide the opportunity to introduce bright colors or board-and-batten or shake styles into gable areas and window trims to add big contrasts in small amounts. Dark colors are still in demand, and they’re not going away. Part of this trend comes from interior colors moving outside to join the looks together.”
Amy Lindholm, brand manager for siding growth and innovation at LP Building Products, agrees. “Color is the biggest deciding factor for people,” she says. “The key is how they are bringing colors together throughout the home, down to exterior trim and caulk. Homeowners are thinking in terms of customizing and how they can get their personal look outside of the house to continue their interior look. They’re spending more time outside. Making the two spaces blend wasn’t a big deal before, but now it is.”
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Woodtone has taken advantage of that trend with a new patterned-stock board with 1- by 6′ fine-line appearance designed for interior uses in six colors. “It allows the homeowner to carry the ceiling look through the home and to continue it out onto the porch,” Pidlisecky explains.
Colors vary by regions, notes Lindholm. “There’s always regionality to choices. In the Midwest, they like earthtones and neutrals, while in the South, they like more beach colors. Grays are a workhorse color. They provide a neutral base to play with by adding contrasts. Customers overall are choosing darker trims as a bold statement, but we’re also seeing gray siding with gray trim.”
Trim has become a key spot for color, she says. “Customers are paying more attention to color statements in shutters, garage doors and the front door. Those are often places where they’re putting a pop of color.” Adds Ply Gem’s Blais, “The use of PVC trim is definitely growing despite being a premium product. The benefits in durability and the ability to hold paint create a good value. Homeowners recognize that value.”