2025's Hottest Exterior Trends That Are Transforming New Jersey Homes
If you've been driving around your neighborhood lately, you might've noticed something: homes are looking different. Bolder. More sophisticated. There's a real shift happening in exterior design right now, and it's not just about keeping up with the Joneses—it's about creating homes that genuinely stand out while being smarter and easier to maintain.
At Advisor Exteriors, we're seeing these trends play out firsthand across New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Here's what homeowners are asking for in 2025.
Dark and Moody Colors Are Having a Moment
Gone are the days when "safe" meant beige or cream. Homeowners are embracing deep, dramatic colors that make a real statement. Charcoal grays with blue-green undertones are everywhere right now, along with sophisticated navy (especially popular in coastal areas) and even deep forest greens for that cabin-style vibe.
The key here isn't just slapping on a dark color and calling it a day. These deeper tones work best when you balance them with modern accents—think sleek black-framed windows, wood siding details, or contemporary light fixtures. The contrast creates visual interest that photographs beautifully and actually holds its value.
And here's something interesting: dark colors on modern materials like fiber cement or vinyl aren't the maintenance nightmare they used to be. Today's products are engineered to resist fading, which means you get that bold look without the constant upkeep.
Mixing Materials and Textures Is the New Standard
One of the biggest shifts we're seeing is homeowners moving away from the "all one material" approach. Instead, they're combining different textures to add depth and character to their homes.
Here's what's working:
Board and batten paired with horizontal lap siding – The vertical lines draw the eye upward and create architectural interest, especially when you use contrasting colors between the two
Stone or brick accents around entryways – Natural stone veneer is huge right now because it gives you that high-end look without the structural requirements of real stone
Wood-look materials mixed with modern siding – You get the warmth of wood tones without the maintenance headaches
This trend works because it breaks up large expanses of siding and gives your home a more custom, thoughtfully designed appearance. Plus, manufactured stone veneer makes this more accessible than ever—you don't need major foundation work to add stone accents anymore.
Vertical Siding Is Making a Comeback
Vertical siding, especially board and batten, is absolutely exploding in popularity. And honestly? It makes sense. Vertical lines make homes look taller and more substantial, which is perfect whether you've got dramatic roof peaks or a lower roofline that needs some visual lift.
What we love about this trend is its versatility. Board and batten looks equally at home on a coastal cottage, a rustic farmhouse, or a sleek modern build. The style adapts to whatever aesthetic you're going for, which explains why we're installing it on everything from traditional colonials to contemporary new builds.
Energy Efficiency Is No Longer Optional
Let's be real—nobody's excited about their energy bills these days. That's why one of the biggest trends in exteriors isn't just about looks; it's about performance. Homeowners are prioritizing materials that actually work for them.
Windows are a perfect example. Triple-pane glass is becoming standard in our area, and for good reason—it dramatically improves insulation, cuts down on outside noise, and helps regulate indoor temperatures. When you're dealing with our winters, that matters.
On the roofing side, we're seeing huge interest in products that meet Energy Star standards and offer "cool roof" technology that reduces heat absorption. Some homeowners are even exploring options like GAF's solar shingles, which blend seamlessly with traditional roofing while generating power.
The bottom line: Energy-efficient upgrades pay for themselves. They're not just good for the planet—they're good for your wallet and your home's resale value.
Low-Maintenance Materials Are King
Here's something we hear constantly: "I love the look of wood, but I don't want to deal with the upkeep." You're not alone. That's exactly why wood-look alternatives are dominating the market right now.
Modern fiber cement, vinyl, and metal siding products have gotten so good at replicating natural wood grain that you'd have to look pretty closely to tell the difference. But unlike real wood, they won't rot, they resist pests, and they don't need repainting every few years.
Same goes for trim and architectural details. PVC and composite trim products give you crisp, clean lines without the maintenance headaches. They can even be painted in those trendy dark colors (including black) without warping or fading—something traditional painted wood could never handle.
Two-Tone Exteriors and Color Blocking
Monochromatic color schemes are out. Strategic color blocking is in. We're seeing homeowners use darker tones on the lower half of their homes with lighter shades on top, or highlight architectural features with contrasting colors.
The trick is balance. You want enough contrast to create visual interest, but not so much that it feels disjointed. Popular combinations right now include warm neutrals paired with crisp whites, or sophisticated grays with black accents on trim and doors.
This approach works especially well when you're mixing materials too—like pairing warm wood-look siding on accent walls with neutral horizontal siding on the main facade.
Statement Entry Doors
Don't underestimate the power of your front door. It's the first thing people see, and homeowners are treating it like the jewelry of their exterior design.
Bold door colors are having a moment—chartreuse, deep mauve, and burnt oranges are all showing up in our projects. But it's not just about color. Craftsman-style doors with woodgrain textures and glass panels remain timeless, while oversized handles and sidelights bring in natural light and modern appeal.
Your Roof Is the Perfect Starting Point
Here's something most homeowners don't realize: if your roof is due for replacement in the next few years, that's actually the perfect time to rethink your entire exterior aesthetic.
Why? Because when we're already up there replacing your roof, it's way more cost-effective to update siding, trim, and architectural details at the same time. You're not paying for scaffolding and labor twice, and you can create a cohesive design that ties everything together from the start.
Plus, modern roofing isn't just about keeping water out anymore. Today's energy-efficient roofing materials can:
Dramatically reduce your cooling costs with cool roof technology
Stand up to severe weather better than anything available even five years ago
Come in styles and colors that complement those trending dark exteriors and mixed materials
Last 30-50 years with minimal maintenance
Think about it: if you're going to invest in a new roof anyway, doesn't it make sense to step back and look at the whole picture? Maybe those architectural shingles in a deep charcoal would look incredible with board and batten accents. Or that standing seam metal roof could be the perfect complement to wood-look siding.
Let's Talk About Your Roof
Whether your roof is showing its age or you're just ready for an exterior refresh, we'd love to walk through what's possible. We'll look at your home, talk about the trends that make sense for your style and neighborhood, and show you how a new roof can be the foundation for a complete exterior transformation.
Because here's the truth: a roof replacement doesn't have to be just a maintenance project. It can be the catalyst for creating the home you've always wanted—one that works better, looks better, and actually makes coming home feel good.
Ready to see what we can do? Let's start with your roof and go from there.