Trend #1: The New Era of Farmhouse Style

For several years, farmhouse style has dominated residential architecture trends. In 2026, this timeless aesthetic continues to evolve toward a warmer, more natural, and more refined interpretation.
According to Jenn Larocque, the dramatic contrasts that defined modern farmhouse designs in recent years are gradually giving way to softer, more enveloping colour palettes.

“We're moving away from the highly contrasted modern farmhouse style that was so popular, with its black windows and very light stone. Homeowners are now looking for a softer, warmer, and more timeless version.”

This new approach focuses on creating a home that feels comfortable and authentic. Materials blend more seamlessly together, colours become more nuanced, and the overall effect is a welcoming atmosphere that remains stylish for years to come.

Trend #2 : European English Country style, a Favorite of Jenn Larocque

If there is one trend currently gaining momentum in residential architecture, it is the European English Country style. Richer, more textured, and more daring than the traditional farmhouse, this style captivates with its authenticity and impressive architectural presence.
For Jenn Larocque, designer and residential architecture enthusiast, it is undoubtedly her favorite style of the year.

“It's my favorite trend of the year. The English Country style is completely different from traditional farmhouse design. It features deeper colour palettes, richer materials, and architectural volumes that highlight the character of the home.”

Pairings Full of Character

To reinforce the rustic authenticity of the English Country aesthetic, Rocky Hills pairs beautifully with Fundy Bay Brown.
This warm tone, occasionally revealing subtle reddish highlights, helps showcase features such as front doors, gables, and decorative accents. In brushed or textured finishes, it adds even greater depth and reinforces the handcrafted quality that defines this style.

“Fundy Bay Brown adds tremendous character. Used on architectural accents, it creates focal points while preserving the warm atmosphere associated with European design.” – Jenn Larocque

For those seeking a more contemporary interpretation while maintaining English Country influences, Hematite is also an excellent option.
The primary difference between Hematite and Rocky Hills lies in the finish. While Rocky Hills preserves the appearance of natural wood through tonal variation, Hematite offers a more opaque finish colour, revealing its richness through subtle undertones.

Trend #3: The Rustic Cabin

Among the trends expected to gain even greater popularity in 2026, the rustic cabin occupies a prominent position. Far beyond the traditional image of a cabin in the woods, this trend draws inspiration from nature, authentic materials, and comforting colours to create warm and inviting homes.
For Jenn Larocque, this aesthetic will continue to appeal both to primary homeowners and to those looking to bring a more organic feel to their residence.

“When we talk about cabin style, we're really talking about an inspiring lifestyle. It isn't necessarily a cabin in the literal sense, but rather a way of creating a home that evokes comfort, nature, and simplicity.”

Rich Contrasting Palettes

One of the most popular approaches within this trend centers around warm, dark colours that create a strong visual presence.

Dark roast from the CanExel product line fits perfectly within this aesthetic. To prevent the overall look from becoming too uniform, Jenn recommends incorporating lighter accents to highlight architectural details.

“I love creating contrast with Maibec's Scandinavian two-tone colour, from Maibec CanExel Engineered siding, to emphasize the home's architectural details. Even when the architecture itself is relatively simple, these contrasts add tremendous personality.”

Black window trim also remains a defining feature of this rustic interpretation and pairs beautifully with darker cladding colours.
Among the other shades that naturally complement this palette, Jenn particularly favors Sunkissed Beige and Sandbanks, which she considers among her favorite colours for creating sophisticated, warm accents.

A second colour palette is also emerging strongly within rustic chalet-inspired projects: natural greens.
Toundra, available within the CanExel collection, stands out with its deep organic hues reminiscent of forest landscapes.

“Tundra is a beautiful green. In fact, I was involved in selecting the green shades from several proposed options. It's a colour I absolutely love.”

Directly inspired by nature, this shade creates a soothing atmosphere while adding a distinctive personality to the facade. Toundra pairs naturally with rich browns such as Fundy Bay Brown, a warm tone that recalls wood and forest colours. To avoid creating an overly dark appearance, Jenn recommends balancing the palette with lighter materials.

“I really enjoy pairing Tundra with a chocolate brown like Fundy Bay Brown. If you're looking to create beautiful contrast while maintaining a natural feel, adding a lighter Fastened stone veneer is an excellent solution.”

Stone shades such as Almond introduce brightness, highlight architectural volumes, and provide complementary texture. The contrast remains soft and natural while preserving the warm ambiance desired.

This approach is beautifully showcased in the Toundra model by Drummond House Plans, where the combination of green siding and light Acenta Fastened stone veneer creates a facade rich in character and inspired by nature.