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.

Top 5 Cost vs. Value Remodeling Projects in Connecticut

Thinking of renovating your home this year? Whether you're planning to sell or just want to make smart investments in your property, choosing the right remodeling projects can make all the difference. According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, these are the top 5 home improvement projects in Connecticut that offer the highest return on investment (ROI).

Check out what tops the list—and which project offers the lowest return.

1. Garage Door Replacement – 268.2% ROI

It may not be the most glamorous upgrade, but replacing your garage door brings serious returns. With a cost of around $4,500 and resale value over $12,000, this simple improvement offers a huge curb appeal boost and is one of the most cost-effective projects homeowners can take on.

2. HVAC Conversion to Electric Heat Pump – 266.7% ROI

Sustainability sells! Swapping out a traditional furnace for an electric heat pump is not only energy-efficient but extremely attractive to today’s eco-conscious buyers. In Connecticut, this upgrade sees a return of more than double the investment cost, making it a smart and future-ready move.

3. Manufactured Stone Veneer – 129.5% ROI

Want a big visual impact for relatively low cost? Consider manufactured stone veneer. This sleek, modern exterior finish dramatically boosts curb appeal and home value. With an ROI of nearly 130%, it’s a stylish way to make your home stand out.

4. Vinyl Siding Replacement – 123.8% ROI

Replacing old or faded siding with fresh vinyl siding is a smart way to refresh your home’s look. It improves energy efficiency and protects your home from the elements—plus, you’ll see more than a full return on your investment.

5. Minor Kitchen Remodel (Midrange) – 103.5% ROI

The kitchen remains the heart of the home—and buyers agree. A minor kitchen remodel that includes updated cabinet fronts, new appliances, counters, and flooring delivers a solid return. It’s one of the few interior projects with a strong ROI, making it well worth the investment.

Lowest ROI Project: Upscale Primary Suite Addition – 29.1% ROI

While a dreamy new master suite might sound appealing, the numbers don’t lie. In Connecticut, this upscale addition has the lowest cost vs. value, recouping less than a third of what you spend. Unless it’s for personal enjoyment, this one may not be worth the splurge if resale value is your goal.

Final Thoughts

From energy efficiency to exterior curb appeal, Connecticut homeowners have plenty of opportunities to make smart renovations that pay off. Focusing on these high-ROI projects can help you enjoy your home today—while building value for tomorrow.

Source: ©2024 Zonda Media, 2024 Cost vs. Value Report. Full data available at www.costvsvalue.com

What To Think About With Mulch

If you’ve been holding off on spreading mulch in your yard, you made the right decision. While it’s tempting to build a solid landscaping foundation early in the season, this week’s pollen dump made it tough to do the job. Luckily, most of the early blooms have now fallen which makes it the perfect time to start tidying up. 

Mulch might seem like an aesthetic gardening step, but it actually has a lot of benefits. Most homeowners use mulch to cover bare soil in flower beds, around trees, and in any grassless areas that are susceptible to weeds. Mulch acts as a protectant; it keeps the soil warm and moist while keeping unwanted growth at bay. Most mulch options are made from organic materials such as wood and bark, so natural nutrients are absorbed into the ground. Plus, mulch really makes a yard look neat and well-looked after. So if you’re sold on the benefits, let’s talk about the options because all are not created equal. 

Wood 

The most popular mulch is chipped wood or shredded bark which you can get from a landscaping store, lumberyard, or even for free if your town has public compost. Wood mulch is highly customizable both in color and size. Bigger chips give the ground more breathing room but they move around a bit more, while shredded materials stay put slightly better. In terms of color, you can always go natural or choose red, brown, or black mulch to match your home aesthetic. Mulch is colored using a vegetable dye which might temporarily stain any paths, walkways, or your hands. Don’t worry, it’s nothing a good 20-second scrub or a rainstorm won’t take care of.

Stone

If the area that you’re mulching is on a slope, I recommend going with pea gravel instead of wood mulch. Pea gravel is heavier and will stay put in high drainage areas much better than wood. There is such a thing as too much moisture and if an area tends to be wet, wood mulch can get moldy. Stone will allow the water to pass through easier without retaining excess moisture.

Straw

If you want to protect a newly seeded area of your lawn, straw is a great option. Not to be confused with hay which can germinate and produce weeds, straw will help grass seed from washing away and it deters birds and mice from a feast. It also naturally decomposes so there is no clean-up, but remember, this option is only for temporary use.

Regardless of what you use, I always recommend weeding your beds and staking landscaper’s fabric around existing trees and shrubs before you mulch. This is the best defense against weeds and it lasts for years so you don’t have to worry about doing it every spring. Whatever you do, don’t use plastic unless you don’t want anything at all to grow. Unlike fabric, plastic will cut off any oxygen to the area, effectively making it a dead zone for all plants, shrubs, and trees. Also, don’t be shy while you’re spreading. Weeds are strong and won’t be deterred by a thin layer. Go for a base of four or so inches to keep them from popping through. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions 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.