Modern Siding Makeover: The Latest Colors and Styles for MN and WI

In Minnesota and Wisconsin, the outside of a house is both useful and beautiful. It has to be able to withstand the harsh weather of our four-season climate, but it also needs to be a canvas that shows off your personal style and makes the neighborhood look better. For a long time, practical concerns often got in the way of design goals, resulting in a landscape with muted colors and standard siding choices. But a new era of home design is here, thanks to new materials and a growing desire for unique, eye-catching exteriors.

The "modern home makeover" isn't just a passing fad; it's a movement toward exteriors that are smarter, more expressive, and very durable, with the perfect balance of form and function. People in the Twin Cities, the Northwoods, and along the shores of Wisconsin are using bright colors, interesting textures, and smart combinations to make their homes stand out.

Midwest Exteriors MN is at the forefront of these changes, helping homeowners make sense of the exciting options available with modern siding. This complete guide will look at the most important siding trends for homes in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It will cover everything from color palettes that stand out to material combinations that add architectural depth. It will also explain how these choices make our homes more beautiful and durable in our unique climate.

The Bold Color Revolution for Midwest Exteriors: Beyond Beige

In the past, neutral colors were only beige or light gray. Many homeowners are now looking for ways to give their homes more personality and presence, even though they are timeless. There is no denying the trend toward bright, saturated colors. They make a big difference in curb appeal and give a sophisticated look that goes well with the natural beauty of our area.

Dark and moody colors:

Charcoal Grays and Slate Blues: These colors have become very popular because they look both modern and classic. Dark grays and blues make a strong background that makes lighter trim and architectural details really stand out. They give off a feeling of strength and modernity, especially when they are paired with sharp white window frames and natural stone accents. James Hardie's ColorPlus® Technology line has a wide range of dark colors that will stay bright for a long time.

Rich Forest Greens: Deep greens are coming back strong, inspired by the lush landscapes of Minnesota and Wisconsin. They give homes a natural, grounded feel, which is great for homes in wooded areas or near lakes. They make you feel calm and connected to nature.

Inky Blacks: Black siding is for the very brave. It adds a lot of drama and has a very modern, minimalist look. It makes things stand out and can make a home feel very stylish and like a work of art.

Natural and earthy tones:

A lot of the trendy colors are still based on natural palettes, even though they are bright. Think of deep clay reds, warm chocolate browns, and soft sages. These colors blend in perfectly with the outdoors, making the space feel warm and welcoming, just like the Midwest's rustic charm.

When choosing new siding colors, think about the colors of your home's fixed parts, like the roof, brick, and stone foundations. Before you make a final choice, try out different combinations with online visualizers from companies like CertainTeed, such as their ColorView® tool.

The Art of Blending: Putting Together Different Textures and Materials

The smart mixing of different materials and textures is one of the most interesting and advanced trends in modern siding design. This method adds a lot of architectural interest, depth, and a unique touch that makes a home stand out from the rest. It works best in the Midwest, where mixing long-lasting materials makes things both beautiful and strong.

Fiber Cement with a Brick or Stone Veneer:

This is a classic combination that looks great and lasts a long time. Picture the main body of the house with horizontal fiber cement lap siding that is clean and simple. The foundation could be made of natural stone veneer or a prominent brick accent around the front door. This gives the piece a strong visual anchor and a sense of craftsmanship that will last forever. James Hardie fiber cement (www.jameshardie.com) goes well with many different kinds of stone and brick.

Vinyl with wood or metal accents that are insulated:

Homeowners are mixing organic touches with insulated vinyl siding to get a modern farmhouse or contemporary look. This is because insulated vinyl siding is easy to care for. Imagine most of the house covered in insulated vinyl, maybe in a dark gray or blue, with natural cedar shakes on the gables, a garage door with a rich wood grain, or even sleek metal panels around a big window. This mix adds warmth and personality while taking advantage of modern vinyl's high performance (see Alside's insulated vinyl options at www.alside.com).

Traditional Lap Siding with Board-and-Batten:

This is a very common way to add architectural detail and visual texture. Board-and-batten siding has wide vertical boards with narrow strips (battens) between them. This makes a striking vertical element. It makes a dynamic interplay of lines when used with traditional horizontal lap siding. You can use this to draw attention to certain architectural features, make different areas on the facade, or just break up a large area of one material. You can get this style with either fiber cement or engineered wood products like LP SmartSide (lpcorp.com/products/siding-trim/lp-smartside).

The Benefit for MN and WI: Mixing materials isn't just for looks. It lets you put materials in the best places based on how well they work, so you can get the most durability where it's needed most (for example, putting highly impact-resistant material on the lower parts and moisture-resistant material near the eaves) while still getting a beautiful design.

From classic revivals to modern statements, these are some of the most popular siding styles.

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In addition to color and material combinations, some siding styles are becoming increasingly popular because they can give a home a unique look.

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Board and Batten:

As I said before, board-and-batten is very popular right now. Its strong vertical lines give it a sense of height and drama, which is why it's popular in modern farmhouse, contemporary, and even some rustic styles of architecture. It has a clean, sharp look that can have a big effect.

Why it works in MN and WI: It can be done with long-lasting materials like fiber cement and engineered wood, which will last in our climate.

More exposure lap siding:

The trend is moving toward larger exposure panels, even though traditional lap siding is still popular. This means that the part of each siding board that can be seen is wider, which makes the lines less horizontal and gives the whole thing a more modern, streamlined look. It gives a sense of weight and can make a house feel more modern and solid.

Why it works in Minnesota and Wisconsin: It cuts down on the number of seams, which could make it harder for water to get in if installed correctly.

Shakes and Shingles (with a twist):

People have loved cedar shakes for a long time because they look rustic, but they can be hard to take care of in our climate. Fiber cement shakes and shingles are becoming more popular now. For example, James Hardie's HardieShingle® Siding at www.jameshardie.com/products/siding-trim/hardieshingle-siding. These look and feel like real wood, with rough edges and a rough texture, but they don't rot, get bugs, or catch fire, and they need a lot less maintenance. They are great for adding to gables, dormers, or giving a full-exterior coastal or rustic cottage feel.

Why it works in MN and WI: It looks like real wood but doesn't need a lot of care, which is good because our weather is harsh and humid.

Design that focuses on performance: trends in durability and sustainability

A truly modern home makeover for Minnesota and Wisconsin isn't just about how it looks; it's also about smart design that makes the home work better and last longer. More and more homeowners are putting value on materials that will last a long time, save energy, and be good for the environment.

Finishes and coatings that work well:

Factory-applied finishes that protect against fading, chipping, and peeling better than ever are always being developed by manufacturers. For instance, James Hardie's ColorPlus® Technology (www.jameshardie.com/products/siding-trim/colorplus-technology) bakes color onto the fiber cement boards, making a finish that lasts for years and doesn't fade or lose its brightness. The finish often comes with a 15-year limited warranty. This is very important in our area because the paint can quickly wear away in the sun and when the temperature changes a lot.

Systems for Integrated Insulation:

The popularity of insulated vinyl siding, like CertainTeed's CedarBoards™ Insulated Siding or Alside's Prodigy® Insulated Siding, shows that people want to save energy. These systems not only make things more comfortable, but they also cut down on heating and cooling costs by a lot, which is a big plus in our harsh climate. This trend is all about taking a whole-person approach to the building envelope.

Materials that are low in VOCs and good for the environment:

As people become more aware of the environment, the need for materials that don't release a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and that come from renewable sources also grows. For example, engineered wood products often use wood that grows quickly and a process that makes as little waste as possible.

These trends show that people are moving toward siding options that look good, work well, and are chosen with a long-term, responsible mindset.

The Installation Imperative: Making Your Vision Perfectly Real

If siding isn't put up correctly, it won't work as well, even if it's the most beautiful and high-quality. Professional installation is the most important thing for a truly successful modern home makeover in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It's the difference between an exterior that looks great and lasts a long time and one that has problems too soon.

Expert Craftsmanship: A skilled installation team knows how to work with different materials, cut them exactly, fasten them correctly, and make sure they are perfectly aligned to get the look you want.

Mastering Weatherproofing: To do a good job of installing, you need to pay close attention to moisture barriers, flashing around windows and doors, and sealing all weak points. This keeps your home safe from the damage that our heavy rain and freeze-thaw cycles can do without you knowing it.

Manufacturer Compliance: Following certain guidelines from the manufacturer is very important for activating and keeping your siding warranty, which will protect your investment for decades.

Architectural Detail: When you mix materials and styles, a professional can make sure that the transitions are smooth and the pieces fit together well, making your bold design choices look planned and polished.

Our certified installers at Midwest Exteriors MN have been trained to the highest standards. This means that your modern siding makeover will be done perfectly, giving your home the beauty and long-lasting protection it needs.

Conclusion: Your Midwest Home Reimagined

Minnesota and Wisconsin homeowners have a great chance to change their homes with the help of modern home makeovers that are based on popular siding styles and colors. You can make the outside of your home look great and last a long time by using bright colors, interesting materials, and eco-friendly, high-performance options. This investment in the look and structure of your home will pay off in comfort, curb appeal, and long-term value for years to come.

Don't just make your home better; think of a new way to make it stand out and stand up to everything the Midwest weather can throw at it.

Want to update your siding? Get in touch with Midwest Exteriors MN right away!

Midwest Exteriors MN is one of the best and most well-known exterior contractors in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We offer a full range of exterior services, such as:

Roofing: Keeping your home safe from the top down.

Siding: Professional installation of long-lasting, attractive, and energy-efficient materials.

Windows: Making homes more energy-efficient and attractive.

Gutters: Making sure that water drains properly to keep your siding and foundation safe.

Our team is committed to giving you the best service and craftsmanship possible, so your home will look great, last a long time, and be ready for anything Mother Nature throws at it.

Midwest Exteriors MN Call 651-346-9477 or email office@MidwestExteriorsMN.com or office@MWEXT.com. The website is www.midwestexteriorsmn.com.

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More Reading and Resources:

Check out all of James Hardie's siding products for the best durability.

Check out CertainTeed's insulated vinyl siding options that save energy.

Find out more about how long LP SmartSide engineered wood siding lasts and how it looks.

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