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Improving homes near you for over 35 yearsColour is a powerful tool in contemporary architecture, particularly when it comes to glazing. Where aluminium frames were once selected primarily for their performance credentials and finishes almost by default in black or anthracite grey, design priorities are shifting. Architects, renovators and homeowners are now approaching frame colour with far greater intentions, using it to influence the character of a building rather than simply outline the view.
This evolution is not driven by fashion and trends alone. It reflects a broader change in how homes are designed, extended and personalised. Homeowners are more visually literate than ever, drawing inspiration from architecture-led content, high-end residential projects and considered material palettes. In that context, glazing has moved from a supporting role into a more expressive position within the overall design.
As we move through 2026, bold glazing colours are no longer niche choices. They are becoming a natural part of modern exterior design, particularly when paired with slim-profile aluminium systems that allow colour to enhance rather than overpower the architecture.
Moving beyond black and anthracite grey
Black and anthracite grey continue to remain a firm favourite in contemporary glazing, and for good reason. They provide clarity, contrast and a true clean architectural finish that works across a wide range of property styles. These colours remain a natural choice for many homeowners and architects, particularly where strong lines and defined openings are part of the design intent.
At the same time, there’s a growing appetite to look beyond the familiar. As homeowners become more confident in their design decisions, frame colour is being considered to add warmth, character or subtle individuality, rather than defaulting to the same finish on every project. In this context, black and anthracite grey are no longer the only starting point, but part of a broader and more considered palette.
The emerging colour palette for 2026
The move towards bolder frame colours is not about introducing loud or disruptive finishes across every project. The most successful installations still rely on complementing the architecture and using colour with purpose. The 2026 palette reflects this shift. It’s expressive where it needs to be, but always considered and grounded in context.
- Deep greens and botanical tones
Olive green, forest green, moss and eucalyptus shades are becoming increasingly popular across both urban and country homes. These colours work particularly well alongside natural materials, such as stone, lighter brick and landscaped gardens, allowing glazing to feel part of the setting rather than a contrasting element.
On extensions, green frames help new architecture settle more comfortably alongside the original building. Rather than drawing a hard line between old and new, they create a softer transition that still feels contemporary. This balance has made green one of the strongest modern exterior colour trends for homeowners who want to introduce character, while maintaining a sense of longevity.
- Warm neutrals and earthy shades
Warm neutrals continue to gain ground as an alternative to cooler greys. Warm grey, taupe and clay-inspired tones introduce depth and warmth without overwhelming a property, making them a natural choice for homeowners who want something refined rather than stark.
These finishes are particularly well-suited to contemporary builds that favour texture and material contrast, as well as period renovations where a gentler colour palette feels more appropriate. Warm neutrals also tend to age quietly and consistently, which is increasingly important for homeowners thinking beyond short-term trends and quick design statements.
- Blues with depth and character
Blues are appearing more frequently, especially where coloured aluminium doors are used to create a clear point of focus. Navy, steel blue and muted slate tones bring confidence and definition to entrance doors and large sliding openings, without becoming visually dominant.
When paired with white render, pale brick or modern cladding systems, blue frames offer a subtle but assured alternative to black. They introduce individuality, while remaining versatile enough to sit comfortably within a wider range of architectural styles.
- Statement colours used meaningfully
More expressive colours are also finding their place, though typically in a more controlled way. Terracotta, rust, deep burgundy and muted ochres are appearing as accent finishes rather than whole-house solutions.
Used on a single elevation, a rear extension or a feature door, these colours create moments of visual interest that enhance the design without overwhelming it. In these cases, colour becomes a deliberate design decision rather than a dominant theme.
Across all these colour variations, the defining characteristic is control. Colour is being used intentionally to support the architecture and the way a home is experienced, not to compete with it.
Why aluminium is leading the shift
Aluminium is uniquely suited to this change in approach. Its inherent strength allows for slimmer frames, which means colour appears as a refined detail rather than a dominant one. When paired with high-quality powder coating, aluminium delivers excellent colour consistency and long-term durability, giving homeowners confidence that bolder choices will stand the test of time.
Unlike materials where colour can feel applied or secondary, aluminium frames carry colour as an integral part of the system. This makes them ideal for homeowners who want expressive finishes without compromising on performance, longevity or ease of maintenance.
Systems such as our aïr windows and doors range exemplify this balance. Minimal sightlines ensure that colour enhances the architecture rather than dictating it, allowing glazing to feel light, refined and purposeful even when stronger tones are introduced.
Using glazing as a design feature
One of the most noticeable changes in recent projects is how early glazing colour decisions are being made. Rather than being selected at the end of a build or renovation, aluminium frames are considered much earlier at design stages, influencing material choices and external detailing.
Homeowners are using colour to create coherence across their property, matching frames to roof trims, metalwork or architectural features. On rear extensions, bold colours are often used to anchor large expanses of glazing, turning sliding doors or bi-fold doorsinto genuine design features rather than purely functional elements.
Front elevations are also being approached more thoughtfully. A carefully chosen frame colour can create a strong sense of arrival without feeling overstated, particularly when combined with refined profiles and high-quality hardware.
This approach reflects a growing confidence amongst homeowners to use glazing as part of the architectural finish of their home, rather than treating it as a neutral necessity.
Designing with longevity in mind
A common concern around colour is whether it will date. In reality, longevity comes less from the colour itself and more from how it’s used. The tones shaping modern exterior colour trends for 2026 are largely drawn from natural and architectural references, which gives them a timeless quality when applied with care.
By focusing on proportion, context and harmony of materials, coloured aluminium glazing can stand the test of time. When paired with slim frames and considered detailing, even bold choices feel composed and enduring rather than trend-led.
A confident future for glazing design
The growing use of colour in aluminium glazing reflects a broader shift in residential architecture towards confidence and individuality. Homeowners are no longer content with one-size-fits-all solutions. They want homes that feel intentional, expressive and considered at every level.
Aluminium systems, particularly slim-profile solutions like aïr, are enabling this change by offering the freedom to explore colour without compromise. As 2026 unfolds, bold frame colours are set to play an increasingly important role in how homes are designed, experienced and enjoyed.
To explore colour options across our aïr aluminium ranges and see how they can support your design ambitions, speak to our expert team.
