February 9, 2026
Refresh Your Curb Appeal: 2026 Exterior Paint Ideas for Every Ankeny Home Style

Ankeny continues to grow as one of Central Iowa’s most desirable places to live - thanks to its family‑friendly neighborhoods, strong schools, and mix of traditional and modern home styles. Whether you live in a Craftsman‑style home in a newer subdivision or a classic Colonial near Uptown, giving your exterior a fresh paint update can dramatically improve curb appeal and value.
🏡 Ankeny’s Popular Home Styles
Homebuyers in Ankeny see a variety of architectural styles - including:
- Craftsman and New Traditional homes, which dominate newer construction neighborhoods.
- Colonial‑inspired designs featuring symmetrical windows and classic rooflines.
- Ranch and Split‑Level styles that blend practicality with clean exteriors.
These styles benefit from thoughtful exterior paint choices that highlight architectural details like trim, shutters, and window frames - creating distinct curb appeal on every street in town.
🎨 2026 Exterior Color Trends from Sherwin‑Williams
Homeowners around the country (and here in Iowa) are choosing exterior colors that feel timeless yet modern. For 2026, Sherwin‑Williams has named Universal Khaki (SW 6150) as its Color of the Year - a warm, grounded neutral that works beautifully on exterior siding, trim, and accents.
👉 Why Universal Khaki is ideal for Ankeny exteriors:
- It blends naturally with landscaping and seasonal changes.
- It pairs well with traditional brick, stone, and wood accents.
- It creates a welcoming and timeless façade.
In addition to Universal Khaki, designers are also embracing broader 2026 color trends that combine comfort and personality:
- Warm neutrals and earth tones - sandy beiges, soft taupes, and greiges that add depth without feeling stark.
- Rich accent colors - muted greens, deep terracotta, and bold farmhouse reds for shutters, doors, or trim.
- Contrast details - darker trims like charcoal or deep brown to frame windows and architectural features with distinction.
🛠️ How Exterior Paint Can Transform Your Ankeny Home
Here’s how fresh paint tailored to your home style can elevate curb appeal in 2026:
🌟 1. Craftsman & Traditional Homes
Warm neutrals like Universal Khaki make siding feel cozy and grounded, while deeper accent hues frame architectural features -perfect for highlighting porches and gables.
🏠 2. Colonial & Symmetrical Facades
Classic homes look stunning in timeless neutrals with crisp white trim and bold door colors - creating a crisp, elegant look that’s built to last.
🌳 3. Ranch & Modern Floor Plans
Clean exteriors call for harmonious palettes that balance simplicity with personality. Warm earth tones work beautifully with stone, wood, or metal finishes.
📈 Tips for Exterior Painting Success in 2026
- Consider the whole exterior: Don’t just paint the siding - coordinate the trim, shutters, and doors for cohesive curb appeal.
- Use quality paint: Sherwin‑Williams exterior paints protect against Midwest weather while keeping color vibrant for years.
- Accent smartly: Deep hues for shutters or front doors can add character without overwhelming your home’s style.
Painting your home’s exterior is one of the most impactful updates you can make; especially in a community like Ankeny where architectural diversity and neighborhood pride shine. Choosing on‑trend but timeless colors like Universal Khaki and paired accents ensures your home stands out in 2026 while staying rooted in classic design.
🎨 Let Harmony Painting Help You Choose the Perfect Exterior Look
At Harmony Painting, we understand that picking the right exterior colors can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Our experienced team has been serving homeowners in Ankeny and across Central Iowa for over 19 years, helping guide them through every step of the exterior painting process.
From selecting on-trend colors that complement your home’s style to ensuring top-quality surface prep and weather-resistant finishes, we’re here to make your exterior upgrade seamless and stress-free. Whether you're drawn to Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 color trends or need help finding a timeless palette, we’ll help you feel confident in every choice.
Ready to boost your curb appeal?
📞 Contact Harmony Painting today for a free exterior consultation and personalized color guidance.
515-210-7663






