As a building materials specialist, James Hardie Building Products Inc. is the North American leader in fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions. In selecting this year’s Color of the Year, the James Hardie team looked for a color that is both bold and timeless, and can stand alone or pair with virtually every color. In selecting Iron Gray, James Hardie has found their perfect color.

“Color has the power to amplify a home’s architectural voice,” says Samara Toole, chief marketing officer of James Hardie. “With Iron Gray, we wanted a color that is expressive yet grounded, one that complements strong lines and invites highlight trims to pop. It’s exactly the kind of color homeowners and professionals are asking for – bold yet timeless.”

Eleni Vydra, brand marketing at James Hardie, notes that Iron Gray was selected as the 2026 Color of the Year because it reflects a new era of exterior design, offering subtle drama with timeless appeal.

Vydra says that Iron Gray is a standout color option for homeowners seeking a bold exterior color that still has classic appeal.

“Iron Gray is a deep and dramatic neutral color that provides a dramatic, yet elegant look for your home exterior,” Vydra says. “Iron Gray’s richness and intensity commands attention without overwhelming, striking the perfect balance between strength and sophistication. Whether as the primary color choice or as an accent, Iron Gray’s versatility means it will stun on every home, from sleek and modern to earthy natural exteriors.”

“Iron Gray is available in James Hardie’s Statement Collection® products featuring James Hardie’s proprietary ColorPlus® Technology finishes, factory-applied, baked-on color that resists peeling, chipping, and cracking, so homeowners get gorgeous color and long-lasting beauty with minimal maintenance needs,” adds Vydra.

Vydra says that in choosing Iron Gray, James Hardie wanted a versatile option in terms of pairing with other hues.

“Iron Gray pairs beautifully with crisp accents such as Hardie Trim in Arctic White, delivering a clean architectural contrast that elevates a home’s curb appeal,” says Vydra. “For a more contemporary look, it can also create a powerful, monochromatic statement when paired with matching Iron Gray Hardie Trim.”

Last year, James Hardie selected Evening Blue, a calming, serene blue, as its 2025 Color of the Year. Vydra says that Iron Gray fits perfectly with that sensibility.

“Iron Gray is very much part of a continuing trend toward bold and elevated colors for exteriors,” Vydra observes. “With last year’s Color of the Year being Evening Blue, James Hardie is reinforcing the shift to darker, moody but elegant hues for exteriors. Both 2025 and 2026 color selections are unexpected neutrals, as homeowners are seeking an expressive yet grounded siding option. Iron Gray works well with the growing trend of monochromatic exterior styles, featuring the same bold color for trim as siding for a gorgeous, unique aesthetic.”

Selecting the right color is a decision that can’t be taken lightly, unless you like to repaint your home over and over again. Jame Hardie offers its Hardie™ Designer visualizer,  which allows homeowners to upload a picture of their house and then see what the color will look like on it.

“Hardie™ Designer, powered by Hover®, is a web-based AI tool that allows homeowners to visualize their home’s exterior with different products,” Vydra says. “Users can upload a single photo of their home and see how it would look with various Hardie siding materials, textures, and colors, helping them plan exterior renovations.”

Vydra notes that the tool’s AI technology processes the image to create a realistic visualization, allowing users to instantly see their home redesigned in a variety of popular styles such as Cape Cod, Mid-Century Modern, Colonial, Contemporary and more.

“The tool aims to make it easier for homeowners and contractors to choose and share design ideas for exterior renovation projects,” she adds. “The tool provides great value to homeowners who may not know exactly how to articulate or translate their preferred style to their home. Providing a helpful starting point makes all the difference to drive inspiration to imagine changes to your home’s exterior.”