This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area and screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for a shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear-facing exercise has great views of the lake through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below.

Lincoln Square Residence

Searl Lamaster Howe Architects

The front of the house features an open porch, a common feature in the neighborhood. Stairs leading up to it are tucked behind one of a pair of brick walls. The brick was installed with raked (recessed) horizontal joints which soften the overall scale of the walls. The clerestory windows topping the taller of the brick walls bring light into the foyer and a large closet without sacrificing privacy. The living room windows feature a slight tint which provides a greater sense of privacy during the day without having to draw the drapes. An overhang lined on its underside in stained cedar leads to the entry door which again is hidden by one of the brick walls.

The Savannah: Best of Ohio Custom Home Over 5,000 SF

Justin Doyle Homes

This gorgeous modern farmhouse features hardie board board and batten siding with stunning black framed Pella windows. The soffit lighting accents each gable perfectly and creates the perfect farmhouse.

Lochley - Narrow Lakefront Lot

Visbeen Architects

Forget just one room with a view—Lochley has almost an entire house dedicated to capturing nature’s best views and vistas. Make the most of a waterside or lakefront lot in this economical yet elegant floor plan, which was tailored to fit a narrow lot and has more than 1,600 square feet of main floor living space as well as almost as much on its upper and lower levels. A dovecote over the garage, multiple peaks and interesting roof lines greet guests at the street side, where a pergola over the front door provides a warm welcome and fitting intro to the interesting design. Other exterior features include trusses and transoms over multiple windows, siding, shutters and stone accents throughout the home’s three stories. The water side includes a lower-level walkout, a lower patio, an upper enclosed porch and walls of windows, all designed to take full advantage of the sun-filled site. The floor plan is all about relaxation – the kitchen includes an oversized island designed for gathering family and friends, a u-shaped butler’s pantry with a convenient second sink, while the nearby great room has built-ins and a central natural fireplace. Distinctive details include decorative wood beams in the living and kitchen areas, a dining area with sloped ceiling and decorative trusses and built-in window seat, and another window seat with built-in storage in the den, perfect for relaxing or using as a home office. A first-floor laundry and space for future elevator make it as convenient as attractive. Upstairs, an additional 1,200 square feet of living space include a master bedroom suite with a sloped 13-foot ceiling with decorative trusses and a corner natural fireplace, a master bath with two sinks and a large walk-in closet with built-in bench near the window. Also included is are two additional bedrooms and access to a third-floor loft, which could functions as a third bedroom if needed. Two more bedrooms with walk-in closets and a bath are found in the 1,300-square foot lower level, which also includes a secondary kitchen with bar, a fitness room overlooking the lake, a recreation/family room with built-in TV and a wine bar perfect for toasting the beautiful view beyond.

Tiny House at Cheekwood

Noble Johnson Architects

Tiny House Exterior Photography: Gieves Anderson Noble Johnson Architects was honored to partner with Huseby Homes to design a Tiny House which was displayed at Nashville botanical garden, Cheekwood, for two weeks in the spring of 2021. It was then auctioned off to benefit the Swan Ball. Although the Tiny House is only 383 square feet, the vaulted space creates an incredibly inviting volume. Its natural light, high end appliances and luxury lighting create a welcoming space.

Sweet Kirkwood Custom Home

Hibbs Homes

The James Hardie siding in Boothbay Blue calls attention to the bright white architectural details that lend this home a historical charm befitting of the surrounding homes.

Modern Farmhouse, Mercer Island WA

K2 Construction, Inc.

Beautiful new construction modern farmhouse. Hard siding.

800 square foot Pool House with sauna and yoga room

Hodge Design & Remodeling

Pool house with entertaining/living space, sauna and yoga room. This 800 square foot space has a kitchenette with quartz counter tops and hidden outlets, and a bathroom with a porcelain tiled shower. The concrete floors are stained in blue swirls to match the color of water, peacefully connecting the outdoor space to the indoor living space. The 16 foot sliding glass doors open the pool house to the pool. Photo credit: Alvaro Santistevan Interior Design: Kate Lynch Building Design: Hodge Design & Remodeling

Black Birch Community

Minglewood, LLC

Angela Kearney, Minglewood

Nest in the Trees

Anchor Builders

Design & Build Team: Anchor Builders, Photographer: Andrea Rugg Photography

Missouri Timber Frame Home - Back Deck and Covered Patio

Riverbend Timber Framing

Enjoy the sun from the private balcony, the expansive deck or relax in the shade of the patio below. Photo Credit: Hilliard Photographics

Rossmoor Siding Remodel

First Rate Remodeling, Inc.

Studio City Remodel

Landmark Construction Crew

Front exterior of the remodeled house construction in Studio City which included installation of black front door with side panels, side by side windows with exterior louvered shutters, porch tiles and outdoor lighting.

Velasco

Bella Vista Company

Shoot2Sel

Park Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

Cole-Schneider Residence - Addition & Remodeling

HS-Architecture

2nd story addition to create a 2-story living space with a library on the 2nd floor and an open gallery. The gallery space opens up to the living space down below, a live tree, and the owners' artwork. Skylights and expansive windows bring in natural lighting at all times of the day.

Barndominium

Michelle McKoy Designs

Exterior is done in a board and batten with stone accents. The color is Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black. The exterior lighting is black with copper accents. Some lights are bronze. Roofing is asphalt shingles.

Southern Transitional Home in Greenville, SC

Tindall Architecture Workshop

Brentwood, MO

Hibbs Homes

° 2022 Custom Home of the year Winner ° A challenging lot because of it's dimensions resulted in a truly one-of-a-kind design for this custom home client. The sleek lines and mixed materials make this modern home a true standout in Brentwood, MO. Learn more at Award-Winning Brentwood, MO Custom Home

Mountain View Cottage

Sno Valley Cottages

Cottage in progress

Adobe Exterior Design Ideas with Concrete Fiberboard Siding

The front exterior of your home – the driveway, front yard, verandah and entrance – is a fantastic place to start making that all-important first impression on house guests. Even mailboxes and house numbers can have a wonderful way of grabbing people’s attention. The architectural design should reflect the overall style of your house and the family that live there; while your choice of materials will help your house blend in with its surrounds. Browse the photos on Houzz for ideas and inspiration for the exterior of your house, and strike up a conversation with the architects and designers of your favourite picks. You’ll find house designs for contemporary, eclectic, modern, traditional styles and more.

How do I decide on the exterior style of my home?

Your location, overall sense of style, budget and current home layout will dictate the style of your exterior. If you’re renovating a period home, the materials and features you use should reflect the date in which it was built, while a unique colour scheme could add contemporary flair. New homes may prefer to look to modern or contemporary designs with structural simplicity, whereas, if you live by the ocean, a beach-style design may better suit your locale. That’s not to say you can’t build a new home that has period influences. If you’re a traditionalist, you can borrow architectural details from the Art Deco period, for instance, or use finishes that reflect more of a Scandinavian style, too.

What exterior house colours and materials should I use?

Traditional homes typically use brick and timber building materials, while stone, board-formed concrete and metal cladding are popular contemporary options. Again, the materials you use will depend on your location and the statement you want to make. Your budget will also affect your choice. Vinyl siding is affordable and easy to install, while stone is more expensive but durable and low maintenance. If you’re not ready to renovate but want to update the exterior of your home, you can still paint it. Look to your neighbours when choosing exterior house colours. Consider the streetscape and what type of colours are already in use, firstly, so you don’t replicate next door’s shade; and secondly, so you don’t stand out like a sore thumb. If you’re renovating a period home, you could paint features or intricate details in a bold, standout hue. Front doors, garage doors and window trims also look great in eye-catching colours, even if the rest of the house’s facade is neutral.

How can I maximise my home’s street appeal?

To spice up your home’s architectural design, landscape the surrounding area with plants and pathways that accent the style of your home. If you just need a quick revamp, look at your cement and pavers – these can split and crack over time; and repairing or replacing them can do wonders for your street appeal, especially if it’s a large area like your driveway. Plants, garden paths or low walls can can also add structure to your front yard. Light up your home with sufficient outdoor lighting to make walking up to the front door easy at night. You could use bollard lights along your entry path, or replace tiny wall sconces with statement pendant lighting at the entrance or on your verandah. Decorative elements such as house numbers, mailboxes and doormats will also add character. And if you're looking to sell your house, it may be worth hiring a stylist to help make the most of your property.