Bun Phannara

Modern Ranch

Kyle Hunt & Partners, Incorporated

James Kruger, LandMark Photography, Peter Eskuche, AIA, Eskuche Design, Sharon Seitz, HISTORIC studio, Interior Design

Mountain Contemporary

186 Lighting Design Group - Gregg Mackell

Architect: Charles Cunniffe Architects Interior Designer: Donna Guerra Photographer: James Ray Spahn

Iron Horse Ranch (Crosstimbers)

Adams Kirby Homes

This exterior combines brick, rock and stucco with shutters and metal roof accent.

Classic New England Federal

Bickford Construction Corporation

Bickford Construction designed and built this traditional Federal Colonial which blends in with the historic homes of this quaint Vermont Village. It offers all the modern conveniences of today's lifestyle, but looks like a classic Vermont picture postcard.

Patio View

THINK Architecture, Inc.

Architecture by: Think Architecture Interior Design by: Denton House Construction by: Magleby Construction Photos by: Alan Blakley

Greek Revival Farm House

Custom Structures Inc

Joshua T. Moore

Hill Country Christmas

Dawn Hearn Interior Design

Front courtyard features natural wreaths on the front doors. Tre Dunham with Fine Focus Photography

American Farmhouse

Donald Lococo Architects

Paul Warchol Photography

Russell Campaigne

Barry Halkin

Photo by June Cannon, Trestlewood

Farmhouse

Daniel Contelmo Architects

The restoration of this 200 year old home was inspired by a Greek revival style, characteristic of early American architecture. A local housewright and historian worked together with Daniel Contelmo during the restoration in order to preserve the home's antiquity. Most of the foundation remains the original fieldstone, and the exposed hand-hewn beams were carefully removed, restored, and replaced. Traditional Pine Plains windows and a wrap-around porch display the pastoral 10 acre site, complete with lake and Catskill mountain views. Although the interior of the house was completely renovated, a New-Old house technique was used by distressing 20 inch-wide floorboards, installing two Rumford fireplaces, and using milk paint on cabinetry. Prior to renovating the home a magnificent timberframe barn was erected in the location where an original 1800s barn had burned down 100 years previously.

Plecker River Cabin on the Cow Pasture River

Country Mountain Homes LLC

The Plecker Cowpasture River Cabin is a dilapidation rescue. That means the original antique structure was uninhabitable and required a complete restoration. We moved the white oak structure, which was built around 1810, nearly 60 miles from its original location in a country field to its current riverfront. Homeowner Tim Plecker designed and engineered the entire project. Country Mountain Homes strives to use as much of the original structure as possible. We used the original logs, upstairs floor, and even rescued the stone from the original fireplaces to use in the front rock retaining wall. The addition is a new post-and-beam structure housing the kitchen, dining room, and bathroom.

Modern Farmhouse

Curt Hofer & Associates

Tom Kessler Photography

Tuscan Farm

Centre Sky Architecture Ltd

Set in a wildflower-filled mountain meadow, this Tuscan-inspired home is given a few design twists, incorporating the local mountain home flavor with modern design elements. The plan of the home is roughly 4500 square feet, and settled on the site in a single level. A series of ‘pods’ break the home into separate zones of use, as well as creating interesting exterior spaces. Clean, contemporary lines work seamlessly with the heavy timbers throughout the interior spaces. An open concept plan for the great room, kitchen, and dining acts as the focus, and all other spaces radiate off that point. Bedrooms are designed to be cozy, with lots of storage with cubbies and built-ins. Natural lighting has been strategically designed to allow diffused light to filter into circulation spaces. Exterior materials of historic planking, stone, slate roofing and stucco, along with accents of copper add a rich texture to the home. The use of these modern and traditional materials together results in a home that is exciting and unexpected. (photos by Shelly Saunders)

Country Exterior Design Ideas

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 country 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 country 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 country 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.