Front yard

This 8.3 star energy rated home is a beacon when it comes to paired back, simple and functional elegance. With great attention to detail in the design phase as well as carefully considered selections in materials, openings and layout this home performs like a Ferrari. The in-slab hydronic system that is run off a sizeable PV system assists with minimising temperature fluctuations. This home is entered into 2023 Design Matters Award as well as a winner of the 2023 HIA Greensmart Awards. Karli Rise is featured in Sanctuary Magazine in 2023.

Clarendon House

Benedict Design

The rear extension is expressed as a simple gable form. The addition steps out to the full width of the block, and accommodates a second bathroom in addition to a tiny shed accessed on the rear facade. The remaining 2/3 of the facade is expressed as a recessed opening with sliding doors and a gable window.

Denver Urban Craftsman Bungalow Pop-top | Board and Batten

Bellwether

This urban craftsman style bungalow was a pop-top renovation to make room for a growing family. We transformed a stucco exterior to this beautiful board and batten farmhouse style. You can find this home near Sloans Lake in Denver in an up and coming neighborhood of west Denver. Colorado Siding Repair replaced the siding and panted the white farmhouse with Sherwin Williams Duration exterior paint.

Attention to Detail

Beacon Street Properties

The Project brief for this job was to create a modern two-storey residence for their family home in South Perth. Brad was after a clean contemporary look. We kept the form quite simple and standard to ensure building costs were low, however we incorporated feature piers and stepped the facade cleverly to produce a great looking property.

River Crossing

Plan Factory

White Brick Home with Welcoming Gas Lantern & Sitting Area

BEVOLO GAS & ELECTRIC LIGHTS

This single door entry is showcased with one French Quarter Yoke Hanger creating a striking focal point. The guiding gas lantern leads to the front door and a quaint sitting area, perfect for relaxing and watching the sunsets. Featured Lantern: French Quarter Yoke Hanger http://ow.ly/Ppp530nBxAx View the project by Willow Homes http://ow.ly/4amp30nBxte

"Amplified" Tiny House

Asha Mevlana

Who lives there: Asha Mevlana and her Havanese dog named Bali Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas Size: Main house (400 sq ft), Trailer (160 sq ft.), 1 loft bedroom, 1 bath What sets your home apart: The home was designed specifically for my lifestyle. My inspiration: After reading the book, "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying," I got inspired to just live with things that bring me joy which meant scaling down on everything and getting rid of most of my possessions and all of the things that I had accumulated over the years. I also travel quite a bit and wanted to live with just what I needed. About the house: The L-shaped house consists of two separate structures joined by a deck. The main house (400 sq ft), which rests on a solid foundation, features the kitchen, living room, bathroom and loft bedroom. To make the small area feel more spacious, it was designed with high ceilings, windows and two custom garage doors to let in more light. The L-shape of the deck mirrors the house and allows for the two separate structures to blend seamlessly together. The smaller "amplified" structure (160 sq ft) is built on wheels to allow for touring and transportation. This studio is soundproof using recycled denim, and acts as a recording studio/guest bedroom/practice area. But it doesn't just look like an amp, it actually is one -- just plug in your instrument and sound comes through the front marine speakers onto the expansive deck designed for concerts. My favorite part of the home is the large kitchen and the expansive deck that makes the home feel even bigger. The deck also acts as a way to bring the community together where local musicians perform. I love having a the amp trailer as a separate space to practice music. But I especially love all the light with windows and garage doors throughout. Design team: Brian Crabb (designer), Zack Giffin (builder, custom furniture) Vickery Construction (builder) 3 Volve Construction (builder) Design dilemmas: Because the city wasn’t used to having tiny houses there were certain rules that didn’t quite make sense for a tiny house. I wasn’t allowed to have stairs leading up to the loft, only ladders were allowed. Since it was built, the city is beginning to revisit some of the old rules and hopefully things will be changing. Photo cred: Don Shreve

Greenlea

Visbeen Architects

Exterior

Midtown Custom Homes, LLC

Sherwin Williams Dover White Exterior Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black garage doors Ebony stained front door and cedar accents on front

Parker Modified | Downtown Naperville, IL

DJK Custom Homes

North End Remodel Spec

VB Homes Design, Build, Remodel

Monte Sereno Residence

Isaman design, Inc.

Nestled in the hills of Monte Sereno, this family home is a large Spanish Style residence. Designed around a central axis, views to the native oaks and landscape are highlighted by a large entry door and 20’ wide by 10’ tall glass doors facing the rear patio. Inside, custom decorative trusses connect the living and kitchen spaces. Modern amenities in the large kitchen like the double island add a contemporary touch to an otherwise traditional home. The home opens up to the back of the property where an extensive covered patio is ideal for entertaining, cooking, and living.

Silver Lake Guest House

Battle Associates, Architects

Reconstruction of old camp at water's edge. This project was a Guest House for a long time Battle Associates Client. Smaller, smaller, smaller the owners kept saying about the guest cottage right on the water's edge. The result was an intimate, almost diminutive, two bedroom cottage for extended family visitors. White beadboard interiors and natural wood structure keep the house light and airy. The fold-away door to the screen porch allows the space to flow beautifully. Photographer: Nancy Belluscio

Front Yard approach

Asquared Studios Inc.

Serenata Beach

Glenn Layton Homes

Glenn Layton Homes, LLC, "Building Your Coastal Lifestyle"

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 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.