Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

WA, Giorgi

Faultless is how the judges described this beautiful home. Masterfully constructed with a layout designed to maximise the northern light and shield the outdoor areas from the weather. This home radiated class and elegance with excellent ambience and aesthetic throughout.

Calder Street House

Charles Maccora Design

Brighton

Sketch Building Design

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.

Lake Wendouree House

de.arch

Front yard

Hauraki House

Jessica Chloe Photography

Light plays well across the building all day

Urban Lake House

DEMESNE

The high entry gives you vertical connection with the sky. A catwalk is suspended in this volume to allow time to pause at the breathtaking lake view from a higher vantage point. The landscape moves and flows throughout the site like the water laps against the shore. ©Shoot2Sell Photography

The Aurora : 2019 Clark County Parade of Homes : Modern Farmhouse Exterior

Cascade West Development

Inspired by the majesty of the Northern Lights and this family's everlasting love for Disney, this home plays host to enlighteningly open vistas and playful activity. Like its namesake, the beloved Sleeping Beauty, this home embodies family, fantasy and adventure in their truest form. Visions are seldom what they seem, but this home did begin 'Once Upon a Dream'. Welcome, to The Aurora.

Sandalwood transitional

Jamestown Estate Homes

COASTAL LIVING HAMPTONS SHOWHOUSE

Marvin

2016 Coastal Living magazine's Hamptons Showhouse // Exterior view with pool

Rustic Lake Home

Mårka Architecture

Lake House - Nisswa, MN

Wallis Residence

Cornerstone Architects

Photography by Chase Daniel

The Edison - a Solid Brick Masonry Home with White Limewashed Brick

Building Culture

This solid brick masonry home is playful yet sophisticated. The traditional elements paired with modern touches create a unique yet recognizable house. A good example of how buildings can have infinite variations and character while also conforming to the archetypes that we recognize, find comfort in, and love. This home reimagines one of the oldest and most durables forms of building--structural brick masonry--in the modern context. With over 60,000 brick and foot-thick walls, this home will endure for centuries. Designed by Austin Tunnell.

Nestledown Farm

peter c quinn architect

Lauren Rubenstein Photography

Ridgeview

Ridge Creek Custom Homes

2nd story addition

Franchi's Construction Inc.

Exterior of project completed

Family Farmhouse

Whitten Architects

Front Entry Door

Exterior Design Ideas with a Gable Roof and a Clipped Gable Roof

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.