Hinsdale, IL Residence by Charles Vincent George Architects Interiors by Tracy Hickman Photographs by Werner Straube Photography

Skeffington Residence

Michael H. Masilotti Architects

Wicker Park Residence

Vinci | Hamp Architects

This Wicker Park property consists of two buildings, an Italianate mansion (1879) and a Second Empire coach house (1893). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property has been carefully restored as a single family residence. Exterior work includes new roofs, windows, doors, and porches to complement the historic masonry walls and metal cornices. Inside, historic spaces such as the entry hall and living room were restored while back-of-the house spaces were treated in a more contemporary manner. A new white-painted steel stair connects all four levels of the building, while a new flight of stainless steel extends the historic front stair up to attic level, which now includes sky lit bedrooms and play spaces. The Coach House features parking for three cars on the ground level and a live-work space above, connected by a new spiral stair enclosed in a glass-and-brick addition. Sustainable design strategies include high R-value spray foam insulation, geothermal HVAC systems, and provisions for future solar panels. Photos (c) Eric Hausman

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Calais Custom Homes

Italian Modern

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

Mediterranean Modern

Historic Renovation in West Chester, PA

Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio

Photo by John Welsh.

Custom Stone Entry with Glass and Metal Doors

Michelle's Interiors

I redesigned the blue prints for the stone entryway to give it the drama and heft that's appropriate for a home of this caliber. I widened the metal doorway to open up the view to the interior, and added the stone arch around the perimeter. I also defined the porch with a stone border in a darker hue. Photo by Brian Gassel

Umbau und Erweiterung Haus B in Köln

falke architekten

Grasswood

Burdge & Associates Architects

Mediterranean Home designed by Burdge and Associates Architects in Malibu, CA.

Spanish Revival

Rollins Andrew Interiors

Greatwater Retreat

Brianna Michelle Interior Design

Stephen Allen Photography

California Mission

Windstone Partners

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.

San Marino, CA (Exterior Paint)

MVP Builders

Exterior paint by MVP Builders San Marino, CA 2017

Front Yard approach

Asquared Studios Inc.

Modern Two Storey and Single Storey Extension Oxfordshire

Black Swan Architecture

The project's single-storey rear extension unveils a new dimension of communal living with the creation of an expansive kitchen dining area. Envisioned as the heart of the home, this open-plan space is tailored for both everyday living and memorable family gatherings. Modern appliances and smart storage solutions ensure a seamless culinary experience, while the thoughtful integration of seating and dining arrangements invites warmth and conversation.

Front of house exterior

Oakwrights

Marino House Plan

South Florida Design | House Plans

This coastal 4 bedroom house plan features 4 bathrooms, 2 half baths and a 3 car garage. Its design includes a slab foundation, CMU exterior walls, cement tile roof and a stucco finish. The dimensions are as follows: 74′ wide; 94′ deep and 27’3″ high. Features include an open floor plan and a covered lanai with fireplace and outdoor kitchen. Amenities include a great room, island kitchen with pantry, dining room and a study. The master bedroom includes 2 walk-in closets. The master bath features dual sinks, a vanity and a unique tub and shower design! Three bedrooms and 3 bathrooms are located on the opposite side of the house. There is also a pool bath.

11th Street

Joseph Spierer Architects, Inc.

A full view of the back side of this Modern Spanish residence showing the outdoor dining area, fireplace, sliding door, kitchen, family room and master bedroom balcony.

Hubertus

S&G wohnbau GmbH

Exterior Design Ideas with a Tile 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.