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.

Torch Lake (Rapid City) Timber Design

Edgewater Design Group

Our clients already had a cottage on Torch Lake that they loved to visit. It was a 1960s ranch that worked just fine for their needs. However, the lower level walkout became entirely unusable due to water issues. After purchasing the lot next door, they hired us to design a new cottage. Our first task was to situate the home in the center of the two parcels to maximize the view of the lake while also accommodating a yard area. Our second task was to take particular care to divert any future water issues. We took necessary precautions with design specifications to water proof properly, establish foundation and landscape drain tiles / stones, set the proper elevation of the home per ground water height and direct the water flow around the home from natural grade / drive. Our final task was to make appealing, comfortable, living spaces with future planning at the forefront. An example of this planning is placing a master suite on both the main level and the upper level. The ultimate goal of this home is for it to one day be at least a 3/4 of the year home and designed to be a multi-generational heirloom. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Meadow Crossing Modern Farmhouse

42 North - Architecture + Design

Back Elevation

Lauren Shadid Architecture + Interiors

Farmhouse Exterior

Addition & Exterior Material Replacement

Great Rooms Building Group

Photo by Linda Oyama-Bryan

NW Portland West Hills Custom Home

R Squared Architecture + Planning

3 Story Hillside Home with ADU

Contemporary Bungalow

FitzHarris Designs, Architects + Designers

Old brick ranch gets transformed into a new contemporary bungalow with clean lines, open floor plan, and warm style for young family.

Margaret - Farmhouse

Visbeen Architects

Builder: Homes by True North Interior Designer: L. Rose Interiors Photographer: M-Buck Studio This charming house wraps all of the conveniences of a modern, open concept floor plan inside of a wonderfully detailed modern farmhouse exterior. The front elevation sets the tone with its distinctive twin gable roofline and hipped main level roofline. Large forward facing windows are sheltered by a deep and inviting front porch, which is further detailed by its use of square columns, rafter tails, and old world copper lighting. Inside the foyer, all of the public spaces for entertaining guests are within eyesight. At the heart of this home is a living room bursting with traditional moldings, columns, and tiled fireplace surround. Opposite and on axis with the custom fireplace, is an expansive open concept kitchen with an island that comfortably seats four. During the spring and summer months, the entertainment capacity of the living room can be expanded out onto the rear patio featuring stone pavers, stone fireplace, and retractable screens for added convenience. When the day is done, and it’s time to rest, this home provides four separate sleeping quarters. Three of them can be found upstairs, including an office that can easily be converted into an extra bedroom. The master suite is tucked away in its own private wing off the main level stair hall. Lastly, more entertainment space is provided in the form of a lower level complete with a theatre room and exercise space.

House on the Lake- Shorewood

Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Inc.

Classic lake home architecture that's open and inviting. Beautiful views up the driveway with all the rooms getting lake views on the southern side (lake).

Magnolia-Inspired Farmhouse

Ashley J. Design

Front view as you pull up the driveway.

The Willow

Simons Design Studio

Low Country Style with a very dark green painted brick and board and batten exterior with real stone accents. White trim and a caramel colored shingled roof make this home stand out in any neighborhood. Interior Designer: Simons Design Studio Builder: Magleby Construction Photography: Alan Blakely Photography

Brimfield Home

Executive Developers, LLC

Rear exterior of home

Cottagewood Residence

Aspect Design Build

With a main floor master, and flowing but intimate spaces, it will function for both daily living and extended family events. Special attention was given to the siting, making sure the breath-taking views of Lake Independence are present from every room.

Crabtree Area Farmhouse

Grayson Dare Homes, Inc.

Dwight Myers Real Estate Photography

Waterside - Lakefront Farmhouse

Visbeen Architects

Builder: Pete's Construction, Inc. Photographer: Jeff Garland Why choose when you don't have to? Today's top architectural styles are reflected in this impressive yet inviting design, which features the best of cottage, Tudor and farmhouse styles. The exterior includes board and batten siding, stone accents and distinctive windows. Indoor/outdoor spaces include a three-season porch with a fireplace and a covered patio perfect for entertaining. Inside, highlights include a roomy first floor, with 1,800 square feet of living space, including a mudroom and laundry, a study and an open plan living, dining and kitchen area. Upstairs, 1400 square feet includes a large master bath and bedroom (with 10-foot ceiling), two other bedrooms and a bunkroom. Downstairs, another 1,300 square feet await, where a walk-out family room connects the interior and exterior and another bedroom welcomes guests.

Modern Farmhouse with Reclaimed Brick and Board and Batten

Wyrick Residential Design

Thrall Farmhouse

mfm design group

Detail of dogtrot

Calender

ALLEN ARCHITECTURE LLC

Brian McWeeney

Townhouse Reinvention

Filament Architecture Studio, PLLC

Having some fun with the back side of this townhouse by creating a pattern for the Hardie Board panels. Large windows lets lots of light in and yes, let the neighbors see inside. Light filtering shade are usually drawn down somewhat for privacy. Solar was added to the roof top where the HVAC units also live. Deep yellowy orange wall sconces from Barn Light Electric add some whimsy to the rear deck. The front of the home builds upon the vernacular of the area while the back pushes the envelope a bit, but not too much.

Exterior Design Ideas with Concrete Fiberboard Siding and a Mixed 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.