Looking at this home today, you would never know that the project began as a poorly maintained duplex. Luckily, the homeowners saw past the worn façade and engaged our team to uncover and update the Victorian gem that lay underneath. Taking special care to preserve the historical integrity of the 100-year-old floor plan, we returned the home back to its original glory as a grand, single family home. The project included many renovations, both small and large, including the addition of a a wraparound porch to bring the façade closer to the street, a gable with custom scrollwork to accent the new front door, and a more substantial balustrade. Windows were added to bring in more light and some interior walls were removed to open up the public spaces to accommodate the family’s lifestyle. You can read more about the transformation of this home in Old House Journal: http://www.cummingsarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Old-House-Journal-Dec.-2009.pdf Photo Credit: Eric Roth

Octagonal Shape Covered Front Bluestone Tiled Porch

Orren Pickell Building Group

http://www.pickellbuilders.com. Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan. Octagonal Shape Covered Front Bluestone Tiled Porch with bead board ceiling and wood railing.

Exterior Painting

Bear Mountain Custom Painting

Serenata Beach

Glenn Layton Homes

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

West Hills ADU

TELFORD+BROWN STUDIO ARCHITECTURE

This 800 square foot Accessory Dwelling Unit steps down a lush site in the Portland Hills. The street facing balcony features a sculptural bronze and concrete trough spilling water into a deep basin. The split-level entry divides upper-level living and lower level sleeping areas. Generous south facing decks, visually expand the building's area and connect to a canopy of trees. The mid-century modern details and materials of the main house are continued into the addition. Inside a ribbon of white-washed oak flows from the entry foyer to the lower level, wrapping the stairs and walls with its warmth. Upstairs the wood's texture is seen in stark relief to the polished concrete floors and the crisp white walls of the vaulted space. Downstairs the wood, coupled with the muted tones of moss green walls, lend the sleeping area a tranquil feel. Contractor: Ricardo Lovett General Contracting Photographer: David Papazian Photography

Exteriors

360 Painting of Naperville

Residential Gallery

MPA Painters

Sherwood Forest Cottage

Becker Morgan Group, Inc.

vacation beach house

Southwick Construction, Inc.

family beach house for large extended family with media room, large open kitchen and family room, custom alder wood trim throughout, with easy access to the beach via bluestone patio southwick construction inc

Cottage Portico

WINN Design+Build

This cute green cottage started out as a brick "shoebox". A large gable was framed over the front to visually shorten the facade. In addition, a box bay and portico were added. The stained pea-soup cedar shakes with rusty-red trim finish the look.

Transitional Victorian

Cummings Architecture + Interiors

“A home should reflect the people who live in it,” says Mat Cummings of Cummings Architects. In this case, the home in question is the one where he and his family live, and it reflects their warm and creative personalities perfectly. From unique windows and circular rooms with hand-painted ceiling murals to distinctive indoor balcony spaces and a stunning outdoor entertaining space that manages to feel simultaneously grand and intimate, this is a home full of special details and delightful surprises. The design marries casual sophistication with smart functionality resulting in a home that is perfectly suited to everyday living and entertaining.

Narrow on the Lake

Chapman Design Group, Inc.

Mark Hoyle

Laurel St, New Orleans, LA - Historic Renovation

MLM INCORPORATED

Full home renovation, conversion from 1800's historic double to spectacular single family dwelling. Property features all modern amenities yet have period correct touches and salvaged materials. Home went through full reconstruction: retrofitting frame, wall finishes etc. For free estimate call or click 504-322-7050 or www.mlm-inc.com

Walloon Lake Cottage

Ken Richmond, Architect

Guest House with Garage-Shop and Greenhouse

Dominic Paul Mercadante Architecture

The first floor houses a generous two car garage with work bench, small mechanical room and a greenhouse. The second floor houses a one bedroom guest quarters. Brian Vanden Brink Photographer

Sellwood Addition/Shop

Rebuild

We matched the shop and mudroom addition so closely it is impossible to tell up close what we did, aside from it looking nicer than existing. Rebuild llc

Exterior Painting

Southern Home Improvements

Covered Front Porch

User

Front porch with stone accents.

Lagoon Front Residence, Toms River, NJ

Aquatecture Associates Inc.

Greg Cox

Cottage Exterior

Eye 4 Color Designs/Paint Smart Studio

Green Exterior Design Ideas with Wood Siding

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.