Contemporary Rear Extension, Photo by David Butler

French Country Renovation

Alto Design

Jeffrey Jakucyk: Photographer

Roehner Ryan

Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture

The Wethersfield home is a “Contributing Structure” within one of Central Austin’s most historic neighborhoods. Thanks to the design vision and engineering of the Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture team, the fine execution and contributions of Tommy Hudson with Hudson Custom Builder, and the commitment of the Owner, the outcome is a very comfortable, healthy and nicely day lit, 1600 square foot home that is expected to have energy consumption bills 50% less than those before, despite being almost 190 square feet larger. A new kitchen was designed for better function and efficiencies. A screened-in porch makes for great outdoor living within a semi-private setting - and without the bugs! New interior fixtures, fittings and finishes were chosen to honor the home’s original 1930’s character while providing tasteful aesthetic upgrades. Photo: Oren Mitzner, AIA NCARB

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States The homeowner wanted something bold and unique for his home. He asked that it be warm in its material palette, strongly connected to its site and deep green in its performance. This 3,000 sf. modern home’s design reflects a carefully crafted balance between capturing mountain views and passive solar design. On the ground floor, interior Travertine tile radiant heated floors flow out through broad sliding doors to the white concrete patio and then dissolves into the landscape. A built-in BBQ and gas fire pit create an outdoor room. The ground floor has a sunny, simple open concept floor plan that joins all the public social spaces and creates a gracious indoor/outdoor flow. The sleek kitchen has an urban cultivator (for fresh veggies) and a quick connection to the raised bed garden and small fruit tree orchard outside. Follow the floating staircase up the board-formed concrete tile wall. At the landing your view continues out over a “live roof”. The second floor’s 14ft tall ceilings open to giant views of the Flatirons and towering trees. Clerestory windows allow in high light, and create a floating roof effect as the Doug Fir ceiling continues out to form the large eaves; we protected the house’s large windows from overheating by creating an enormous cantilevered hat. The upper floor has a bedroom on each end and is centered around the spacious family room, where music is the main activity. The family room has a nook for a mini-home office featuring a floating wood desk. Forming one wall of the family room, a custom-designed pair of laser-cut barn doors inspired by a forest of trees opens to an 18th century Chinese day-bed. The bathrooms sport hand-made glass mosaic tiles; the daughter’s shower is designed to resemble a waterfall. This near-Net-Zero Energy home achieved LEED Gold certification. It has 10kWh of solar panels discretely tucked onto the roof, a ground source heat pump & boiler, foam insulation, an ERV, Energy Star windows and appliances, all LED lights and water conserving plumbing fixtures. Built by Skycastle Construction.

Karrinyup

Residential Attitudes

Hampton Inspired Queenslander

Synergy Building Design

Hampton inspired Queenslander

Classic Lake House Custom Home

Alair Homes Clemson

This house features an open concept floor plan, with expansive windows that truly capture the 180-degree lake views. The classic design elements, such as white cabinets, neutral paint colors, and natural wood tones, help make this house feel bright and welcoming year round.

Luxury Exteriors

California Construction Center, Inc.

Mountain Modern in Martis Camp

Heslin Construction

Dreamy Contemporary Craftsman Home

Littfin Design

Front Porch

Porth Architects, Ltd.

The entry is protected by a shed roofed porch. Roger Wade photo.

Plymouth

Vision Interiors

Charming traditional exterior with white siding and soft gray shutters. Details like the eyebrow window and flower boxes add to the charm and warmth of this home! Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Architect: Visbeen Architects Builder: Joel Peterson Homes

Meadow Breeze Home Charleston, S.C.

Insulsteel LLC

Callie Cranford, Charleston Home + Design Magazine

HAZELWOOD

Su Casa Design Inc.

Gorgeous Exterior Remodel-Wheaton, IL

Carpentry with Integrity, Inc.

An absolutely gorgeous whole house remodel in Wheaton, IL. The failing original stucco exterior was removed and replaced with a variety of low-maintenance options. From the siding to the roof, no details were overlooked on this head turner.

Custom Homes

VB Homes Design, Build, Remodel

House Exterior Design Ideas with Mixed 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.