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.

Old Hill House

Sellars Lathrop Architects, llc

Denver Modern Home

Material

Denver Modern with natural stone accents.

Hill Country Modern Farmhouse

Bohannon Design Team

Alhambra Spanish Renovation

Julia Chasman Design

House exterior of 1920's Spanish style 2 -story family home.

Modern Farmhouse

Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC

Board and batten are combined with natural cedar shingles and a metal roof to create a simply elegant and easy to maintain exterior on this Guilford, CT modern farmhouse.

Vinyl Siding, Wilmette, IL Cape Cod Style House

Siding & Windows Group Ltd

Wilmette, IL Siding Remodel by Siding & Windows Group Ltd. This Cape Cod Style Home in Wimette, IL had the Exterior updated, where we installed Royal Residential CertainTeed Cedar Impressions Vinyl Siding in Lap on the first elevation and Shake on the second elevation. Exterior Remodel was complete with restoration of window trim, top, middle & bottom frieze boards with drip edge, soffit & fascia, restoration of corner posts, and window crossheads with crown moldings

Boulder Creek Way Residence - Exterior

Allard + Roberts Interior Design, Inc

Interior Designer: Allard & Roberts, Architect: Retro + Fit Design, Builder: Osada Construction, Photographer: Shonie Kuykendall

Coastal Contemporary

BBH Projects Pty Ltd

Garden Design in Dulwich Village 6

Kate Eyre Garden Design

SpaceCrafting Real Estate Photography

Rear elevation

Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects, Inc.

Front View - Rustic Contemporary Cabin-like House

TOV Siding and Roofing

For the siding scope of work at this project we proposed the following labor and materials: Tyvek House Wrap WRB James Hardie Cement fiber siding and soffit Metal flashing at head of windows/doors Metal Z,H,X trim Flashing tape Caulking/spackle/sealant Galvanized fasteners Primed white wood trim All labor, tools, and equipment to complete this scope of work.

Robert M. Cain, Architect

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

Contemporary Cottage

DeFalco Home Design

Arlington Cape Cod completely gutted, renovated, and added on to.

Shediac River Cottage

Kent Homes Bouctouche

This prow front and low 12' deep deck face the Shediac River. Flooding the spaces with light and creating an impressive balance. Upstairs the dormers feature built in window seats in the bunk and family rooms. An impressive cottage design.

The Evans Floor Plan as a Model Home

Bercher Homes

The Evans Floor Plan by Bercher Homes

Mid-sized Exterior Design Ideas

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.