Galina Coada, Architectural Photographer

Louisa, San Clemente Coastal Modern Architecture

Louisa, San Clemente Coastal Modern Architecture The brief for this modern coastal home was to create a place where the clients and their children and their families could gather to enjoy all the beauty of living in Southern California. Maximizing the lot was key to unlocking the potential of this property so the decision was made to excavate the entire property to allow natural light and ventilation to circulate through the lower level of the home. A courtyard with a green wall and olive tree act as the lung for the building as the coastal breeze brings fresh air in and circulates out the old through the courtyard. The concept for the home was to be living on a deck, so the large expanse of glass doors fold away to allow a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoors and feeling of being out on the deck is felt on the interior. A huge cantilevered beam in the roof allows for corner to completely disappear as the home looks to a beautiful ocean view and Dana Point harbor in the distance. All of the spaces throughout the home have a connection to the outdoors and this creates a light, bright and healthy environment. Passive design principles were employed to ensure the building is as energy efficient as possible. Solar panels keep the building off the grid and and deep overhangs help in reducing the solar heat gains of the building. Ultimately this home has become a place that the families can all enjoy together as the grand kids create those memories of spending time at the beach. Images and Video by Aandid Media.

Flinders Ranch

Destination Living

The brief for this project was for the house to be at one with its surroundings. Integrating harmoniously into its coastal setting a focus for the house was to open it up to allow the light and sea breeze to breathe through the building. The first floor seems almost to levitate above the landscape by minimising the visual bulk of the ground floor through the use of cantilevers and extensive glazing. The contemporary lines and low lying form echo the rolling country in which it resides.

Retro Beach House

Dasher Hurst Architects PA

Harrison: 1x2e

Studio 12 Architecture

Michael David Rose Photography

Sophisticated Modern Home | Backyard and Courtyard

James Witt Homes

Photography by Bernard Andre

Exterior Front View

ODS Architecture

Street and front yard view.

SoHo Penthouse

Studio DuBois

Home Architecture

Eric Spurlock Custom Home Design LLC

Modern Cottage

AB design studio, inc.

Ciro Coehlo

Palm Beach Modern Bermudian

Thomas M. Kirchhoff AIA, PA

Bringing to the table a sense of scale and proportion, the architect delivered the clarity and organization required to translate a sketch into working plans. The result is a custom blend of authentic Bermudian architecture, modernism, and old Palm Beach elements. The stepped, white roof of Tarpon Cove is instantly recognizable as authentic Bermudian. Hand-built by craftsmen using traditional techniques, the roof includes all of the water channeling and capturing technology utilized in the most sustainable of Bermudian homes. Leading from its grand entry, a negative edge pool continues to a coquina limestone seawall, cut away like the gondola docks an ode to the history of Palm Beach. Attached is a unique slat house, a light-roofed structure with a modern twist on a classic space. Fulfilling the client's vision, this home not only allows for grand scale philanthropical entertaining, but also enables the owners to relax and enjoy a retreat with family, friends, and their dogs. Entertaining spaces are uniquely organized so that they are isolated from those utilized for intimate living, while still maintaining an open plan that allows for comfortable everyday enjoyment. The flexible layout, with exterior glass walls that virtually disappear, unites the interior and outdoor spaces. Seamless transitions from sumptuous interiors to lush gardens reflect an outstanding collaboration between the architect and the landscape designer. Photos by Sargent Architectual Photography

Wyoming Residence

Abramson Architects

With respect to the sloping meadow, the home is designed to coexist and therefore never breaks the ridgeline. Photo: David Agnello

Tong Morrall Residence

Architect Andrew Morrall

Architect Designed Studio and Home

Preston Hollow Residence

Specht Novak Architects

Copper Mountain Residence

PLAAD

Must-Know Moderns

Schröder House (1924), Utrecht, Netherlands, designed by Gerrit Rietveld Photograph: Wojtek Gurak' photostream on flickr, used under the Creative Commons license.

Northstar Preserve Aspen

David Lester

Rear elevation west wing

Residential Contemporary Farmhouse in Millerton, NY

UCE Fine Builders

Modern European - Custom New Home - Orono, MN

Hendel Homes

Modern European exterior pool house

Mar Vista Residence

Brier Architecture

Kristina Sado

Modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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.