We created an almost crystalline form that reflected the push and pull of the most important factors on the site: views directly to the NNW, an approach from the ESE, and of course, sun from direct south. To keep the size modest, we peeled away the excess spaces and scaled down any rooms that desired intimacy (the bedrooms) or did not require height (the pool room). Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano

Transformed Bungalow: Boise

CK Rogers Design. Build. Remodel.

Sunny Daze Photography

Islington House Extension and Refurbishment

Dickson Architects Limited

Shou Sugi Ban black charred larch boards provide the outer skin of this extension to an existing rear closet wing. The charred texture of the cladding was chosen to complement the traditional London Stock brick on the rear facade. Frameless glass doors supplied and installed by FGC: www.fgc.co.uk Photos taken by Radu Palicia, London based photographer

A new pitched roof will provide better water runoff

Pfaff Color & Design

An updated look for the new porch

Duxbury Cottage Remodern

Jason Chambers, Architect

After Front Photos by Owner and Architect

Ferndale, MI Exterior Makeover

MainStreet Design Build

This post-war, plain bungalow was transformed into a charming cottage with this new exterior detail, which includes a new roof, red shutters, energy-efficient windows, and a beautiful new front porch that matched the roof line. Window boxes with matching corbels were also added to the exterior, along with pleated copper roofing on the large window and side door. Photo courtesy of Kate Benjamin Photography

Front Porch Addition (Before & After)

Studio A Home Designs

Sometimes, the smallest projects are the most rewarding. I designed this small front porch for a client in Fort Mitchell, KY. My client lived for years with a ragged front porch and awning embarrassed by her front entry. We refurbished and extended the concrete stoop, added a new hand rail, and most importantly a new covered entry. The design enhances the architecture of the house welcoming guests and keeping them dry. Pictures By: Ashli Slawter

RiverLights Mid-Century Modern 70 West Model

Mary Hannah Interiors

Modern Twist on Traditional Ranch

Duke Homes, Inc.

Form and function meld in this smaller footprint ranch home perfect for empty nesters or young families.

Vandalia Contemporary

Moment Drafting & Design LLC

Extior of the home Resembling a typical form with direct insets and contemporary attributes that allow for a balanced end goal.

Cozy Farmhouse in Hidden Hills

Curtis Homes

McKernan Modern Reach

AB Design Inc

Randy Savoie

Toms River, 105 Green Island Road

ÁBATON's Portable Home ÁPH80 project, developed as a dwelling ideal for 2 people, easily transported by road and ready to be placed almost anywhere. Photo: Juan Baraja

Silver Lake Guest House

Battle Associates, Architects

This project was a Guest House for a long time Battle Associates Client. Smaller, smaller, smaller the owners kept saying about the guest cottage right on the water's edge. The result was an intimate, almost diminutive, two bedroom cottage for extended family visitors. White beadboard interiors and natural wood structure keep the house light and airy. The fold-away door to the screen porch allows the space to flow beautifully. Photographer: Nancy Belluscio

MCM Look / Blending Materials

Princeton Design Collaborative

Detail of front entry canopy pylon. photo by Jeffery Edward Tryon

Light House

Coda Workshop

Extension and internal refurbishment in Kings Heath, Birmingham. We created a highly insulated and warm environment that is flooded with light.

West River Beach Cottage

Brickhouse Kitchens and Baths

Boonton, NJ

Buffalo Lumber Company Inc.

Traditional rustic cottage featuring clear western red cedar siding. 1x4 T&G (Tongue and Groove) Western Red Cedar siding, clear grade, smooth face, stained with 50/50 mix of Cabot's clear 9205 Pacific redwood and 9204 heartwood.

Small 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.