The Edison - a Solid Brick Masonry Home with White Limewashed Brick

This solid brick masonry home is playful yet sophisticated. The traditional elements paired with modern touches create a unique yet recognizable house. A good example of how buildings can have infinite variations and character while also conforming to the archetypes that we recognize, find comfort in, and love. This home reimagines one of the oldest and most durables forms of building--structural brick masonry--in the modern context. With over 60,000 brick and foot-thick walls, this home will endure for centuries. Designed by Austin Tunnell.

A door color to pop dark gray siding!

Pfaff Color & Design

Door painted in "Curry", by California Paints

Picturesque Parkside

M-Squared Contracting Inc.

Ravenna Second Story Addition- Repeat Client

Blue Sound Construction, Inc.

With this home remodel, we removed the roof and added a full story with dormers above the existing two story home we had previously remodeled (kitchen, backyard extension, basement rework and all new windows.) All previously remodeled surfaces (and existing trees!) were carefully preserved despite the extensive work; original historic cedar shingling was extended, keeping the original craftsman feel of the home. Neighbors frequently swing by to thank the homeowners for so graciously expanding their home without altering its character. Photo: Miranda Estes

Barn Inspiration

User

Dream Home Reconstruction in Cornwall, CT | Cream Hill

UCE Fine Builders

Kirkland - West of Market

H2 View

Concrete path leads up to the entry with concrete stairs and planter with a fountain.

Beach Beauty

ABT Custom Homes, LLC

Three story modern farmhouse though located on the East Coast of Virginia combines Southern charm with a relaxing California vibe.

Holloway | Mid-Century Modern Farmhouse

Vision Interiors

The Holloway blends the recent revival of mid-century aesthetics with the timelessness of a country farmhouse. Each façade features playfully arranged windows tucked under steeply pitched gables. Natural wood lapped siding emphasizes this homes more modern elements, while classic white board & batten covers the core of this house. A rustic stone water table wraps around the base and contours down into the rear view-out terrace. Inside, a wide hallway connects the foyer to the den and living spaces through smooth case-less openings. Featuring a grey stone fireplace, tall windows, and vaulted wood ceiling, the living room bridges between the kitchen and den. The kitchen picks up some mid-century through the use of flat-faced upper and lower cabinets with chrome pulls. Richly toned wood chairs and table cap off the dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides. The grand staircase, to the left, is viewable from the outside through a set of giant casement windows on the upper landing. A spacious master suite is situated off of this upper landing. Featuring separate closets, a tiled bath with tub and shower, this suite has a perfect view out to the rear yard through the bedroom's rear windows. All the way upstairs, and to the right of the staircase, is four separate bedrooms. Downstairs, under the master suite, is a gymnasium. This gymnasium is connected to the outdoors through an overhead door and is perfect for athletic activities or storing a boat during cold months. The lower level also features a living room with a view out windows and a private guest suite. Architect: Visbeen Architects Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: AVB Inc.

Fremont High-Performing Home

Board & Vellum

Photo by Andrew Giammarco.

French Quarter Series

BEVOLO GAS & ELECTRIC LIGHTS

Transitional Craftsman style home featuring French Quarter Series on garage & entry columns.

Painted Brick Exterior (Limewash) After

Color Revival By Rebecca Dumas

Limewash of traditional brick home

Solar Faber

Hays + Ewing Design Studio

Screened Porch viewed from Deck

Williams Partnership: Architecture

Landscape Design & Parterre Garden by Norman Johnson

Extension and renovation of a large South London house

IDSystems

The large picture window in the extension is completed with a window seat to the inside, whilst the inclusion of a full height tilt & turn window where the extension joins the kitchen allows for ventilation without the need to open the sliding doors. Architect: Simon Whitehead Architects Photographer: Bill Bolton

Oak Street

Michael Abraham Architecture

Historic Four Square Renovation Front Porch

HD Squared Architects, LLC

Photography: Chris Zimmer Photography

Custom Brookhaven Home

Vincent Longo Custom Builders

Willet Photography

Toronto Design Modern House Exterior

Bananarch Design Studio

Contemporary Exterior

Three-storey 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.