Custom Stone Entry with Glass and Metal Doors

I redesigned the blue prints for the stone entryway to give it the drama and heft that's appropriate for a home of this caliber. I widened the metal doorway to open up the view to the interior, and added the stone arch around the perimeter. I also defined the porch with a stone border in a darker hue. Photo by Brian Gassel

River Crossing

Plan Factory

Inspiration for a mid-sized one-storey adobe beige exterior in Austin with a flat roof.

Ridgeview

Ridge Creek Custom Homes

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional two-storey grey exterior in Minneapolis with stone veneer and a gable roof.

From Kids to Quiet

SV Design

On the site of an old family summer cottage, nestled on a lake in upstate New York, rests this newly constructed year round residence. The house is designed for two, yet provides plenty of space for adult children and grandchildren to come and visit. The serenity of the lake is captured with an open floor plan, anchored by fireplaces to cozy up to. The public side of the house presents a subdued presence with a courtyard enclosed by three wings of the house. Photo Credit: David Lamb

newton residence 1 - dplk.04

david phillips

new construction / builder - cmd corp.
Inspiration for a large traditional two-storey beige house exterior in Boston with stone veneer and a shingle roof.

Detached Garage

ODS Architecture

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.

Cat Mountain Residence

Cornerstone Architects

Conceived as a remodel and addition, the final design iteration for this home is uniquely multifaceted. Structural considerations required a more extensive tear down, however the clients wanted the entire remodel design kept intact, essentially recreating much of the existing home. The overall floor plan design centers on maximizing the views, while extensive glazing is carefully placed to frame and enhance them. The residence opens up to the outdoor living and views from multiple spaces and visually connects interior spaces in the inner court. The client, who also specializes in residential interiors, had a vision of ‘transitional’ style for the home, marrying clean and contemporary elements with touches of antique charm. Energy efficient materials along with reclaimed architectural wood details were seamlessly integrated, adding sustainable design elements to this transitional design. The architect and client collaboration strived to achieve modern, clean spaces playfully interjecting rustic elements throughout the home. Greenbelt Homes Glynis Wood Interiors Photography by Bryant Hill

Modern Town House

Material

Mid-sized contemporary two-storey beige townhouse exterior with stone veneer, a shed roof and a metal roof.

Spanish Revival

Rollins Andrew Interiors

This is an example of a large mediterranean two-storey adobe beige house exterior in Los Angeles with a gable roof and a tile roof.

Southlake Tuscan Modern

Simmons Estate Homes

Photo of a mediterranean two-storey beige exterior in Dallas with stone veneer and a gable roof.

Mid-Country French Farm

Charles Hilton Architects

Alice Washburn Award 2013 - Winner - Accessory Building Charles Hilton Architects Photography: Woodruff Brown
Design ideas for a two-storey exterior in New York with stone veneer and a clipped gable roof.

Hill Country Christmas

Dawn Hearn Interior Design

Front courtyard features natural wreaths on the front doors. Tre Dunham with Fine Focus Photography
Inspiration for a country exterior in Austin with stone veneer.

Wooded Highlands by Design Guild Homes

DESIGN GUILD HOMES

Transitional exterior in Seattle with stone veneer and a gable roof.

Exterior

RWA Architects

Photo of a traditional exterior in Cincinnati with stone veneer.

Stone Residence 1

Norris Architecture

A traditional house that meanders around courtyards built as though it where built in stages over time. Well proportioned and timeless. Presenting its modest humble face this large home is filled with surprises as it demands that you take your time to experience it.

Modern Canyon Home

Stratos Form

Photo of a large modern one-storey beige house exterior in Orange County with stone veneer, a shed roof, a metal roof and a grey roof.

Contemporary Barndominium

Madigan Custom Homes

Inspiration for a contemporary barndominium
Inspiration for a large contemporary one-storey white house exterior in Austin with stone veneer, a metal roof and a black roof.

Antiqued Elegance in Willowcreek Ranch

By Design Interiors, Inc.

Front view of this custom French Country inspired home
This is an example of a large two-storey brown house exterior in Houston with stone veneer, a shingle roof, a black roof and shingle siding.

Exterior

Laura Brophy Interiors

Photo of a modern one-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Los Angeles with stone veneer and a flat roof.

Kenilworth Project - Mid Century Modern Whole House Remodel

Haven Design and Construction

This 1959 Mid Century Modern Home was falling into disrepair, but the team at Haven Design and Construction could see the true potential. By preserving the beautiful original architectural details, such as the linear stacked stone and the clerestory windows, the team had a solid architectural base to build new and interesting details upon. The small dark foyer was visually expanded by installing a new "see through" walnut divider wall between the foyer and the kitchen. The bold geometric design of the new walnut dividing wall has become the new architectural focal point of the open living area.

Adobe Exterior Design Ideas with Stone Veneer

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.