Exterior Photos

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey black house exterior in Brisbane with wood siding.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey black house exterior in Geelong with a flat roof.

Car port and side view of architecturally designed beach-side home with surprising pops of yellow.
Inspiration for a large contemporary two-storey black house exterior in Melbourne.

This 8.3 star energy rated home is a beacon when it comes to paired back, simple and functional elegance. With great attention to detail in the design phase as well as carefully considered selections in materials, openings and layout this home performs like a Ferrari. The in-slab hydronic system that is run off a sizeable PV system assists with minimising temperature fluctuations. This home is entered into 2023 Design Matters Award as well as a winner of the 2023 HIA Greensmart Awards. Karli Rise is featured in Sanctuary Magazine in 2023.

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area and screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for a shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear-facing exercise has great views of the lake through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below.

Inspiration for a large arts and crafts two-storey blue house exterior in Chicago with a gable roof, a shingle roof, wood siding, board and batten siding and clapboard siding.

Photo of a large transitional two-storey blue house exterior in Other with mixed siding, a hip roof and a shingle roof.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional two-storey blue house exterior in Jacksonville with vinyl siding.

Forget just one room with a view—Lochley has almost an entire house dedicated to capturing nature’s best views and vistas. Make the most of a waterside or lakefront lot in this economical yet elegant floor plan, which was tailored to fit a narrow lot and has more than 1,600 square feet of main floor living space as well as almost as much on its upper and lower levels. A dovecote over the garage, multiple peaks and interesting roof lines greet guests at the street side, where a pergola over the front door provides a warm welcome and fitting intro to the interesting design. Other exterior features include trusses and transoms over multiple windows, siding, shutters and stone accents throughout the home’s three stories. The water side includes a lower-level walkout, a lower patio, an upper enclosed porch and walls of windows, all designed to take full advantage of the sun-filled site. The floor plan is all about relaxation – the kitchen includes an oversized island designed for gathering family and friends, a u-shaped butler’s pantry with a convenient second sink, while the nearby great room has built-ins and a central natural fireplace. Distinctive details include decorative wood beams in the living and kitchen areas, a dining area with sloped ceiling and decorative trusses and built-in window seat, and another window seat with built-in storage in the den, perfect for relaxing or using as a home office. A first-floor laundry and space for future elevator make it as convenient as attractive. Upstairs, an additional 1,200 square feet of living space include a master bedroom suite with a sloped 13-foot ceiling with decorative trusses and a corner natural fireplace, a master bath with two sinks and a large walk-in closet with built-in bench near the window. Also included is are two additional bedrooms and access to a third-floor loft, which could functions as a third bedroom if needed. Two more bedrooms with walk-in closets and a bath are found in the 1,300-square foot lower level, which also includes a secondary kitchen with bar, a fitness room overlooking the lake, a recreation/family room with built-in TV and a wine bar perfect for toasting the beautiful view beyond.

This is an example of a midcentury two-storey black house exterior in Portland.

Photo of a country one-storey black exterior in Other with a flat roof.

Photographer: Will Keown
This is an example of a large traditional two-storey blue house exterior in Other with a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Angie Seckinger
Photo of a traditional two-storey blue house exterior in DC Metro with a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Photo of a traditional two-storey blue exterior in Minneapolis with wood siding and a gable roof.

This is an example of a large beach style three-storey blue house exterior in Detroit.

Dark paint color and a pop of pink invite you into this families lakeside home. The cedar pergola over the garage works beautifully off the dark paint.

A Scandinavian modern home in Shorewood, Minnesota with simple gable roof forms and black exterior. The entry has been sided with Resysta, a durable rainscreen material that is natural in appearance.

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey blue house exterior in Indianapolis with vinyl siding and a shingle roof.

The James Hardie siding in Boothbay Blue calls attention to the bright white architectural details that lend this home a historical charm befitting of the surrounding homes.