Fringe Dweller’s sculpted extension transforms an unassuming weatherboard cottage into a proud forever home. It walks multiple tightropes at once: balancing openness with privacy, strength with softness, and a rich history with our clients’ future needs. On Clifton Hill’s suburban edge, the house sits opposite the leafy Quarries Park Reserve. Our clients, Ishtar and Craig, have three children and purchased their cottage to create a long-term family home. Lying within a heritage overlay, the cottage’s traditional layout is largely preserved – only tweaked, in a wise parenting move, to form three equally sized bedrooms. The extension’s shared spaces feature rich materials, a warm palette and curved edges, creating a feeling of softness and easing transitions between zones. A staircase arcing through the living areas leads up to the lounge and main suite. Elevated above street level, these spaces can more freely relate to the park: the lounge’s attached balcony overlooks the park’s open field, while the main bedroom’s floor-to-ceiling window frames magnificent foliage. Downstairs, sliding doors connect the living areas to a semi-covered deck, while the garden beyond is embraced by a self-contained studio at the rear and high walls on either side. A brick wall interspersed with permeable screens lines the site’s public edge, balancing backyard privacy with neighbourhood connection. For passers-by, it’s a strong addition to the streetscape, granting glimpses of the lush garden within. Fringe Dweller embraces its presence on the fringe of the parklands, balancing its historical context with its future as a nurturing family home.

Karli Rise #1

designButton

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.

Fabrica - with Chris Quirk & Kim Edwards

Mcmahon and Nerlich

The brick warehouse form below with Spanish-inspired cantilever pool element and hanging plants above..
Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial two-storey brick red house exterior in Melbourne with a flat roof.

Gallery (Our Work)

SOS Architects

This is an example of a mid-sized modern two-storey brick house exterior in Canberra - Queanbeyan with a gable roof, a metal roof and a grey roof.

3127 South Drive

SMPL Design Studio

Large contemporary two-storey brick grey house exterior in Toronto with a hip roof and a shingle roof.

Naperville Landscape

KD Landscape

Summer Beauty onion surround the stone entry columns while the Hydrangea begin to glow from the landscape lighting. Landscape design by John Algozzini. Photo courtesy of Mike Crews Photography.

Facet House Contemporary Home Extension

Akita Komar Architects

This is an example of a contemporary brick white townhouse exterior in London.

308 Wonderwood Build by Pike Properties - Charlotte Custom Home Builder

Pike Properties

This exterior showcases a beautiful blend of creamy white and taupe colors on brick. The color scheme exudes a timeless elegance, creating a sophisticated and inviting façade. One of the standout features is the striking angles on the roofline, adding a touch of architectural interest and modern flair to the design. The windows not only enhance the overall aesthetics but also offer picturesque views and a sense of openness.

Baxter Home

AR Homes | Nashville

This is an example of French Country built by AR Homes.
This is an example of an expansive one-storey brick house exterior in Nashville with a shingle roof and a brown roof.

FOR SALE: Tanglewood Transitional Estate

Frankel Design Build

Design ideas for an expansive contemporary two-storey brick house exterior in Houston with a gable roof and a tile roof.

Custom Build Home

Dallas Property Photos

Country two-storey brick white house exterior in Dallas with a gable roof and a metal roof.

Windsor | 2016

Coats Homes

Design ideas for a large traditional two-storey brick brown house exterior in Dallas with a hip roof and a shingle roof.

Taylor Creek Ranch

Upside Development

Upside Development completed an contemporary architectural transformation in Taylor Creek Ranch. Evolving from the belief that a beautiful home is more than just a very large home, this 1940’s bungalow was meticulously redesigned to entertain its next life. It's contemporary architecture is defined by the beautiful play of wood, brick, metal and stone elements. The flow interchanges all around the house between the dark black contrast of brick pillars and the live dynamic grain of the Canadian cedar facade. The multi level roof structure and wrapping canopies create the airy gloom similar to its neighbouring ravine.

Modern French Country Custom

ATK Construction | Custom Homes

Two-storey brick grey house exterior in Denver with a gable roof.

12033 Bencrest

Moda Homes

Total Make Over Mid Century
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury one-storey brick white house exterior in Dallas with a gable roof, a shingle roof and a black roof.

Renovation Project in Wheelers Hill

Archidea Group

The Walden Residence is a renovation and extension project for an existing double storey brick veneer house located in Wheelers Hill, Melbourne. The house, built in the 1980s, required updates to its facade, internal layout, and various other features. Our team worked closely with the client to ensure that the final design met their needs and exceeded their expectations. The renovation involved updating the existing facade to give the house a modern look. The original arched window features were preserved and complemented by the addition of new steel arched windows and entry doors. A front porch extension was added to serve as the focal point of the house and provides access to the reverse living area via new stairs. The internal layout was also updated, with a particular focus on the kitchen and living areas. The kitchen was reconfigured to create an open living space and allow for a more functional and modern design. The result is a beautiful and functional living space that blends the old with the new and provides a comfortable and modern living environment.

Villa Chatuau Blanc

Duket Architects Planners

This new home was sited to take full advantage of overlooking the floodplain of the Ottawa River where family ball games take place. The heart of this home is the kitchen — with adjoining dining and family room to easily accommodate family gatherings. With first-floor primary bedroom and a study with three bedrooms on the second floor with a large grandchild dream bunkroom. The lower level with home office and a large wet bar, a fireplace with a TV for everyone’s favorite team on Saturday with wine tasting and storage.

Exterior

Greypoint Construction

Photo of a large contemporary one-storey brick white house exterior with a shingle roof and a black roof.

Stucco and Reclaimed Brick Modern French Country

Wyrick Residential Design

Photo of a large two-storey brick beige house exterior in Houston with a hip roof, a shingle roof and a brown roof.

State Street Column Mount Electric Copper Lantern

French Market Lanterns

Photo of a brick exterior in Houston.

Brick 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.