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

Photography: Acorn Photography - Rob Frith Media Styling: Jo Carmichael Interiors
Photo of a contemporary exterior in Perth.

Box Hill

Daniela Fulford Photography

Contemporary exterior in Melbourne.

PERTOBE

Designing Spaces

Photo of a contemporary exterior in Other.

Tate Street - AMG Home Builders

Crib Creative

This is an example of a contemporary exterior in Perth.

Hood House

Mihaly Slocombe

Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Peregian Beach House - Osprey

Aboda Design Group

This is an example of a contemporary two-storey house exterior in Sunshine Coast with a flat roof.

BONDI BOMBORA

ATELIER ALWILL

Photo of a contemporary exterior in Sydney.

Overhang

David Small Designs

Jason Hartog Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior in Toronto with mixed siding.

Wingspan

Rhodes Architecture + Light

Material expression and exterior finishes were carefully selected to reduce the apparent size of the house, last through many years, and add warmth and human scale to the home. The unique siding system is made up of different widths and depths of western red cedar, complementing the vision of the structure's wings which are balanced, not symmetrical. The exterior materials include a burn brick base, powder-coated steel, cedar, acid-washed concrete and Corten steel planters.

Hyde Park Residence

Mezger Homes

Inspiration for a small contemporary one-storey white house exterior in Austin with mixed siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

The Verona

Plunkett Homes

D-Max Photography
Photo of a large contemporary one-storey beige exterior in Perth.

Black Apple Community

Black Door Designs

Joe Wittkop Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary three-storey white exterior in Other with concrete fiberboard siding.

Silver Street Project

Levan Design

Design ideas for a contemporary two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Melbourne with mixed siding and a flat roof.

Exterior

Greypoint Construction

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

Colorado Inspired Contemporary Home

Travis Miller Homes

Photo of a contemporary grey house exterior in Other with mixed siding and a flat roof.

A modern country kitchen

Johnny Grey Studios.

Inspiration for a contemporary two-storey white exterior in Hampshire with a gable roof.

Modern Suburban Design

Maple Leaf Custom Homes

Styves Photos
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary one-storey beige exterior in Ottawa with mixed siding and a flat roof.

Fleetwood Distinguished Photos

Fleetwood Windows & Doors

This is an example of a large contemporary three-storey brown exterior in Los Angeles with a flat roof and mixed siding.

Hog Pen Creek Residence

Lake Flato Architects

Casey Dunn
Design ideas for a contemporary two-storey exterior in Austin with wood siding and a shed roof.

Contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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.