Photo of a contemporary white house exterior in Perth with a gable roof.

Willoughby

Glenstone Living

Design ideas for a contemporary two-storey white house exterior in Sydney with a shed roof.

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.

San Francisco Renovation

Jetton Construction, Inc.

This four-story home underwent a major renovation, centering both sustainability and style. A full dig out created a new lower floor for family visits that opens out onto the grounds, while a roof deck complete with herb garden, fireplace and hot tub offers a more private escape. All four floors are connected both by an elevator and a staircase with a continuous, curved steel and bronze railing. Rainwater collection, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems integrate with the surrounding environment.

Wishart

Civic Steel Homes

This is an example of a contemporary one-storey white house exterior in Brisbane with mixed siding and a shed roof.

Our houses in The Cliffs Communities

Evergreen Custom Construction

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey white house exterior in Baltimore with mixed siding, a hip roof and a shingle roof.

Experience Floreat's Finest in October - The Medallion

Webb and Brown-Neaves

http://www.houzz.com.au/user/dmaxphoto
Photo of a contemporary two-storey white exterior in Perth with a flat roof.

Hollywood Waterfront

Barron Development Corp.

John Stillman Photography
Photo of a contemporary two-storey white exterior in Miami.

Hillsborough

ODS Architecture

Inspiration for a large contemporary two-storey stucco white house exterior in San Francisco with a flat roof, a metal roof and a grey roof.

Alma

Harry Designs LLC

Photo of a contemporary three-storey white house exterior in Los Angeles with a flat roof.

Sun-soaked urban retreat

Four Walls Architecture

A tired, small 1970's house was refurbished and extended to become a modern, light-filled, sunny family home. The original house didn't take advantage of its leafy, expansive site, so the extension pushed north and opened up to the sun and outdoors. Living areas flow onto spacious, sunny outdoor areas to the north, and a generous hallway flows through to a new pool and the mature, leafy trees of the neighbouring park. A strong, geometric form sits wide on the site and its pitched roof creates open, airy, light-filled interior spaces. High windows give glimpses of the sky and surrounding trees, and side windows provide a green, leafy outlook to the reserve next door. A muted but rich finishes palette and carefully designed cabinetry complement the lofty architecture. This busy young family can now live and thrive in their beautifully spacious, well-functioning home.

Modern Beach House

BBA Architects

Photo of a contemporary three-storey white house exterior in Chicago with a shed roof.

WR House

NineTen Architects

Artistic render of our proposals to transform this bungalow through extension and deep retrofit
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary one-storey white house exterior in Hertfordshire with wood siding, a flat roof, a mixed roof, a grey roof and board and batten siding.

52nd Street

Riverside Builders, Inc.

Mid-sized contemporary one-storey white house exterior in Sacramento with mixed siding, a shingle roof, a grey roof and a hip roof.

Maison HU

Atelier BY Architecte

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary three-storey white house exterior in Paris with mixed siding, a gable roof, a tile roof and a black roof.

Warm Modern Exterior

Zaharias Design

Architect : CKA Light grey stained cedar siding, stucco, I-beam posts at entry, and standing seam metal roof
Contemporary two-storey stucco white house exterior in San Francisco with a metal roof, a gable roof and a black roof.

Sydney Regional Design Awards 2020 - Residential alterations / additions

Building Designers Association of Australia

Mike Besley’s Holland Street design has won the residential alterations/additions award category of the BDAA Sydney Regional Chapter Design Awards 2020. Besley is the director and building designer of ICR Design, a forward-thinking Building Design Practice based in Castle Hill, New South Wales. Boasting a reimagined entry veranda, this design was deemed by judges to be a great version of an Australian coastal house - simple, elegant, tasteful. A lovely house well-laid out to separate the living and sleeping areas. The reworking of the existing front balcony and footprint is a creative re-imagining of the frontage. With good northern exposure masses of natural light, and PV on the roof, the home boasts many sustainable features. The designer was praised by this transformation of a standard red brick 70's home into a modern beach style dwelling.

Boundary Bay Residence

Frits de Vries Architect Ltd.

Inspiration for a large contemporary three-storey stucco white house exterior in Other.

Cove House

J Christopher Architecture

Inspiration for a contemporary white house exterior in Austin with four or more storeys and a flat roof.

Breakaway street side

Brindley Architects

Aerial view of the home from the street side. The carport site in front of the main bedroom wing. The entry courtyard leads into the glass roofed Entry / Dining room with folding glass doors each end to act a link between the two wings. At the left is the second bedroom and ensuite. Behind is a split level two storey section containing living room, kitchen and laundry on the lower level with another bedroom and ensuite at the upper floor.

Contemporary White 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.