A farmhouse addition/renovation designed and built by Clemmensen & Associates, Toronto. © Brenda Liu Photography
Inspiration for a country exterior in Toronto with mixed siding.

2013 Projects

Trestlewood

Hand-Hewn Skins and Harbor Fir Siding June Cannon
Photo of a country exterior in Austin with wood siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Blue Ridge Georgia Cabins

Envision Web

Stuart Wade, Envision Web Take a deep breath and relax… Surround yourself with beauty, relaxation and natural fun in Georgia’s Blue Ridge, only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575 and Hwy 515, but a million miles away from the traffic, stress and anxiety of the city. With 106,000 acres located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge is definitely the cure for whatever ails you. Rent a cozy cabin or a luxury mountain home, or stay in a bed & breakfast inn or hotel -- and simply relax. Enjoy Mother Nature at her best… Renew your spirit on a day hiking to nearby waterfalls or horseback riding on forested trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Bring the family and discover the thrill of an Ocoee River whitewater rafting adventure, ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or treetop canopy adventure. Rent a pontoon or a jet ski on beautiful Lake Blue Ridge. Pick strawberries or blueberries at Mercier's, a 65 year old family orchard. Catch a trout on the tailwaters of the Toccoa River or a clear mountain stream; Blue Ridge is the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia. Fall in Love with Blue Ridge… Fall in love with the authentic mountain towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville. Blue Ridge is an Art Town, filled with art galleries, antique and specialty shops, restaurants, small town atmosphere and friendly people. A river runs through the quaint town of McCaysville, twin city with Copperhill, Tennessee. Stand in both states at one time at the Blue Line, which marks the spot where Georgia ends and Tennessee begins. Here the Toccoa River becomes the Ocoee River, flowing northward into Tennessee.

Okanagan Log Home

Sticks + Stones Design Group Inc.

This exceptional log home is remotely located and perfectly situated to complement the natural surroundings. The home fully utilizes its spectacular views. Our design for the homeowners blends elements of rustic elegance juxtaposed with modern clean lines. It’s a sensational space where the rugged, tactile elements highlight the contrasting modern finishes. http://www.lipsettphotographygroup.com/

Snake River Residence

JLF & Associates, Inc.

Photography by Mary Nichols
Inspiration for a large country exterior in Other.

Healdsburg Residence

Nick Noyes Architecture

Photography by Bruce Damonte
Design ideas for a country exterior in San Francisco.

Elk Ridge Lodge

Centre Sky Architecture Ltd

Like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/centresky Designed as a prominent display of Architecture, Elk Ridge Lodge stands firmly upon a ridge high atop the Spanish Peaks Club in Big Sky, Montana. Designed around a number of principles; sense of presence, quality of detail, and durability, the monumental home serves as a Montana Legacy home for the family. Throughout the design process, the height of the home to its relationship on the ridge it sits, was recognized the as one of the design challenges. Techniques such as terracing roof lines, stretching horizontal stone patios out and strategically placed landscaping; all were used to help tuck the mass into its setting. Earthy colored and rustic exterior materials were chosen to offer a western lodge like architectural aesthetic. Dry stack parkitecture stone bases that gradually decrease in scale as they rise up portray a firm foundation for the home to sit on. Historic wood planking with sanded chink joints, horizontal siding with exposed vertical studs on the exterior, and metal accents comprise the remainder of the structures skin. Wood timbers, outriggers and cedar logs work together to create diversity and focal points throughout the exterior elevations. Windows and doors were discussed in depth about type, species and texture and ultimately all wood, wire brushed cedar windows were the final selection to enhance the "elegant ranch" feel. A number of exterior decks and patios increase the connectivity of the interior to the exterior and take full advantage of the views that virtually surround this home. Upon entering the home you are encased by massive stone piers and angled cedar columns on either side that support an overhead rail bridge spanning the width of the great room, all framing the spectacular view to the Spanish Peaks Mountain Range in the distance. The layout of the home is an open concept with the Kitchen, Great Room, Den, and key circulation paths, as well as certain elements of the upper level open to the spaces below. The kitchen was designed to serve as an extension of the great room, constantly connecting users of both spaces, while the Dining room is still adjacent, it was preferred as a more dedicated space for more formal family meals. There are numerous detailed elements throughout the interior of the home such as the "rail" bridge ornamented with heavy peened black steel, wire brushed wood to match the windows and doors, and cannon ball newel post caps. Crossing the bridge offers a unique perspective of the Great Room with the massive cedar log columns, the truss work overhead bound by steel straps, and the large windows facing towards the Spanish Peaks. As you experience the spaces you will recognize massive timbers crowning the ceilings with wood planking or plaster between, Roman groin vaults, massive stones and fireboxes creating distinct center pieces for certain rooms, and clerestory windows that aid with natural lighting and create exciting movement throughout the space with light and shadow.

Bovina House

kimberly peck architect

The goal of this project was to build a house that would be energy efficient using materials that were both economical and environmentally conscious. Due to the extremely cold winter weather conditions in the Catskills, insulating the house was a primary concern. The main structure of the house is a timber frame from an nineteenth century barn that has been restored and raised on this new site. The entirety of this frame has then been wrapped in SIPs (structural insulated panels), both walls and the roof. The house is slab on grade, insulated from below. The concrete slab was poured with a radiant heating system inside and the top of the slab was polished and left exposed as the flooring surface. Fiberglass windows with an extremely high R-value were chosen for their green properties. Care was also taken during construction to make all of the joints between the SIPs panels and around window and door openings as airtight as possible. The fact that the house is so airtight along with the high overall insulatory value achieved from the insulated slab, SIPs panels, and windows make the house very energy efficient. The house utilizes an air exchanger, a device that brings fresh air in from outside without loosing heat and circulates the air within the house to move warmer air down from the second floor. Other green materials in the home include reclaimed barn wood used for the floor and ceiling of the second floor, reclaimed wood stairs and bathroom vanity, and an on-demand hot water/boiler system. The exterior of the house is clad in black corrugated aluminum with an aluminum standing seam roof. Because of the extremely cold winter temperatures windows are used discerningly, the three largest windows are on the first floor providing the main living areas with a majestic view of the Catskill mountains.

Santa Ynez Barn

Studio Carver Architects, Inc.

Photography: Claudio Santini
Design ideas for a country exterior in Other.

Vicente Burin Architects

This new home features architectural forms that are rooted in traditional residential buildings, yet rendered with crisp clean contemporary materials. Photographed By: Vic Gubinski Interiors By: Heike Hein Home

Box Architecture

box architecture

The existing 1940’s cottage situated in Co. Tipperary was in dilapidated condition. The brief, to refurbish and extend this cottage to become a functional living environment. The proposal involved the demolition of the existing rear extension and the addition of three new elements, a living block, glazed link and shed. The new living block is a simple linear form, located and orientated to tuck behind the existing cottage while affording a view of the loch and flood plain to the North. Accommodating an open-plan living, kitchen and dining area, while the sleeping accommodation is housed within the original cottage. Large glazed joinery elements and an extensive wall-to-wall rooflight allow penetration and movement of natural light within the living block while light is drawn into the original cottage via folding glazed doors and rooflights. The existing windows to the front of the cottage were retained and preserved. Photo credit: Paul Tierney

Custom Barn - Hillsboro OR

Ironwood Homes, Inc.

Photo of a country exterior in Portland with wood siding, a metal roof, a black roof and board and batten siding.

Sonoma, California

Jennifer Wundrow Interior Design, Inc.

Design ideas for a country exterior in San Francisco.

3802 Arcadia

Fairmount Development, LLC

Design ideas for a large country one-storey white exterior in Phoenix with a black roof and board and batten siding.

William St House

Moore Design

Photo of a country two-storey grey house exterior in Wellington with wood siding.

Modern Rustic Idaho Retreat

User

The W7 series of windows and doors were selected in this project both for the high performance of the products, the beauty of natural wood interiors, and the durability of aluminum-clad exteriors. The stunning clear-stained pine windows make use of concealed hinges, which not only deliver a clean aesthetic but provide continuous gaskets around the sash helping to create a better seal against the weather outside. The robust hardware is paired with stainless steel premium handles to ensure smooth operation and timeless style for years to come.

Contemporary Farmhouse

KGA Studio Architects, PC

This is an example of a large country two-storey brown house exterior in Denver with mixed siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Whispering Meadows XX

Glas Associates

A view of the entry and three-car garage Photo by Ashley Avila Photography
Inspiration for a country three-storey white house exterior in Grand Rapids with mixed siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, a black roof and board and batten siding.

Modern Farm House Take 2

Gant and Brown Premier Home Builders, LLC.

Inspiration for a country exterior in New Orleans.

The Farm

Patterson Custom Homes

Inspiration for a country exterior in Santa Barbara.

Country 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 country 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 country 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 country 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.