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

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.

BONDI BOMBORA

ATELIER ALWILL

Photo of a contemporary exterior in Sydney.

Central Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

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

Berkeley Craftsman Expansion

ilumus, llc.

Ramona d'Viola - ilumus photography & marketing Blue Dog Renovation & Construction Workshop 30 Architects
Design ideas for a small arts and crafts one-storey blue exterior in San Francisco with wood siding.

Gracious front porch

Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects, Inc.

Small arts and crafts two-storey green exterior in DC Metro with wood siding and a gable roof.

Lost Creek Cabin

Ellis Nunn Architects

Tuck Fauntlerey
Country one-storey exterior in Other with wood siding and a gable roof.

Robinson St.

LETTER FOUR, INC.

Inspiration for a large modern multi-coloured house exterior in Los Angeles with four or more storeys, a shed roof, wood siding and clapboard siding.

Historical Craftsman Renovation

Balboa Design Group

Photo of a mid-sized arts and crafts one-storey green exterior in San Diego with a gable roof and wood siding.

Melody Ln, Naperville, IL

M House Development

This is an example of a country two-storey white house exterior in Chicago with wood siding, a gable roof, a mixed roof and a black roof.

Fremont Street Residence

Northworks Architects + Planners

This state-of-the-art residence in Chicago presents a timeless front facade of limestone accents, lime-washed brick and a standing seam metal roof. As the building program leads from a classic entry to the rear terrace, the materials and details open the interiors to direct natural light and highly landscaped indoor-outdoor living spaces. The formal approach transitions into an open, contemporary experience.

Lakeside Hideaway

Town + Country Cedar Homes, Inc.

Design ideas for a large country three-storey brown house exterior in Other with mixed siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Villa mit Atrium

Architekturbüro MATTHIAS MECKLENBURG

Photo of a mid-sized modern two-storey brick beige exterior in Hamburg with a flat roof.

Lake of the Isles

Regarding Design

Sumptuous spaces are created throughout the house with the use of dark, moody colors, elegant upholstery with bespoke trim details, unique wall coverings, and natural stone with lots of movement. The mix of print, pattern, and artwork creates a modern twist on traditional design.

Twin Hills Farm Community

Cummings Architecture + Interiors

Set on ten acres abutting protected conservation land, the zoning for this site allowed for a creative multi-unit residential project. The design concept created a sustainable modern farm community of three distinct structures. A sense of individuality is established between the buildings, while a comprehensive site design references historic farms with a home-like, residential scale. An existing structure was renovated to house three condo units, featuring sliding barn doors and floor-to-ceiling storefront glass in the great room, with 25’ ceilings. Across a circular cobblestone drive, a new house and barn structure houses two condo units. Connecting both units, a garage references a carriage house and barn with small square windows above and large bays at ground level to mimic barn bays. There is no parking lot for the site – instead garages and a few individual parking spaces preserve the scale of a natural farm property. Patios and yards in the rear of each unit offer private access to the lush natural surroundings and space for entertaining.

Glen Road

Risa Boyer Architecture

Inspiration for a large midcentury one-storey black house exterior in Portland with wood siding, a shed roof, a shingle roof and a black roof.

Bridge House

HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Northeast Elevation reveals private deck, dog run, and entry porch overlooking Pier Cove Valley to the north - Bridge House - Fenneville, Michigan - Lake Michigan, Saugutuck, Michigan, Douglas Michigan - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Rabbit House

roth sheppard architects

Photo of a country black house exterior in Denver with a gable roof.

Баня Каскад

Теремки

Country one-storey brown exterior in Other with wood siding and a gable roof.

Modern Spanish Revival Home

ADG Lighting

Photo of a mediterranean two-storey stucco white house exterior in Other with a hip roof and a tile roof.

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.