Photo of a country exterior in San Francisco with wood siding.

Narrow on the Lake

Chapman Design Group, Inc.

Mark Hoyle
Mid-sized arts and crafts three-storey green exterior in Other with wood siding and a gable roof.

Open yet private front entry

Advantage Services Construction

A privacy screen allows for transparency in the front door, allowing more light into the living area. Photo taken during final touch up and landscaping.

Lone Peak Retreat

North Fork Builders of Montana, Inc.

This is an example of a country exterior in Other.

Outdoor Fire Pits and Fireplaces, Arizona

The Yard Stylist

This project in Morrison Ranch, Gilbert, AZ, comprises an Alumawood pergola, firepit, pavers, and decorative lighting. The installation of all these features has created an all-encompassing outdoor entertainment area for the homeowners. The brown and tan pavers work well with the earth tones of the firepit. The outdoor dining area coupled with the lighting means that the homeowner can enjoy meals outdoors when the sun goes down. After dinner, family and guests can relax around the firepit.

Mid century Outdoor Living Remodel

M Prevost Design

Side yard view of whole house exterior remodel
Inspiration for a large midcentury two-storey black exterior in San Diego.

Clopay Coachman Collection Garage Door

Clopay

Clopay's Coachman Collection carriage house garage door adds timeless, “Main St., USA” appeal to this California cottage exterior. At first glance, the door appears to be wood, but it’s actually constructed of layers of insulated steel topped with a composite overlay. The result is a durable, low-maintenance garage door that won't rot, warp or crack. Fifteen door designs with optional decorative windows and hardware are available to complement many home styles. Model shown: Design 13, REC14 windows in white with standard spade lift handles.

LIncoln Park - Clifton Avenue

Middlefork Development LLC

Nathan Kirkman
Large traditional three-storey brick townhouse exterior in Chicago.

Marin Modern

THREE SIXTY ONE Architecture, AIA

Large modern two-storey grey exterior in San Francisco with vinyl siding and a gable roof.

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.

Modern Sunset

Alisha Taylor Interiors

This is an example of a contemporary exterior in Phoenix.

Burlwood

Premium landscaping inc

This is an example of a traditional exterior in Toronto.

Estate Gray - TruDefinition® Duration® Shingles

Owens Corning Roofing

Traditional red house exterior in Other with a shingle roof and a grey roof.

The Shed

In House Builders

Contemporary exterior in Sacramento.

PROYECTO CORSEGA

Brákara Studio

Inspiration for a contemporary exterior in Barcelona.

North Shore Retreat

CHRISTOPHER STROM ARCHITECTS

On the shore of Lake Superior near Duluth, Minnesota, sat 16 acres of rugged, unbuilt land: A picturesque site for a new, custom cabin. The design of the cabin aimed to capitalize on the expansive view of Lake Superior and its rocky shoreline and dramatic waves. The key to accomplishing this was the organization of the living spaces (kitchen, dining, and living room). These three spaces are aligned linearly and step down towards Lake Superior giving both expansive views of the horizon and directed views of the rocky shoreline. The second floor contains three bedrooms and a “crow’s nest” loft overlooking the first floor living room and view of Lake Superior. The dark exterior color was chosen to blend into the surrounding dark trees and to highlight the dramatic limestone chimney. The interior’s smooth, polished surfaces and contrasting natural textures were designed to be a welcoming, refined counterpoint to the rugged landscape.

Courtyard House

Meadows Architecture PLLC

This is an example of a mid-sized modern one-storey brown house exterior in Raleigh with wood siding, a shed roof, a metal roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

Moroccan Mosaic & Tile House Collection

MoroccanMosaicTile House

Contemporary exterior in Las Vegas.

hilltop farm

Hygge Design+Build

This is an example of a scandinavian exterior in Grand Rapids.

Outdoor Fire Pits and Fireplaces, Arizona

The Yard Stylist

Minimalist doesn’t mean boring, as this Queen Creek, AZ home goes to prove. Here, the owners have decided to keep the firepit the main focal point. The border, which is color-matched to the pavers leading to the area, serves as a contrast to the dark brown rock base. The tan-colored stones surrounding it in the rest of the yard help to highlight the firepit area.

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.