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.

Point Loma Addition Remodel

Lars Remodeling & Design

The goal for this Point Loma home was to transform it from the adorable beach bungalow it already was by expanding its footprint and giving it distinctive Craftsman characteristics while achieving a comfortable, modern aesthetic inside that perfectly caters to the active young family who lives here. By extending and reconfiguring the front portion of the home, we were able to not only add significant square footage, but create much needed usable space for a home office and comfortable family living room that flows directly into a large, open plan kitchen and dining area. A custom built-in entertainment center accented with shiplap is the focal point for the living room and the light color of the walls are perfect with the natural light that floods the space, courtesy of strategically placed windows and skylights. The kitchen was redone to feel modern and accommodate the homeowners busy lifestyle and love of entertaining. Beautiful white kitchen cabinetry sets the stage for a large island that packs a pop of color in a gorgeous teal hue. A Sub-Zero classic side by side refrigerator and Jenn-Air cooktop, steam oven, and wall oven provide the power in this kitchen while a white subway tile backsplash in a sophisticated herringbone pattern, gold pulls and stunning pendant lighting add the perfect design details. Another great addition to this project is the use of space to create separate wine and coffee bars on either side of the doorway. A large wine refrigerator is offset by beautiful natural wood floating shelves to store wine glasses and house a healthy Bourbon collection. The coffee bar is the perfect first top in the morning with a coffee maker and floating shelves to store coffee and cups. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring was selected for use throughout the home, offering the warm feel of hardwood, with the benefits of being waterproof and nearly indestructible - two key factors with young kids! For the exterior of the home, it was important to capture classic Craftsman elements including the post and rock detail, wood siding, eves, and trimming around windows and doors. We think the porch is one of the cutest in San Diego and the custom wood door truly ties the look and feel of this beautiful home together.

Trendsetting in Solana

KW Designs

Photo: Tyler Van Stright, JLC Architecture Architect: JLC Architecture General Contractor: Naylor Construction Landscape Architect: Marcie Harris Landscape Architecture Casework: Artistic Freedom Designs Metalwork: Noe Design Co.

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.

Modern & Contemporary Rustic House in Hartford Austin Texas Project By Darash

By Darash - Kitchen Cabinets, Vanities & Closets

Beautiful landscaping design path to this modern rustic home in Hartford, Austin, Texas, 2022 project By Darash
Photo of a large contemporary two-storey white house exterior in Austin with wood siding, a shed roof, a shingle roof, a grey roof and board and batten siding.

Lakeside New Build

Andrea Schumacher Interiors

The exterior of this house has a beautiful black entryway with gold accents. Wood paneling lines the walls and ceilings. A large potted plant sits nearby.

PCH Cape Cod

Burdge & Associates Architects

Burdge Architects- Traditional Cape Cod Style Home. Located in Malibu, CA. Traditional coastal home exterior.
This is an example of an expansive beach style two-storey white house exterior in Los Angeles with wood siding and a shingle roof.

Englishman Bay Retreat

Whitten Architects

Aerial Photo
Mid-sized modern three-storey brown house exterior in Portland Maine with wood siding, a shed roof and a metal roof.

K2 Ranch

Studio 133

David O. Marlow
Photo of an expansive contemporary two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Denver with mixed siding and a metal roof.

340 Pinegrove - Modern Luxury Home Interiors Photography

Tommy Daspit Photographer

Twilight exterior of Modern Home by Alexander Modern Homes in Muscle Shoals Alabama, and Phil Kean Design by Birmingham Alabama based architectural and interiors photographer Tommy Daspit. See more of his work at http://tommydaspit.com

Serenity

Sun West Custom Homes LLC

looking at the front door from the courtyard gate
Design ideas for a large contemporary one-storey stucco white house exterior in Las Vegas with a flat roof.

Painted Brick Exterior

Blackstone Painters

Ranch style house brick painted with a remodeled soffit and front porch. stained wood. -Blackstone Painters
Design ideas for a large modern one-storey brick black exterior in Nashville.

Martis Camp Hillside Barn Retreat

Structerra, Inc.

Vance Fox
Inspiration for a small country one-storey exterior in San Francisco with stone veneer and a gable roof.

Mid-Century Remodel

David Henig, Architect

Eric Rorer
Design ideas for a large midcentury two-storey grey exterior in San Francisco with mixed siding and a gable roof.

Richard Lane

Ryan Street Architects

Ryann Ford
Mediterranean exterior in Austin.

French Chateau inspired Le Grand Reve Mansion of the North Shore's Winnetka

MILLER + MILLER Architectural Photography

The rear view of the French Chateau inspired Le Grand Rêve Mansion Estate of the North Shore's Winnetka, Illinois. A true custom built masterpiece with a covered loggia. The Mansard style Roof uses Slate Shingles. The exterior stone is Indiana Limestone. Gorgeous. Le Grand Rêve Miller + Miller Architectural Photography

Rutherford/Napa residence

Architectural Design & Restoration, Inc.

Sasha Butler
Design ideas for a large traditional two-storey beige house exterior in San Francisco with stone veneer, a gambrel roof and a shingle roof.

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.

A COASTAL STYLE LAKE HOME

Meadowlark Design+Build

This is an example of a large beach style three-storey blue house exterior in Detroit.

Tarzana Custom Residence

Sean Perkin & Associates

Inspiration for a large country exterior in Los Angeles.

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.