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.

Fabrica

Mcmahon and Nerlich

The brick warehouse form below with Spanish-inspired cantilever pool element and hanging plants above..
Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial two-storey brick red house exterior in Melbourne with a flat roof.

The Savannah: Best of Ohio Custom Home Over 5,000 SF

Justin Doyle Homes

This gorgeous modern farmhouse features hardie board board and batten siding with stunning black framed Pella windows. The soffit lighting accents each gable perfectly and creates the perfect farmhouse.

Modern English Farmhouse | Hillsboro, Oregon

Westlake Development Group, LLC

Justin Krug Photography
Expansive country two-storey grey house exterior in Portland with wood siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

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.

Brickyard Plantation Residence

Spivey Architects, Inc.

Newport653
This is an example of a large traditional two-storey white house exterior in Charleston with wood siding and a mixed roof.

Weil Residence

Baker + Hesseldenz Design, Inc.

Photo of a large modern one-storey stucco white house exterior in Phoenix 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.

E Builders Homes - 2015 Utah Valley Parade - Modern American Farmhouse

E Builders Homes

Zachary Molino
Large country two-storey white exterior in Salt Lake City with concrete fiberboard siding.

Highcamp Residence

Design Associates - Lynette Zambon, Carol Merica

Exterior of transitional mountain home with inviting hot tub.
Inspiration for a large country two-storey brown house exterior in Other with mixed siding and a gable roof.

North Spokane Siding / Windows / Masonry

Aspen Construction & Design, LLC

Full exterior remodel in Spokane with James Hardie ColorPlus Board and Batten and Lap siding in Iron Grey. All windows were replaced with Milgard Trinsic series in Black for a contemporary look. We also installed a natural stone in 3 spots with new porch posts and pre-finished tongue and groove pine on the porch ceiling.

Dublin Retreat

Hedge Landscape

Modern landscape with swimming pool, front entry court, fire pit, raised pool, limestone patio, industrial lighting, boulder wall, covered exterior kitchen, and large retaining wall.

Glenroy Project

Riki S. Design

New construction modern cape cod
Large modern two-storey stucco white house exterior in Los Angeles with a shingle roof and a grey roof.

Manifold House

Oliver Custom Homes

Three story home in Austin with white stucco exterior and black metal roof
Design ideas for a large modern three-storey stucco white house exterior in Austin with a gable roof, a metal roof and a black roof.

Moroccan Villa in Santa Barbara

Maraya Interior Design

New Moroccan Villa on the Santa Barbara Riviera, overlooking the Pacific ocean and the city. In this terra cotta and deep blue home, we used natural stone mosaics and glass mosaics, along with custom carved stone columns. Every room is colorful with deep, rich colors. In the master bath we used blue stone mosaics on the groin vaulted ceiling of the shower. All the lighting was designed and made in Marrakesh, as were many furniture pieces. The entry black and white columns are also imported from Morocco. We also designed the carved doors and had them made in Marrakesh. Cabinetry doors we designed were carved in Canada. The carved plaster molding were made especially for us, and all was shipped in a large container (just before covid-19 hit the shipping world!) Thank you to our wonderful craftsman and enthusiastic vendors! Project designed by Maraya Interior Design. From their beautiful resort town of Ojai, they serve clients in Montecito, Hope Ranch, Santa Ynez, Malibu and Calabasas, across the tri-county area of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles, south to Hidden Hills and Calabasas. Architecture by Thomas Ochsner in Santa Barbara, CA

Private Waterfront Residence in Wardour

Purple Cherry Architects

Large beach style two-storey blue house exterior in Baltimore.

Modern Farmhouse Addition & Renovation

Anthony James Master Builders, LLC

White Nucedar shingles and clapboard siding blends perfectly with a charcoal metal and shingle roof that showcases a true modern day farmhouse.
Design ideas for a mid-sized country two-storey white house exterior in New York with mixed siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof and a grey roof.

Jerome Village Eversole Run - 2018 BIA Parade of Homes award-winning Farmhouse

Coppertree Homes

Modern farmhouse with cedar accents. All white exterior. Large porch with 8' double, full glass doors.
Design ideas for a large country two-storey white house exterior in Columbus with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Carbon Beach Terrace 1

Burdge & Associates Architects

Carbon Beach Terrace Located in Malibu, California Designed by Architect, Douglas W. Burdge of Burdge & Associates Architects Interior Design: Kirkor Suri Built by Robb Daniels of FHB Hearthstone Photographed by: MK Sadler

Tetherow - Meeks Trail

Pacwest Builders LLC

Rear Courtyard
Design ideas for a large country one-storey beige house exterior in Other with concrete fiberboard siding, a shed roof and a metal 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.