Originally, the front of the house was on the left (eave) side, facing the primary street. Since the Garage was on the narrower, quieter side street, we decided that when we would renovate, we would reorient the front to the quieter side street, and enter through the front Porch. So initially we built the fencing and Pergola entering from the side street into the existing Front Porch. Then in 2003, we pulled off the roof, which enclosed just one large room and a bathroom, and added a full second story. Then we added the gable overhangs to create the effect of a cottage with dormers, so as not to overwhelm the scale of the site. The shingles are stained Cabots Semi-Solid Deck and Siding Oil Stain, 7406, color: Burnt Hickory, and the trim is painted with Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Low Luster Narraganset Green HC-157, (which is actually a dark blue). Photo by Glen Grayson, AIA

Bellevue House

Kathryn Tegreene Interior Design

This hundred year old house just oozes with charm. Photographer: John Wilbanks, Interior Designer: Kathryn Tegreene Interior Design
Design ideas for an arts and crafts two-storey green exterior in Seattle.

Modern Exterior

Design ideas for a modern exterior in Other with metal 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.

Carlsbad Ranch

Ginger Rabe Designs, LLC

Custom Made Shower Designed and Built by Ginger at Ginger Rabe Designs, LLC. Wood is petrified from all over the world with a door feature from India and a custom-made copper shower head and pipes. There is even a secret door to look at the garden. The transformation of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, exemplifies a perfect blend of preserving the charm of its 1940s origins while infusing modern elements to create a unique and inviting space. By incorporating the clients' love for pottery and natural woods, the redesign pays homage to these preferences while enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the home. From building new decks and railings, surf showers, a reface of the home, custom light up address signs from GR Designs Line, and more custom elements to make this charming home pop. The redesign carefully retains the distinctive characteristics of the 1940s style, such as architectural elements, layout, and overall ambiance. This preservation ensures that the home maintains its historical charm and authenticity while undergoing a modern transformation. To infuse a contemporary flair into the design, modern elements are strategically introduced. These modern twists add freshness and relevance to the space while complementing the existing architectural features. This balanced approach creates a harmonious blend of old and new, offering a timeless appeal. The design concept revolves around the clients' passion for pottery and natural woods. These elements serve as focal points throughout the home, lending a sense of warmth, texture, and earthiness to the interior spaces. By integrating pottery-inspired accents and showcasing the beauty of natural wood grains, the design celebrates the clients' interests and preferences. A key highlight of the redesign is the use of custom-made tile from Japan, reminiscent of beautifully glazed pottery. This bespoke tile adds a touch of artistry and craftsmanship to the home, elevating its visual appeal and creating a unique focal point. Additionally, fabrics that evoke the elements of the ocean further enhance the connection with the surrounding natural environment, fostering a serene and tranquil atmosphere indoors. The overall design concept aims to evoke a warm, lived-in feeling, inviting occupants and guests to relax and unwind. By incorporating elements that resonate with the clients' personal tastes and preferences, the home becomes more than just a living space—it becomes a reflection of their lifestyle, interests, and identity. In summary, the redesign of this ranch-style home in Carlsbad, CA, successfully merges the charm of its 1940s origins with modern elements, creating a space that is both timeless and distinctive. Through careful attention to detail, thoughtful selection of materials, rebuilding of elements outside to add character, and a focus on personalization, the home embodies a warm, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the clients' passions and enhances their everyday living experience. This project is on the same property as the Carlsbad Cottage and is a great journey of new and old. Redesign of the kitchen, bedrooms, and common spaces, custom-made tile, appliances from GE Monogram Cafe, bedroom window treatments custom from GR Designs Line, Lighting and Custom Address Signs from GR Designs Line, Custom Surf Shower, and more.

Rye Beach, NH

Tucker Associates

Photo of a beach style exterior in Boston.

Clites Residence

DC Studio Architecture and Planning

Transitional exterior in Tampa.

Mt Veeder

Tyreus Design Studio

Exterior
Design ideas for a contemporary exterior in San Francisco.

Modern Country Ranch Home

Duke Homes, Inc.

Stone, wood and clap board combine to create tons of curb appeal on this one level ranch over a finished basement.
This is an example of a large contemporary one-storey white house exterior in Indianapolis with mixed siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, a black roof and clapboard siding.

Jenkintown Exterior

Harth Builders

Design ideas for a large arts and crafts one-storey grey house exterior in Philadelphia with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

White Box No. 2 - Front Elevation

Drewett Works

One-of-a-kind gates and combed-face white limestone clad site walls offer privacy to White Box No. 2. Rows of ocotillo and barrel cactus offer ordered desert refinement and flora. Project Details // White Box No. 2 Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Argue Custom Homes Interior Design: Ownby Design Landscape Design (hardscape): Greey | Pickett Landscape Design: Refined Gardens Photographer: Jeff Zaruba See more of this project here: https://www.drewettworks.com/white-box-no-2/

Modern Craftsman 2 Story Plan #61817LL

Ahmann Design, Inc.

Photo of a country exterior in Cedar Rapids.

Montana Modern

James McNeal Architecture and Design

Built into the hillside, this industrial ranch sprawls across the site, taking advantage of views of the landscape. A metal structure ties together multiple ranch buildings with a modern, sleek interior that serves as a gallery for the owners collected works of art. A welcoming, airy bridge is located at the main entrance, and spans a unique water feature flowing beneath into a private trout pond below, where the owner can fly fish directly from the man-cave!

Barcelona Container House

08023 · Architects

Inspiration for an industrial exterior in Barcelona.

Craftsman Charm in Santa Clara

Harrell Design + Build

Inspiration for an arts and crafts exterior in San Francisco.

Red Bay

Whiteley & Whiteley

French country design
Inspiration for an expansive two-storey brick multi-coloured house exterior in Houston with a gable roof, a shingle roof and a grey roof.

North Rim, Rustic Mountain Lodge, Custom Home

Sun Forest Construction

Photo of a country exterior in Other.

Modern Craftsman Home | Front Door Ideas | Modern Style

EL & EL Wood Products Corp.

Modern Craftsman homes will never go out of style. This design style maintains all the charm you want from a Craftsman home, but brings in modernization for a sleek and charming look. •Door: BLS-228-113-5C •Case: 158MUL-4 •Crown: 444MUL-4 Natural Comfort and timeless charm, is this your current or dream home style?

Upper Bucks Modern Farmhouse

Wolstenholme Associates, LLC

Builder: JR Maxwell Photography: Juan Vidal
Inspiration for a country two-storey white house exterior in Philadelphia with a shingle roof, a black roof and board and batten siding.

Richardson

Core Group

Design ideas for a large transitional two-storey black house exterior in Atlanta with a clipped gable roof, a metal roof and a black 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.