Design ideas for a mid-sized modern two-storey black house exterior in Melbourne with wood siding and a metal roof.

Centennial Park

Sydney Beach Homes

Arts and crafts exterior in Sydney.

Curl Curl

Mallinger Constructions

Inspiration for a modern exterior in Sydney.

BONDI BOMBORA

ATELIER ALWILL

Photo of a contemporary exterior in Sydney.

Warton Residence

Cast Studio

Photography: Acorn Photography - Rob Frith Media Styling: Jo Carmichael Interiors
Photo of a contemporary exterior in Perth.

PERTOBE

Designing Spaces

Photo of a contemporary exterior in Other.

Highvale House

Alexandra Buchanan Architecture

Highvale House sits amongst native gums on a sloping site. Perched on posts to disturb the land as little as possible, this raised position provides vistas through branches to the valley and hills beyond. Wrapped in metal cladding, the house speaks to rural Australian vernacular and reads as a singular element, both sculptural and responsive to the local climate. The plan’s program borrows from traditional Japanese elements, marrying the clients’ cultural heritage with a kind of local regionalism. The program includes a Genkan, Engawa and Washitsu. The plan has a distinct separation between living and sleeping areas linked with a continuous corridor providing light and ventilation throughout. The living areas are characterised by a rich palette of stone and timber offering warmth and richness to the interior. The generous glazed façade with high clerestory windows allows light deep into the width of the plan while providing opportunity to control daylight levels with floor to ceiling drapery offering a softness to the interior palette.

Contemporary Renovation - 2046.HR

Robert Parisi Architecture + Design

Photo of a contemporary exterior in Sydney.

Hood House

Mihaly Slocombe

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.

Central Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

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

Peregian Beach House - Osprey

Aboda Design Group

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

Middle Park - Renovation

Joseph Koprek Commercial

Inspiration for a traditional exterior in Melbourne.

Tate Street - AMG Home Builders

Crib Creative

This is an example of a contemporary exterior in Perth.

South Terrace Renovation, Clifton Hill

Chan Architecture Pty Ltd

Traditional exterior in Melbourne.

Box Hill

Daniela Fulford Photography

Contemporary exterior in Melbourne.

Archello - Kingsford

Nathalie Scipioni Architects

https://archello.com/project/kingsford-project

Prahran House

Techne Architecture + Interior Design

This is an example of an industrial exterior in Melbourne.

Kingfisher House

Kai Konstruct

Inspiration for a country exterior in Gold Coast - Tweed.

Modern Craftsman

Jonathan Miller Architects

Inspiration for an arts and crafts two-storey brick grey house exterior in Other with a mixed roof and a gable roof.

Traditional Exterior

This is an example of a traditional two-storey grey exterior in Other with wood siding and a gable 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.