The shed design was inspired by the existing front entry for the residence.
Photo of a large traditional two-storey brick white house exterior in Chicago with a hip roof and a shingle roof.

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.

East Jefferson Residence

KUBE architecture

In the renovation and addition to this home in Falls Church VA, exterior hard-scapes and garden spaces surround the house while the spaces within the home are made larger and are opened up to the forestall views surrounding the home. When walking on the pathway one crosses the many thresholds along the exterior that help to separate and create new intimate garden spaces. Steel, concrete, and wood come together in this intricate walkway system comprised of slatted screen fences, a guiding pergola overhead, and a hard-scaped pathway. The changes in grade, volume, and materiality allow for a dynamic walkway that runs both to the new entry and continues to the rear patio where it then terminates at the patio access of the home. The master bedroom is extruded out over the lower level into the rear of the house and opened up with tall windows all along two sides. A more formal entry space is added at the front with full height glass bringing in lots of light to make for an elegant entry space. Partitions are removed from the interior to create one large space which integrates the new kitchen, living room , and dining room. Full height glass along the rear of the house opens up the views to the rear and brightens up the entire space. A new garage volume is added and bridged together with the existing home creating a new powder room, mudroom, and storage.

Banbury

Vincent Greene Architects

Photography: Erik Kvalsvik
Inspiration for a traditional two-storey white exterior in Baltimore with wood siding and a mixed roof.

Dolle Terrasser

Dolle Nordic A/S

Design ideas for a large scandinavian exterior in Aalborg.

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.