Oscar Zagal
Photo of a large contemporary three-storey concrete white exterior in Los Angeles with a shed roof.

Beach House Photos Provided By: Brady Architectural Photography
Design ideas for a beach style exterior in San Diego with wood siding.

The Reculver Shack

PARASHOOT architects

Design ideas for a beach style one-storey black house exterior in Kent with a gable roof and a metal roof.

Project 1

Gallo Builders, Inc

This is an example of a contemporary two-storey beige exterior in Orange County.

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Krausch Architectural Windows & Doors

Design ideas for a mid-sized one-storey stucco brown house exterior in Phoenix with a flat roof.

Exteriors

Teague Hunziker Photography

©Teague Hunziker
Photo of a contemporary two-storey white exterior in Other with a flat roof.

Edgemont Rear Deck

Synthesis Design Inc.

This is an example of a country exterior in Vancouver with wood siding.

Attadale, WA

Imperial Homes

Inspiration for a contemporary two-storey stucco beige house exterior in Perth with a flat roof.

House M-M

Tuomas Siitonen Office

Tuomas Uusheimo, Maija Luutonen
Photo of a scandinavian two-storey exterior in Other with wood siding and a shed roof.

New Home in Devon

Trewin Design Architects

Richard Downer Photography | Window Glazing by Cantifix
Design ideas for a contemporary exterior in Devon.

Binary House

Collaborative Designworks

The Binary House was conceived as part of Hometta's premier collection. It explores several dualities of modern living. Photo Credit: Ben Hill
Photo of a modern two-storey exterior in Houston.

Current work_Modern_Sagoponack, NY

Jack deLashmet and Associates

This is an example of a contemporary two-storey exterior in New York.

Val Des Monts

Christopher Simmonds Architect

A family cottage in the Gatineau hills infused with Canadiana shifts its way over the edge of a cliff to command views of the adjacent lake. The retreat is gently embedded in the Canadian Shield; the sleeping quarters firmly set in the rock while the cantilevered family room dramatically emerges from this stone base. The modest entry visible from the road leads to an orchestrated, tranquil path entering from the forest-side of the house and moving through the space as it opens up onto the lakeside. The house illustrates a warm approach to modernism; white oak boards wrap from wall to floor enhancing the elongated shape of the house and slabs of silver maple create the bathroom vanity. On the exterior, the main volume is wrapped with open-joint eastern white cedar while the stairwell is encased in steel; both are left unfinished to age with the elements. On the lower level, the dormitory style sleeping quarters are again embedded into the rock. Access to the exterior is provided by a walkout from the lower level recreation room, allowing the family to easily explore nature. Natural cooling is provided by cool air rising from the lake, passing in through the lakeside openings and out through the clerestory windows on the forest elevation. The expanse of windows engages the ephemeral foliage from the treetops to the forest floor. The softness and shadows of the filtered forest light fosters an intimate relationship between the exterior and the interior.

Neolith Arctic White House Boat Facade

Ollin Stone

This is an example of a contemporary two-storey brown house exterior in Orange County with wood siding and a flat roof.

Hollywood Hills

Biglin Architectural Group

Design ideas for a large contemporary three-storey exterior in Los Angeles.

Exterior

Steve Domoney Architecture

Design ideas for a contemporary brick exterior in Melbourne.

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.