Perfectly settled in the shade of three majestic oak trees, this timeless homestead evokes a deep sense of belonging to the land. The Wilson Architects farmhouse design riffs on the agrarian history of the region while employing contemporary green technologies and methods. Honoring centuries-old artisan traditions and the rich local talent carrying those traditions today, the home is adorned with intricate handmade details including custom site-harvested millwork, forged iron hardware, and inventive stone masonry. Welcome family and guests comfortably in the detached garage apartment. Enjoy long range views of these ancient mountains with ample space, inside and out.

Front Elevation

Claude C. Lapp Architects, LLC

This is an example of a large arts and crafts three-storey grey exterior in DC Metro with concrete fiberboard siding and a clipped gable roof.

Contemporary Warmth

HomeSource Builders

A warm contemporary plan, with a distinctive stairwell tower. They chose us because of the variety of styles we’ve built in the past, the other satisfied clients they spoke with, and our transparent financial reporting throughout the building process. Positioned on the site for privacy and to protect the natural vegetation, it was important that all the details—including disability access throughout. A professional lighting designer specified all-LED lighting. Energy-efficient geothermal HVAC, expansive windows, and clean, finely finished details. Built on a sloped lot, the 3,300-sq.-ft. home appears modest in size from the driveway, but the expansive, finished lower level, with ample windows, offers several useful spaces, for everyday living and guest quarters. Contemporary exterior features a custom milled front entry & nickel gap vertical siding. Unique, 17'-tall stairwell tower, with plunging 9-light LED pendant fixture. Custom, handcrafted concrete hearth spans the entire fireplace. Lower level includes an exercise room, outfitted for an Endless Pool. Parade of Homes Tour Silver Medal award winner.

Tsai Residence

Ligature Studio, LLC

This charming modern farmhouse is located in Ada, MI. It has white board and batten siding with a light stone base and black windows and eaves. The complex roof (hipped dormer and cupola over the garage, barrel vault front entry, shed roofs, flared eaves and two jerkinheads, aka: clipped gable) was carefully designed and balanced to meet the clients wishes and to be compatible with the neighborhood style that was predominantly French Country.

Andersen 100 series composite window

Wood Windows, Inc.

Inspiration for a large traditional two-storey beige exterior in Boise with concrete fiberboard siding and a clipped gable roof.

Residential Projects

Seth A. Leeb Architect

Photo of a mid-sized beach style two-storey blue exterior in New York with concrete fiberboard siding and a clipped gable roof.

Salt Lake City Residence

Atelier 93

with Lloyd Architects
Design ideas for a large modern two-storey white house exterior in Salt Lake City with concrete fiberboard siding and a clipped gable roof.

Farmhouse Updo

Lacey Construction Ltd.

Side view of the home with lavish porch off the master bedroom. White trim sets off darker siding with shingle accents. Rock posts anchor the home blending into landscaping. Photo by Brice Ferre

Custom Mountain Home with Timber Framing

River Birch Builders

This is an example of a large arts and crafts split-level multi-coloured exterior in Other with concrete fiberboard siding and a clipped gable roof.

North Carolina Timber Frame Home - Exterior

Riverbend Timber Framing

This rustic North Carolina timber frame home sits on a slope with a walkout basement. Photo Credit: Roger Wade Studios
Design ideas for a large arts and crafts three-storey brown exterior in Other with a clipped gable roof and concrete fiberboard siding.

Coastal Hideaway

Dall Designer Homes

Hardies Linea Cladding painted in a cool grey and complimented with crisp white accents create a superb country meets coast exterior.
This is an example of a country one-storey grey house exterior in Sunshine Coast with concrete fiberboard siding, a clipped gable roof and a metal roof.

Centerville Rustic Home Build

White Oak Construction LLC

Design ideas for a large beach style two-storey grey exterior in Atlanta with concrete fiberboard siding and a clipped gable roof.

Wainsborough - Mountain Style Home

Visbeen Architects

Inspired by historic homes in America’s grand old neighborhoods, the Wainsborough combines the rich character and architectural craftsmanship of the past with contemporary conveniences. Perfect for today’s busy lifestyles, the home is the perfect blend of past and present. Touches of the ever-popular Shingle Style – from the cedar lap siding to the pitched roof – imbue the home with all-American charm without sacrificing modern convenience. Exterior highlights include stone detailing, multiple entries, transom windows and arched doorways. Inside, the home features a livable open floor plan as well as 10-foot ceilings. The kitchen, dining room and family room flow together, with a large fireplace and an inviting nearby deck. A children’s wing over the garage, a luxurious master suite and adaptable design elements give the floor plan the flexibility to adapt as a family’s needs change. “Right-size” rooms live large, but feel cozy. While the floor plan reflects a casual, family-friendly lifestyle, craftsmanship throughout includes interesting nooks and window seats, all hallmarks of the past. The main level includes a kitchen with a timeless character and architectural flair. Designed to function as a modern gathering room reflecting the trend toward the kitchen serving as the heart of the home, it features raised panel, hand-finished cabinetry and hidden, state-of-the-art appliances. Form is as important as function, with a central square-shaped island serving as a both entertaining and workspace. Custom-designed features include a pull-out bookshelf for cookbooks as well as a pull-out table for extra seating. Other first-floor highlights include a dining area with a bay window, a welcoming hearth room with fireplace, a convenient office and a handy family mud room near the side entrance. A music room off the great room adds an elegant touch to this otherwise comfortable, casual home. Upstairs, a large master suite and master bath ensures privacy. Three additional children’s bedrooms are located in a separate wing over the garage. The lower level features a large family room and adjacent home theater, a guest room and bath and a convenient wine and wet bar.

La Grange Historic Facade Renovation

Ballack Design + Architecture, LLC

Located in a charming family-friendly "train station" neighborhood in La Grange, this historic Victorian home was in dire need of TLC . The existing home was lacking a true covered entrance and the exterior was in complete disrepair. With plenty of care and attention to detail, we designed a new covered front entry porch with appropriate period detailing and materials. The coffered ceiling is adorned in stained beadboard with white accents of trim throughout. The home's existing siding was completely removed and replaced with traditional lap siding painted in a vibrant periwinkle blue tone along with white trim and white replacement windows. Similar to the covered porch, all the roof eave overhangs are adorned in stained beadboard giving it a unique yet vintage look. The top gable roof sections have a scallop pattern siding to bring some visual interest to the facade. A new bluestone paver entry walkway was added to connect the front porch steps to the sidewalk seamlessly. This home has been brought back to its former glory and fits in perfectly with the neighborhood.

Summit Signature Homes, Inc.

Beechen & Dill Homes

A custom home builder in Chicago's western suburbs, Summit Signature Homes, ushers in a new era of residential construction. With an eye on superb design and value, industry-leading practices and superior customer service, Summit stands alone. Custom-built homes in Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale, Western Springs, and other western suburbs.

Breezeway

Green River Design

This is an example of an expansive traditional three-storey white exterior in Boston with concrete fiberboard siding and a clipped gable roof.

Elanora House

Aspect Architecture

This is an example of a small beach style three-storey grey house exterior in Gold Coast - Tweed with concrete fiberboard siding, a clipped gable roof and a metal roof.

7 Wandering Oaks Way

WSM Craft

Home on a Hill

Claude C. Lapp Architects, LLC

Large country three-storey grey exterior in DC Metro with concrete fiberboard siding and a clipped gable roof.

Tsai Residence

Ligature Studio, LLC

Exterior Design Ideas with Concrete Fiberboard Siding and a Clipped Gable Roof

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.