Multiple rooflines, textured exterior finishes and lots of windows create this modern Craftsman home in the heart of Willow Glen. Wood, stone and glass harmonize beautifully.

Daniel Island Residence 1

Architrave

Tripp Smith
Design ideas for a large beach style three-storey brown house exterior in Charleston with wood siding, a hip roof, a mixed roof, a grey roof and shingle siding.

Duncliffe

Concept Zero Architects

New build Beach front family home in Cornwall, set over three floors with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean.
This is an example of a large contemporary three-storey blue house exterior in Cornwall with wood siding, a gable roof, a mixed roof, a grey roof and board and batten siding.

Heady Lake Hartwell Addition & Renovation

Chapman Design Group, Inc.

Originally built in 1990 the Heady Lakehouse began as a 2,800SF family retreat and now encompasses over 5,635SF. It is located on a steep yet welcoming lot overlooking a cove on Lake Hartwell that pulls you in through retaining walls wrapped with White Brick into a courtyard laid with concrete pavers in an Ashlar Pattern. This whole home renovation allowed us the opportunity to completely enhance the exterior of the home with all new LP Smartside painted with Amherst Gray with trim to match the Quaker new bone white windows for a subtle contrast. You enter the home under a vaulted tongue and groove white washed ceiling facing an entry door surrounded by White brick. Once inside you’re encompassed by an abundance of natural light flooding in from across the living area from the 9’ triple door with transom windows above. As you make your way into the living area the ceiling opens up to a coffered ceiling which plays off of the 42” fireplace that is situated perpendicular to the dining area. The open layout provides a view into the kitchen as well as the sunroom with floor to ceiling windows boasting panoramic views of the lake. Looking back you see the elegant touches to the kitchen with Quartzite tops, all brass hardware to match the lighting throughout, and a large 4’x8’ Santorini Blue painted island with turned legs to provide a note of color. The owner’s suite is situated separate to one side of the home allowing a quiet retreat for the homeowners. Details such as the nickel gap accented bed wall, brass wall mounted bed-side lamps, and a large triple window complete the bedroom. Access to the study through the master bedroom further enhances the idea of a private space for the owners to work. It’s bathroom features clean white vanities with Quartz counter tops, brass hardware and fixtures, an obscure glass enclosed shower with natural light, and a separate toilet room. The left side of the home received the largest addition which included a new over-sized 3 bay garage with a dog washing shower, a new side entry with stair to the upper and a new laundry room. Over these areas, the stair will lead you to two new guest suites featuring a Jack & Jill Bathroom and their own Lounging and Play Area. The focal point for entertainment is the lower level which features a bar and seating area. Opposite the bar you walk out on the concrete pavers to a covered outdoor kitchen feature a 48” grill, Large Big Green Egg smoker, 30” Diameter Evo Flat-top Grill, and a sink all surrounded by granite countertops that sit atop a white brick base with stainless steel access doors. The kitchen overlooks a 60” gas fire pit that sits adjacent to a custom gunite eight sided hot tub with travertine coping that looks out to the lake. This elegant and timeless approach to this 5,000SF three level addition and renovation allowed the owner to add multiple sleeping and entertainment areas while rejuvenating a beautiful lake front lot with subtle contrasting colors.

Modern Farmhouse

Square Inch Design

A for-market house finished in 2021. The house sits on a narrow, hillside lot overlooking the Square below. photography: Viktor Ramos
This is an example of a mid-sized country two-storey white house exterior in Cincinnati with concrete fiberboard siding, a mixed roof, a grey roof and board and batten siding.

Transitional Lake Retreat

Falcon Alaska

Large transitional three-storey blue house exterior in Other with concrete fiberboard siding, a shed roof, a mixed roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

Private Residence - Lake Oswego, Oregon

The WhiteHouse Collection

Large country grey house exterior in Portland with wood siding, a gable roof, a mixed roof, a grey roof and shingle siding.

Shadburn Ferry

Ironwood Construction Group LLC

This is an example of a country two-storey white house exterior in Atlanta with a gable roof, a mixed roof, a grey roof, board and batten siding and clapboard siding.

Strathisla

Fiddes Architects

The main body of the house, running east / west with a 40 degree roof pitch, roof windows and dormers makes up the primary accommodation with a 1 & 3/4 storey massing. The garage and rear lounge create an additional wrap around form on the north east corner while the living room forms a gabled extrusion on the south face of the main body. The living area takes advantage of sunlight throughout the day thanks to a large glazed gable. This gable, along with other windows, allow light to penetrate deep into the plan throughout the year, particularly in the winter months when natural daylight is limited. Materials are used to purposely break up the elevations and emphasise changes in use or projections from the main, white house facade. The large projections accommodating the garage and open plan living area are wrapped in Quartz Grey Zinc Standing Seam roofing and cladding which continues to wrap around the rear corner extrusion off the main building. Vertical larch cladding with mid grey vacuum coating is used to differentiate smaller projections from the main form. The principal entrance, dormers and the external wall to the rear lounge provide a contrasting break in materials between the extruded forms and the different purpose of the spaces within.

Front Elevation

Forte Building Group, LLC

This is an example of a large transitional three-storey white house exterior in Nashville with a gable roof, a mixed roof and a grey roof.

Across the Pond - Front and Side Elevation - Night/Evening

Homes by Design

At night, this home comes alive with custom exterior lighting. A long driveway leads you to this amazing home. It features a covered and arched entry, two front turrets and a mix of stucco and stone covers the exterior. A circular drive makes access to front entry easy for your guests. The side of the home borders a beautiful and relaxing pond.

Grogans Mill Contemporary

Brickmoon Design

Photo of a contemporary two-storey stucco white house exterior in Houston with a gable roof, a mixed roof and a grey roof.

Reclaimed and Painted Brick Creole Style

Wyrick Residential Design

This is an example of a large two-storey brick white house exterior in Houston with a hip roof, a mixed roof and a grey roof.

W 49th Residence

Workshop No. 5

Photo of a small contemporary two-storey brick grey house exterior in Austin with a butterfly roof, a mixed roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

The Little Barn

Home & Maker

Having just relocated to Cornwall, our homeowners Jo and Richard were eager to make the most of their beautiful, countryside surroundings. With a previously derelict outhouse on their property, they decided to transform this into a welcoming guest annex. Featuring natural materials and plenty of light, this barn conversion is complete with a patio from which to enjoy those stunning Cornish views.

Gorgeous Open Floor Plan Cottage in Los Gatos

Spaces By Juliana Linssen, Inc.

Mid-sized transitional one-storey white house exterior in San Francisco with wood siding, a gable roof, a mixed roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

Plymouth

LOPEZ ARCHITECTS AIA

Design ideas for a large contemporary two-storey concrete grey house exterior in Los Angeles with a flat roof, a mixed roof and a grey roof.

Isle of Palms Lowcountry Modern

Phillip Smith General Contractor, LLC

Inspiration for an expansive beach style three-storey white house exterior in Charleston with mixed siding, a hip roof, a mixed roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

Ridgefield Circle

Carlton Edwards

This design involved a renovation and expansion of the existing home. The result is to provide for a multi-generational legacy home. It is used as a communal spot for gathering both family and work associates for retreats. ADA compliant. Photographer: Zeke Ruelas

Farmhouse Plan 51-1170

User

This beautiful modern farmhouse plan gives you major curb appeal and an open floor plan. Don't miss the stylish island kitchen!
Mid-sized country one-storey white house exterior with wood siding, a gable roof, a mixed roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

Exterior Design Ideas with a Mixed Roof and a Grey 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.