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.

Patching Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

This is an example of a large beach style two-storey black house exterior in Geelong with concrete fiberboard siding, a flat roof and a metal roof.

Hamptons Home, Phil & Amity's House, SA

James Hardie Australia

They were competitors on the first ever series of The Block and winners of The Block All Stars, now Phil and Amity have completed their own home. Designed by Amity and Peter East and decorated by Amity herself, this family home was built by Scott Salisbury Homes and reflects the couple's love of Hamptons, Queenslander and Edwardian style weatherboard houses. Located in Tranmere, South Australia, this home is clad with Scyon Linea (painted in Wattyl Wicker White) which creates a heritage aesthetic without the high maintenance of timber weatherboards. The wrap around verandah further speaks to a classic Australian look. Complete with French doors that create an opening between the front rooms and the verandah, Phil and Amity’s new home is a modern interpretation of the Hampton’s style with a quintessential Australian twist. Photographer: Aaron Citti

Farmhouse

Bret Franks Construction, Inc.

Inspiration for a large country two-storey house exterior in Little Rock with concrete fiberboard siding, a metal roof and a black roof.

Lincoln

Acorn Deck House Company

With a grand total of 1,247 square feet of living space, the Lincoln Deck House was designed to efficiently utilize every bit of its floor plan. This home features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a two-car detached garage and boasts an impressive great room, whose soaring ceilings and walls of glass welcome the outside in to make the space feel one with nature.

Lochley - Narrow Lakefront Lot

Visbeen Architects

Forget just one room with a view—Lochley has almost an entire house dedicated to capturing nature’s best views and vistas. Make the most of a waterside or lakefront lot in this economical yet elegant floor plan, which was tailored to fit a narrow lot and has more than 1,600 square feet of main floor living space as well as almost as much on its upper and lower levels. A dovecote over the garage, multiple peaks and interesting roof lines greet guests at the street side, where a pergola over the front door provides a warm welcome and fitting intro to the interesting design. Other exterior features include trusses and transoms over multiple windows, siding, shutters and stone accents throughout the home’s three stories. The water side includes a lower-level walkout, a lower patio, an upper enclosed porch and walls of windows, all designed to take full advantage of the sun-filled site. The floor plan is all about relaxation – the kitchen includes an oversized island designed for gathering family and friends, a u-shaped butler’s pantry with a convenient second sink, while the nearby great room has built-ins and a central natural fireplace. Distinctive details include decorative wood beams in the living and kitchen areas, a dining area with sloped ceiling and decorative trusses and built-in window seat, and another window seat with built-in storage in the den, perfect for relaxing or using as a home office. A first-floor laundry and space for future elevator make it as convenient as attractive. Upstairs, an additional 1,200 square feet of living space include a master bedroom suite with a sloped 13-foot ceiling with decorative trusses and a corner natural fireplace, a master bath with two sinks and a large walk-in closet with built-in bench near the window. Also included is are two additional bedrooms and access to a third-floor loft, which could functions as a third bedroom if needed. Two more bedrooms with walk-in closets and a bath are found in the 1,300-square foot lower level, which also includes a secondary kitchen with bar, a fitness room overlooking the lake, a recreation/family room with built-in TV and a wine bar perfect for toasting the beautiful view beyond.

Texas Contemporary

Tanner Consulting LLC- Landscape Architecture

DRM Design Group provided Landscape Architecture services for a Local Austin, Texas residence. We worked closely with Redbud Custom Homes and Tim Brown Architecture to create a custom low maintenance- low water use contemporary landscape design. This Eco friendly design has a simple and crisp look with great contrasting colors that really accentuate the existing trees. www.redbudaustin.com www.timbrownarch.com

16th Street Bungalow

MPR Architecture

Rear facade with paneled bay window and lattice.
Photo of an arts and crafts two-storey blue house exterior in DC Metro with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

Moreland - Palmetto Bluff Low Country Transitional Home

Markalunas Architecture Group

Transitional two-storey white house exterior in Charleston with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof, a metal roof and clapboard siding.

Modern Chic Home Federal

Green Earth Homes

Photo of a black house exterior in Sunshine Coast with concrete fiberboard siding, a flat roof, a metal roof and a white roof.

Lyons Gem

Rodwin Architecture & Skycastle Homes

Photo of a small country one-storey grey exterior in Denver with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, a grey roof and board and batten siding.

N45° 0' 20"

Unfold Architecture

Front Entry
Inspiration for a large modern two-storey black house exterior in Minneapolis with concrete fiberboard siding, a flat roof and clapboard siding.

204 Captains Island Drive

Cobb Architects

Traditional two-storey white house exterior in Charleston with concrete fiberboard siding, a hip roof, a metal roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

Cambridgeport Transitional Cottage

Wendel Klein Builders, Inc.

Front entry of a Cambridgeport cottage with red door and mahogany decking.
Inspiration for a small transitional two-storey grey house exterior in Boston with concrete fiberboard siding, a shingle roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.

House rear exterior

Lauren Shadid Architecture + Interiors

This is an example of a large country one-storey white house exterior in Denver with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof, a mixed roof, a black roof and board and batten siding.

The Hudson

Dream Homes Construction & Design

This is an example of a large one-storey black house exterior in Cedar Rapids with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, a black roof and board and batten siding.

La Jolla ADU

CairnsCraft Design & Remodel

Small contemporary one-storey grey exterior in San Diego with concrete fiberboard siding, a hip roof, a shingle roof, a grey roof and board and batten siding.

Paradise Found - Coming 2022

NUMI Build

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury one-storey black house exterior in Los Angeles with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof and a grey roof.

Colonial Refacing - Front Facade

Hierarchy Architecture + Design, PLLC

Refaced Traditional Colonial home with white Azek PVC trim and James Hardie plank siding. This home is highlighted by a beautiful Palladian window over the front portico and an eye-catching red front door.

Village Renovation

cedar street builders

Small arts and crafts one-storey pink house exterior in Indianapolis with concrete fiberboard siding, a mixed roof and a grey roof.

Exterior Design Ideas with Concrete Fiberboard Siding and Painted Brick Siding

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.