Bi-level converted to a colonial style home

Room added over garage, new two-story entry foyer with portico overhang, and stone siding accents.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional two-storey beige exterior in New York with vinyl siding and a gable roof.

Cherry Tree Terrace House

Akita Komar Architects

This is an example of a three-storey green townhouse exterior in London with metal siding, a gambrel roof and a metal roof.

Barndominium

CORNERSTONE NORTH TEXAS BUILDERS, LLC

Metal Barndominium
Design ideas for a country split-level white house exterior in Dallas with metal siding, a gable roof, a metal roof and a brown roof.

urban front – root / parma – RAL

Urban Front

We all love this door in the office as it really brings home what Urban Front is all about. The Root design here looks fabulous in it's very distinctive surround in zinc and the aluminium curtain walling around it. Going for a lighter colour on your door than the rest of the windows on the building is a great way to ensure that your front door stands out. The Root e80 with pivot opening shown here is approximately 1.2m x 2.4m and is in the light grey RAL colour 7004.

Front Porch Facelift

RIC design build

Our client loved their home, but didn't love the exterior, which was dated and didn't reflect their aesthetic. A fresh farmhouse design fit the architecture and their plant-loving vibe. A widened, modern approach to the porch, a fresh coat of paint, a new front door, raised pollinator garden beds and rain chains make this a sustainable and beautiful place to welcome you home.

Farmhouse Elevations

Jagoe Homes Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized country two-storey grey house exterior in Louisville with vinyl siding, a hip roof, a shingle roof, a black roof and board and batten siding.

Holly Hill House

Robert M. Cain, Architect

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

Southport Cottage Home

Southern Comfort Homes, Inc.

Custom cottage in coastal village of Southport NC. Easy single floor living with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open living spaces, outdoor breezeway and screened porch.

The Cottonwood

Kessler Construction LLC

Custom home with a screened porch and single hung windows.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional one-storey blue house exterior with vinyl siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, a black roof and clapboard siding.

Mastic Vinyl Siding, Harvey Windows, & Therma-Tru Door, Lakeville, MA

Care Free Homes, Inc.

Mastic Vinyl Siding, Harvey Windows, and a Therma-Tru Entry Door look beautiful on this Lakeville, MA colonial! The homeowner chose a combination of Mastic Cedar Discovery and Carvedwood 44 Vinyl Siding in the historic color, Russet Red. Cedar Discovery mimics the look of painted cedar shingles and Carvedwood 44 replicates the look of painted cedar clapboard siding. With realistic wood textures and shadow lines, these homeowners have a durable and affordable siding option that looks beautiful without the worry that comes along with wood siding. With a 230 mph wind rating and an lovely collection of colors, textures, and styles, our customers enjoy both the durability and beauty of professional grade siding. We also installed Harvey Classic Double Hung Vinyl Replacement windows. The Harvey Classic is our top-selling, energy efficient replacement window. Homeowners enjoy tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning, customizable colors, hardware, and grid patterns. As one of the area’s select Harvey Elite Window Dealers, Care Free customers can also choose from exclusive package upgrades and warranties that can’t be offered by ordinary contractors. A Therm-Tru Fiberglass Entry system is factory-finished in the color, onyx. This Smooth Star door welcomes guests with a pair of coordinating sidelites featuring decorative glass and grids. Care Free Homes is the preferred contractor of thousands of homeowners. Past customers and referrals are responsible for over half of our business each year! Once you become a Care Free customer – chances are you’ll stay a Care Free customer and invite your friends and family to become one, too! We ask for absolutely no money until the project is complete and have financing options for qualified homeowners. Get started on your project with a FREE Quote by calling (508) 997-1111 or contact us online and we’ll follow up with you! Make your house a Care Free home!

Nocona Barndominium

First Choice Custom Builders

Custom Barndominium
Inspiration for a mid-sized country one-storey grey house exterior in Austin with metal siding, a gable roof, a metal roof and a grey roof.

Shediac River Cottage

Kent Homes Bouctouche

This prow front and low 12' deep deck face the Shediac River. Flooding the spaces with light and creating an impressive balance. Upstairs the dormers feature built in window seats in the bunk and family rooms. An impressive cottage design.

Bridge House

HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Entry Pier and West Entry Porch overlooks Pier Cove Valley - Welcome to Bridge House - Fenneville, Michigan - Lake Michigan, Saugutuck, Michigan, Douglas Michigan - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Past Present House

chadbourne + doss architects

The new addition extends from and expands an existing flat roof dormer. Aluminum plate siding marries with brick, glass, and concrete to tie new to old.

Ranch Transformation with Screened Porch & Deck

Degnan Design-Build-Remodel

The front of the home presents and entirely new character. accommodation of both dark and light colored siding, punctuated by vertical siding and shakes, transforms the once bland book of the home.

Exterior

New View Designs by Laurie Cole Inc.

Black vinyl board and batten style siding was installed around the entire exterior, accented with cedar wood tones on the garage door, dormer window, and the posts on the front porch. The dark, modern look was continued with the use of black soffit, fascia, windows, and stone.

Crestwood Renovation

Alair Homes Clemson

This gorgeous home renovation features an expansive kitchen with large, seated island, open living room with vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams, and plenty of finished outdoor living space to enjoy the gorgeous outdoor views.

CertainTeed Vinyl Siding & Farmers Porch, Taunton, MA

Care Free Homes, Inc.

CertainTeed MainStreet vinyl siding in Autumn Yellow along with CertainTeed Cedar Impressions 1/2 round shingles in Colonial White bring durable beauty to this home. With realistic wood textures, shadow lines and a beautiful collection of fade-resistant colors, you can give your home classic curb appeal without the maintenance! This farmer’s porch was finished using Timbertech AZEK Harvest Collection decking in Kona and a Timbertech rail system in White. AZEK decking captures the look of natural wood without having to worry about resealing, splinters, and rot! Made to also handle different weather conditions this composite decking will not fade or split when under pressure. It is the perfect place to read a book, visit with guests, or enjoy a morning cup of coffee! With a gorgeous collection of colors and realistic wood textures, there is something to suit everyone’s style. We also installed Harvey Classic Double Hung Replacement Windows in the color, White. Our most popular selling window for good reason Harvey Classic Windows has a timeless look that will never go out of style. They are customized to order so homeowners can get their dream perfect windows! Lastly, we installed two Therma-Tru doors in the color, Mahogany. Made out of fiberglass Therma-Tru doors require less maintenance, stay painted longer, and regulate your home’s temperature. These doors come in a variety of styles and colors so you can really make your home stand out!

Wriff Residence

Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio

Inspiration for a midcentury black house exterior in Portland with metal siding, a shed roof and a metal roof.

Craftsman Colonial

Creative Design Construction, Inc.

Photo of a large arts and crafts two-storey green house exterior in New York with vinyl siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Exterior Design Ideas with Vinyl Siding and Metal 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.