This barn addition was accomplished by dismantling an antique timber frame and resurrecting it alongside a beautiful 19th century farmhouse in Vermont. What makes this property even more special, is that all native Vermont elements went into the build, from the original barn to locally harvested floors and cabinets, native river rock for the chimney and fireplace and local granite for the foundation. The stone walls on the grounds were all made from stones found on the property. The addition is a multi-level design with 1821 sq foot of living space between the first floor and the loft. The open space solves the problems of small rooms in an old house. The barn addition has ICFs (r23) and SIPs so the building is airtight and energy efficient. It was very satisfying to take an old barn which was no longer being used and to recycle it to preserve it's history and give it a new life.

Gracious front porch

Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects, Inc.

Small arts and crafts two-storey green exterior in DC Metro with wood siding and a gable roof.

Scandinavian Modern Exterior Entry

10K Architecture

A Scandinavian modern home in Shorewood, Minnesota with simple gable roof forms and black exterior. The entry has been sided with Resysta, a durable rainscreen material that is natural in appearance.

Annapolis Waterfront Home

Melissa McLay Interiors

Mid-sized beach style white house exterior in Baltimore with wood siding, a shed roof and a mixed roof.

Gazebos

E V Decks And Gazebos

Exterior in Houston with wood siding and a shingle roof.

Charwood™ – Shou-Sugi-Ban Japanese Style Charred Wood

Montana Timber Products

This is an example of a country grey house exterior in Boise with wood siding.

Melody Ln, Naperville, IL

M House Development

This is an example of a country two-storey white house exterior in Chicago with wood siding, a gable roof, a mixed roof and a black roof.

New Hampshire Snow and Lake Lodge

MossCreek

This beautiful lake and snow lodge site on the waters edge of Lake Sunapee, and only one mile from Mt Sunapee Ski and Snowboard Resort. The home features conventional and timber frame construction. MossCreek's exquisite use of exterior materials include poplar bark, antique log siding with dovetail corners, hand cut timber frame, barn board siding and local river stone piers and foundation. Inside, the home features reclaimed barn wood walls, floors and ceilings.

Completed Projects

Curtiss Construction

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional two-storey grey house exterior in Chicago with wood siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Silverlake/Brier

Landmark Building Inc

Design ideas for a mid-sized arts and crafts one-storey blue exterior in Los Angeles with wood siding and a gable roof.

Waterfront exterior of home

Purple Cherry Architects

David Burroughs Photography
This is an example of a large beach style two-storey exterior in Baltimore with wood siding.

Coastal with French Chateau Characteristics

Patrick Widing Custom Homes

Inspiration for a large traditional two-storey beige house exterior in Detroit with wood siding, a hip roof and a shingle roof.

Marlowe Residence

COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio

This breezeway connects the 3-car garage to the house, while providing a place to store coats and shoes on the way in.
Photo of a country grey exterior in Chicago with wood siding.

Belgian/Dutch Inspired Farmhouse

Kate Johns Designs

The house glows at the end of the day. Photos: Scott Benedict, Practical(ly) Studios
Design ideas for a large country two-storey white exterior in New York with wood siding.

Westport Beach House

Bensonwood

Ann Sellars Lathrop
This is an example of a mid-sized country two-storey white house exterior in New York with wood siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Cottage Exterior

Eye 4 Color Designs/Paint Smart Studio

Small traditional one-storey green exterior in Chicago with wood siding and a shed roof.

Flinders Ranch

Destination Living

The brief for this project was for the house to be at one with its surroundings. Integrating harmoniously into its coastal setting a focus for the house was to open it up to allow the light and sea breeze to breathe through the building. The first floor seems almost to levitate above the landscape by minimising the visual bulk of the ground floor through the use of cantilevers and extensive glazing. The contemporary lines and low lying form echo the rolling country in which it resides.

Vineyard Home

Mikiten Architecture

Surrounded by permanently protected open space in the historic winemaking area of the South Livermore Valley, this house presents a weathered wood barn to the road, and has metal-clad sheds behind. The design process was driven by the metaphor of an old farmhouse that had been incrementally added to over the years. The spaces open to expansive views of vineyards and unspoiled hills. Erick Mikiten, AIA

The Green House

Stephen R. Holt Architects

This home was built for a couple who were interested in the modern architecture of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. They wanted their home to be energy efficient and to blend with the natural environment. The site they selected was on a steep rocky wooded hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As serious art collectors they also needed natural lighting and expansive spaces in which to display their extensive collections.

Bainbridge Island Retreat

Ben Trogdon Architects

This is an example of a mid-sized asian one-storey brown house exterior in Seattle with wood siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Exterior Design Ideas with Wood 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.