Photo of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey black house exterior in Geelong with a flat roof.

This is an example of a mid-sized modern two-storey brick house exterior in Canberra - Queanbeyan with a gable roof, a metal roof and a grey roof.

Hood House

Mihaly Slocombe

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.

Fabrica - with Chris Quirk & Kim Edwards

Mcmahon and Nerlich

The brick warehouse form below with Spanish-inspired cantilever pool element and hanging plants above..
Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial two-storey brick red house exterior in Melbourne with a flat roof.

Woodgee Street Additions

Habitat Studio Architects

The Woodgee Street Additions were designed to capitalise on the expansive views over Currumbin Beach and South East down to Greenmount The exposed detailing was reflective of the original fibro cottage on the site and to reinterpret the lightweight coastal vernacular with some contemporary materiality A large Eastern deck was added to provide an external living space on the steep site capitalising on the ocean views Operable bifold louvred shutters were added to the South East façade to control prevailing breezes Living spaces were added underneath for a growing family and Great Dane that had outgrown the current fibro dwelling Built by Lyle at Five Sea Construction Photos by Kristian Van Der Beek. KvdB

Oyster Point Residence

Urban Reach Residential

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Gold Coast - Tweed with mixed siding, a flat roof, a metal roof, a black roof and clapboard siding.

Elegance in Everything

Kelli Webber - Designer

Staging at the front door lets you know that beauty will come inside too!
Mid-sized transitional white exterior in Boston with wood siding.

Eleanor - Low Country Farmhouse

Visbeen Architects

The best of past and present architectural styles combine in this welcoming, farmhouse-inspired design. Clad in low-maintenance siding, the distinctive exterior has plenty of street appeal, with its columned porch, multiple gables, shutters and interesting roof lines. Other exterior highlights included trusses over the garage doors, horizontal lap siding and brick and stone accents. The interior is equally impressive, with an open floor plan that accommodates today’s family and modern lifestyles. An eight-foot covered porch leads into a large foyer and a powder room. Beyond, the spacious first floor includes more than 2,000 square feet, with one side dominated by public spaces that include a large open living room, centrally located kitchen with a large island that seats six and a u-shaped counter plan, formal dining area that seats eight for holidays and special occasions and a convenient laundry and mud room. The left side of the floor plan contains the serene master suite, with an oversized master bath, large walk-in closet and 16 by 18-foot master bedroom that includes a large picture window that lets in maximum light and is perfect for capturing nearby views. Relax with a cup of morning coffee or an evening cocktail on the nearby covered patio, which can be accessed from both the living room and the master bedroom. Upstairs, an additional 900 square feet includes two 11 by 14-foot upper bedrooms with bath and closet and a an approximately 700 square foot guest suite over the garage that includes a relaxing sitting area, galley kitchen and bath, perfect for guests or in-laws.

Queen Anne Bungalow Resurrection

Carl Mattison Design

The bungalow after renovation. You can see two of the upper gables that were added but still fit the size and feel of the home. Soft green siding color with gray sash allows the blue of the door to pop. Photography by Josh Vick

Front Doors

Glenn Layton Homes

Glenn Layton Homes, LLC, "Building Your Coastal Lifestyle"
Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style two-storey beige house exterior in Jacksonville with wood siding and a hip roof.

Lake Norman - indoor-outdoor living

Collaborative Interior Design

Dark paint color and a pop of pink invite you into this families lakeside home. The cedar pergola over the garage works beautifully off the dark paint.

Nest in the Trees

Anchor Builders

Design & Build Team: Anchor Builders, Photographer: Andrea Rugg Photography
Photo of a mid-sized traditional two-storey grey exterior in Minneapolis with concrete fiberboard siding and a gable roof.

Buckhead

J Steven Kemp Architect

Photo of a mid-sized traditional three-storey brick beige house exterior in Atlanta with a shingle roof.

Front Exterior

Carrick Custom Home Design

Craftsman Style Exterior
Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts two-storey exterior in Salt Lake City.

Steamboat Springs Timber Frame

Mountain Life and Home of Colorado

Timber Frame Home, Rustic Barnwood, Stone, Corrugated Metal Siding
This is an example of a mid-sized country three-storey brown house exterior in Denver with mixed siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof and a brown roof.

Whispering Meadows XX

Glas Associates

Fresh, classic white styling with brick accents and black trim
Mid-sized country three-storey white house exterior in Grand Rapids with a gable roof, a shingle roof, concrete fiberboard siding and board and batten siding.

Cartright Ranch | Contemporary Farmhouse

Solitude Homes

Inspiration for a mid-sized country two-storey stucco brown house exterior in Boise with a hip roof and a shingle roof.

Hickory Hill | Rustic Modern Cottage

Vision Interiors

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area and screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for a shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear-facing exercise has great views of the lake through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below.

Milton Renovation

New River Building Co.

Photo Credit: David Cannon; Design: Michelle Mentzer Instagram: @newriverbuildingco
Mid-sized country two-storey white house exterior in Atlanta with mixed siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Vintage Modern Garage

HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Front east elevation reveals main public entry and new stepped retaining walls from parking area. Original limestone and roof overhangs were maintained, while siding and some details were enhanced. - Architecture + Photography: HAUS

Mid-sized Exterior Design Ideas

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.