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.

San Souci

elana clark photography

Mid-sized contemporary exterior in Sydney.

Eliza House

WALA

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern two-storey black house exterior in Melbourne with wood siding and a metal roof.

Central Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

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

Elwood House

User

Mid-sized modern two-storey stucco white house exterior in Melbourne with a flat roof.

Fabrica

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.

Gallery (Our Work)

SOS Architects

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.

San Francisco renovation

Kathleen Bost Architecture + Design

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey stucco grey house exterior in San Francisco with a flat 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.

Ridgehaven Transitional

Shaddock Custom Builders and Developers

Photo of a mid-sized transitional two-storey stucco white house exterior in Dallas with a gable roof and a metal roof.

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

Ridgeview

Ridge Creek Custom Homes

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional two-storey grey exterior in Minneapolis with stone veneer and a gable roof.

Urban Four-Square

Moore Architects, PC

While cleaning out the attic of this recently purchased Arlington farmhouse, an amazing view was discovered: the Washington Monument was visible on the horizon. The architect and owner agreed that this was a serendipitous opportunity. A badly needed renovation and addition of this residence was organized around a grand gesture reinforcing this view shed. A glassy “look out room” caps a new tower element added to the left side of the house and reveals distant views east over the Rosslyn business district and beyond to the National Mall. A two-story addition, containing a new kitchen and master suite, was placed in the rear yard, where a crumbling former porch and oddly shaped closet addition was removed. The new work defers to the original structure, stepping back to maintain a reading of the historic house. The dwelling was completely restored and repaired, maintaining existing room proportions as much as possible, while opening up views and adding larger windows. A small mudroom appendage engages the landscape and helps to create an outdoor room at the rear of the property. It also provides a secondary entrance to the house from the detached garage. Internally, there is a seamless transition between old and new. Photos: Hoachlander Davis Photography

Lake House

Rosalind Brinn Pope Interior Design

Cottage Style Lake house
This is an example of a mid-sized beach style one-storey blue house exterior in Indianapolis with wood siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Village Exterior

Homes by Pinnacle, Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional two-storey grey house exterior in Chicago with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Los Altos Modern Prairie II

Studio S Squared Architecture, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional two-storey stucco beige house exterior in San Francisco with a hip roof and a metal roof.

Old Hill House

Sellars Lathrop Architects, llc

Mid-sized traditional two-storey white exterior in Bridgeport with wood siding, a gable roof and a mixed roof.

Sinclair II Project

Cedar & Oak, Inc

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional two-storey stucco exterior in Austin.

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.