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

Vanquish - Certified Passive House

Solaire

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey black house exterior in Brisbane with wood siding.

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.

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.

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.

Elwood House

User

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

San Souci

elana clark photography

Mid-sized contemporary exterior in Sydney.

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.

TURNBULL TRIGG

Transform WA

Mid-sized contemporary exterior in Perth.

Custom Brookhaven Home

Vincent Longo Custom Builders

Willet Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional three-storey brick white house exterior in Atlanta with a gable roof and a mixed roof.

Menlo Oaks Residence

Arcanum Architecture

Inspiration for a mid-sized country two-storey exterior in San Francisco with wood siding.

woods cove contemporary cottage

Moss Yaw Design studio

Vertical cedar, smooth stucco, clean white siding, and metal standing seam roof create a modern cottage aesthetic for curb appeal at the front exterior of this Laguna Beach home.

Moonstone Street, Manhattan Beach

Schneider Custom Homes

Schneider Custom Homes, www.BuildSCH.com
Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean two-storey exterior in Los Angeles.

Monterey

Paso Robles Landscaping

Front landscaping in Monterey, CA with hand cut Carmel stone on outside of custom home, paver driveway, custom fencing and entry way.
Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style two-storey stucco beige house exterior in San Luis Obispo with a hip roof, a tile roof and a red roof.

Hill Country Modern Farmhouse

Bohannon Design Team

Mid-sized country one-storey white house exterior in Dallas with mixed siding, a mixed roof, a grey roof and board and batten siding.

Cliffside Farmhouse // Modern Farmhouse

Younger Homes

Photo of a mid-sized country one-storey white house exterior in Austin with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof, a metal roof, a black roof and board and batten siding.

Entertainer's Dream - Front

Bohannon Design Team

The home features high clerestory windows and a welcoming front porch, nestled between beautiful live oaks.
Mid-sized country one-storey grey house exterior in Dallas with stone veneer, a gable roof, a metal roof, a grey roof and board and batten siding.

Rustic Coastal Farmhouse

Southern Grace Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized country two-storey white house exterior in Atlanta with wood siding and a metal roof.

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.