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.

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

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.

Central Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

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

San Souci

elana clark photography

Mid-sized contemporary exterior in Sydney.

Elwood House

User

Mid-sized modern two-storey stucco white 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.

Inner city north facing house

Baker Drofenik Architects Pty Ltd

Feature front door
Mid-sized contemporary one-storey grey house exterior in Melbourne with metal siding, a gable roof, a metal roof and a grey roof.

TURNBULL TRIGG

Transform WA

Mid-sized contemporary exterior in Perth.

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

Eliza House

WALA

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

Contemporary Cottage

Christopher Hall Architect, Inc.

Expansive water views make this classic shingle style home on the east branch of the Westport River an ideal family retreat. Behind the quiet and unassuming front exterior, the residence is quintessential transitional cottage style with a bright open feel, light color palette, and numerous large glass windows.

Del Ray Sears Bungalow

WINN Design+Build

Stacy Zarin-Goldberg
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional two-storey yellow house exterior in DC Metro with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Craftsman Home Exterior

Alair Homes Green Bay

Our craftsman ranch features a mix of siding and stone to highlight architectural features like box and dormer windows and a lovely arched portico. White trim work provides a clean and crisp contrast to gray siding, and a side-entry garage maximizes space for the attractive craftsman elements of this ranch-style family home. Siding Color/Brand: Georgia Pacific - Shadow Shingles: Certainteed Landmark Weatherwood

Water's Edge, Lake Chatuge - Lakeview

Timberlake Custom Homes

Kurtis Miller - KM Pics
Inspiration for a mid-sized country two-storey red house exterior in Atlanta with mixed siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, board and batten siding and shingle siding.

Craftsman Greenville Home

Evergreen Custom Construction

Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts two-storey green house exterior in Other with mixed siding and a gable roof.

Bridge House

HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Northeast Elevation reveals private deck, dog run, and entry porch overlooking Pier Cove Valley to the north - Bridge House - Fenneville, Michigan - Lake Michigan, Saugutuck, Michigan, Douglas Michigan - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Midcentury Exterior

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury one-storey beige house exterior in Dallas with stone veneer and a shed roof.

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.

Greenlea

Visbeen Architects

Design ideas for a mid-sized country two-storey white house exterior in Grand Rapids with concrete fiberboard siding, a gable roof and a mixed 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.