Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean two-storey stucco white exterior in Orlando.

Incorporating a unique blue-chip art collection, this modern Hamptons home was meticulously designed to complement the owners' cherished art collections. The thoughtful design seamlessly integrates tailored storage and entertainment solutions, all while upholding a crisp and sophisticated aesthetic. The front exterior of the home boasts a neutral palette, creating a timeless and inviting curb appeal. The muted colors harmonize beautifully with the surrounding landscape, welcoming all who approach with a sense of warmth and charm. ---Project completed by New York interior design firm Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors, which serves New York City, as well as across the tri-state area and in The Hamptons. For more about Betty Wasserman, see here: https://www.bettywasserman.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.bettywasserman.com/spaces/westhampton-art-centered-oceanfront-home/

Sparrow Beginnings

M & K Lighting

Mid-sized country one-storey green exterior in Oklahoma City with wood siding and a gable roof.

Ballard Traditional

NRC HOMES

This was originally a one-story house from the 1940s in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. The present owner's grandmother was its original owner. Architect Dan Malone, of Soundesign Group, designed a second-story addition and remodel that preserved the traditional character of the house. The brick facade is original, but the big window in front is not! The Douglas fir front door and pine soffit above the entry are a nice warm contrast to the cool blue siding. Photo by John G. Wilbanks.

Venice Canal Homes

Lauri Matisse Architect

Matisse Design Stair and Stucco Details
Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean two-storey exterior in Los Angeles.

Larchmont Village House

Stephen Moser Architect

View of the dramatic backyard two-story addition
Mid-sized scandinavian two-storey grey house exterior in New York with wood siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Catskill Mountain House

Audrey Matlock Architect

Peter Aaron
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary one-storey glass white house exterior in New York with a flat roof and a mixed roof.

Exteriors

Greg McGar Construction

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey blue exterior in Seattle with mixed siding.

Timber Wolf Bed & Breakfast

Streamline Design Ltd.

Front View of The Timber Wolf of Sun peaks bed and Breakfast
Photo of a mid-sized modern three-storey green exterior in Vancouver with mixed siding and a gable roof.

Wembley

Nulook Homes

Ron Tan
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary one-storey grey exterior in Perth with concrete fiberboard siding.

Exterior Entry Fence

ODS Architecture

Street view detail of slatted wood screening rail, glass garage and main entry door.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern two-storey brown house exterior in San Francisco with wood siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

San Mateo Addition

Di Vittorio Construction, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional one-storey stucco blue house exterior in San Francisco with a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Portland Contemporary Home

User

The original small 2 bedroom dwelling was deconstructed piece by piece, with every element recycled/re-used. The larger, newly built home + studio uses much less energy than the original. In fact, the home and office combined are net zero (the home’s blower door test came in at Passive House levels, though certification was not procured). The transformed home boasts a better functioning layout, increased square footage, and bold accent colors to boot. The multiple level patios book-end the home’s front and rear facades. The added outdoor living with the nearly 13’ sliding doors allows ample natural light into the home. The transom windows create an increased openness with the floor to ceiling glazing. The larger tilt-turn windows throughout the home provide ventilation and open views for the 3-level contemporary home. In addition, the larger overhangs provide increased passive thermal protection from the scattered sunny days. The conglomeration of exterior materials is diverse and playful with dark stained wood, concrete, natural wood finish, and teal horizontal siding. A fearless selection of a bright orange window brings a bold accent to the street-side composition. These elements combined create a dynamic modern design to the inclusive Portland backdrop.

Arts & Craft Lot 5

Cool Mountain Construction, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized arts and crafts blue exterior in Other with mixed siding.

OVERLOOK RENOVATION

Xavier Design Group

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury one-storey stucco white house exterior in Los Angeles with a shed roof.

Custom Homes

CORE Design + Build, LLC

1972 mid-century remodel to extend the design into a contemporary look. Both interior & exterior spaces were renovated to brighten up & maximize space.

Whispering Meadows XX

Glas Associates

The exterior entry features tall windows surrounded by stone and a wood door.
Mid-sized country three-storey white house exterior in Grand Rapids with mixed siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, board and batten siding and a grey roof.

Reneau Way #35

EPG Homes, LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts two-storey blue house exterior in Other with wood siding, a clipped gable roof and a shingle roof.

Exterior Gallery

RMR Group

Mid-sized country one-storey brown house exterior in Other with mixed siding, a flat roof and a metal roof.

Waban Hill Rd

RBL Architects

The owners were downsizing from a large ornate property down the street and were seeking a number of goals. Single story living, modern and open floor plan, comfortable working kitchen, spaces to house their collection of artwork, low maintenance and a strong connection between the interior and the landscape. Working with a long narrow lot adjacent to conservation land, the main living space (16 foot ceiling height at its peak) opens with folding glass doors to a large screen porch that looks out on a courtyard and the adjacent wooded landscape. This gives the home the perception that it is on a much larger lot and provides a great deal of privacy. The transition from the entry to the core of the home provides a natural gallery in which to display artwork and sculpture. Artificial light almost never needs to be turned on during daytime hours and the substantial peaked roof over the main living space is oriented to allow for solar panels not visible from the street or yard.

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.