Midcentury Exterior Design Ideas

Eric Rorer
Photo of a large midcentury two-storey grey exterior in San Francisco with mixed siding and a flat roof.

The shape of the angled porch-roof, sets the tone for a truly modern entryway. This protective covering makes a dramatic statement, as it hovers over the front door. The blue-stone terrace conveys even more interest, as it gradually moves upward, morphing into steps, until it reaches the porch. Porch Detail The multicolored tan stone, used for the risers and retaining walls, is proportionally carried around the base of the house. Horizontal sustainable-fiber cement board replaces the original vertical wood siding, and widens the appearance of the facade. The color scheme — blue-grey siding, cherry-wood door and roof underside, and varied shades of tan and blue stone — is complimented by the crisp-contrasting black accents of the thin-round metal columns, railing, window sashes, and the roof fascia board and gutters. This project is a stunning example of an exterior, that is both asymmetrical and symmetrical. Prior to the renovation, the house had a bland 1970s exterior. Now, it is interesting, unique, and inviting. Photography Credit: Tom Holdsworth Photography Contractor: Owings Brothers Contracting

This staircase and adjacent rain garden create a welcoming and graceful entry into the backyard. Designed and installed by Pistils Landscape Design + Build.

mid-modern urban home. Steel Catwalk
Large midcentury two-storey black exterior in Seattle with a gable roof and mixed siding.

This is an example of a midcentury two-storey black house exterior in Portland.

Located in Wrightwood Estates, Levi Construction’s latest residency is a two-story mid-century modern home that was re-imagined and extensively remodeled with a designer’s eye for detail, beauty and function. Beautifully positioned on a 9,600-square-foot lot with approximately 3,000 square feet of perfectly-lighted interior space. The open floorplan includes a great room with vaulted ceilings, gorgeous chef’s kitchen featuring Viking appliances, a smart WiFi refrigerator, and high-tech, smart home technology throughout. There are a total of 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. On the first floor there are three large bedrooms, three bathrooms and a maid’s room with separate entrance. A custom walk-in closet and amazing bathroom complete the master retreat. The second floor has another large bedroom and bathroom with gorgeous views to the valley. The backyard area is an entertainer’s dream featuring a grassy lawn, covered patio, outdoor kitchen, dining pavilion, seating area with contemporary fire pit and an elevated deck to enjoy the beautiful mountain view. Project designed and built by Levi Construction http://www.leviconstruction.com/ Levi Construction is specialized in designing and building custom homes, room additions, and complete home remodels. Contact us today for a quote.

Ashley Avila Photography
Midcentury exterior in Grand Rapids with wood siding and a gable roof.

Inspiration for a midcentury exterior in Boston.

This 60's Style Ranch home was recently remodeled to withhold the Barley Pfeiffer standard. This home features large 8' vaulted ceilings, accented with stunning premium white oak wood. The large steel-frame windows and front door allow for the infiltration of natural light; specifically designed to let light in without heating the house. The fireplace is original to the home, but has been resurfaced with hand troweled plaster. Special design features include the rising master bath mirror to allow for additional storage. Photo By: Alan Barley

Joe Ercoli Photography
Inspiration for a large midcentury one-storey white exterior in San Francisco with mixed siding.

Sited in the Crestview neighborhood in Central Austin, the Threshold House aims to fit into the humble character of the neighborhood of 1940’s homes while also differentiating itself with contemporary design moves and materials. The floor plan configuration optimizes the lot, providing most spaces a direct connection to the back yard. The design also preserves the existing pecan trees to provide privacy and dappled daylight through carefully-designed doors and windows. The “threshold” title is based on a brick wall which tracks through the house to provide a clear separation and portal between the public and privates spaces, while also adding material interest. Project Manager: Ian M. Ellis Design Team: Matt Fajkus, AIA, David Birt, Ian M. Ellis Design Support: Garland Fielder, Jeff McCord, Justin Ford General Contractor: Ranserve Photography: Allison Cartwright - Twist Tours

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury three-storey grey house exterior in Other with mixed siding, a shed roof and a metal roof.

Design ideas for a midcentury exterior in Charlotte.

Photo of a large midcentury one-storey grey house exterior in Denver with a shed roof and mixed siding.

Here is an architecturally built house from the early 1970's which was brought into the new century during this complete home remodel by adding a garage space, new windows triple pane tilt and turn windows, cedar double front doors, clear cedar siding with clear cedar natural siding accents, clear cedar garage doors, galvanized over sized gutters with chain style downspouts, standing seam metal roof, re-purposed arbor/pergola, professionally landscaped yard, and stained concrete driveway, walkways, and steps.

Inspiration for a midcentury exterior in San Francisco.

Eugenia Uhl
This is an example of a midcentury one-storey brick exterior in New Orleans with a gable roof.

With a grand total of 1,247 square feet of living space, the Lincoln Deck House was designed to efficiently utilize every bit of its floor plan. This home features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a two-car detached garage and boasts an impressive great room, whose soaring ceilings and walls of glass welcome the outside in to make the space feel one with nature.

We like drawing inspiration from mid century queues. Examples of this can be seen in the low pitched roof lines and tapered brick. We also like to think you can get some big looks while still being frugal. While going for a tongue and groove cedar look, we opted to use cedar fence pickets to give us and inexpensive but decadent feel to our roof eaves.