A young family with a wooded, triangular lot in Ipswich, Massachusetts wanted to take on a highly creative, organic, and unrushed process in designing their new home. The parents of three boys had contemporary ideas for living, including phasing the construction of different structures over time as the kids grew so they could maximize the options for use on their land. They hoped to build a net zero energy home that would be cozy on the very coldest days of winter, using cost-efficient methods of home building. The house needed to be sited to minimize impact on the land and trees, and it was critical to respect a conservation easement on the south border of the lot. Finally, the design would be contemporary in form and feel, but it would also need to fit into a classic New England context, both in terms of materials used and durability. We were asked to honor the notions of “surprise and delight,” and that inspired everything we designed for the family. The highly unique home consists of a three-story form, composed mostly of bedrooms and baths on the top two floors and a cross axis of shared living spaces on the first level. This axis extends out to an oversized covered porch, open to the south and west. The porch connects to a two-story garage with flex space above, used as a guest house, play room, and yoga studio depending on the day. A floor-to-ceiling ribbon of glass wraps the south and west walls of the lower level, bringing in an abundance of natural light and linking the entire open plan to the yard beyond. The master suite takes up the entire top floor, and includes an outdoor deck with a shower. The middle floor has extra height to accommodate a variety of multi-level play scenarios in the kids’ rooms. Many of the materials used in this house are made from recycled or environmentally friendly content, or they come from local sources. The high performance home has triple glazed windows and all materials, adhesives, and sealants are low toxicity and safe for growing kids. Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano

Menlo Park

Regan Baker Design Inc.

This is an example of a midcentury multi-coloured house exterior in San Francisco with mixed siding.

SkyFall | 4Views

Stuart Charles Towner

Stuart Charles Towner
Inspiration for a large contemporary two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Hampshire with mixed siding and a flat roof.

Brennan Traditions Windows - Haslet

Brennan Enterprises

Window replacement project ins Haslet, TX.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Dallas with mixed siding and a shingle roof.

Mid Century Modern

Riverdell Construction, Inc.

Jesse Smith
Mid-sized midcentury one-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Portland with mixed siding, a shed roof and a shingle roof.

Rosa Farmhouse

John Lively & Associates

Builder: Hayes Signature Homes Photography: Costa Christ Media
Design ideas for a country two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Dallas with mixed siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Modern Bungalow

David Small Designs

Photo Credit: Jason Hartog Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary one-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Toronto with mixed siding, a hip roof and a shingle roof.

LAYTON RESIDENCE

Marvin

Inspiration for a large contemporary two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Other with a shed roof.

St. Paul French Country

John Kraemer & Sons

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Architecture: Charlie & Co. Design | Interior Design: Martha O'Hara Interiors | Landscaping: TOPO | Photography: Gaffer Photography

The Holloway - Contemporary Farmhouse

Visbeen Architects

Builder: AVB Inc. Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography The Holloway blends the recent revival of mid-century aesthetics with the timelessness of a country farmhouse. Each façade features playfully arranged windows tucked under steeply pitched gables. Natural wood lapped siding emphasizes this homes more modern elements, while classic white board & batten covers the core of this house. A rustic stone water table wraps around the base and contours down into the rear view-out terrace. Inside, a wide hallway connects the foyer to the den and living spaces through smooth case-less openings. Featuring a grey stone fireplace, tall windows, and vaulted wood ceiling, the living room bridges between the kitchen and den. The kitchen picks up some mid-century through the use of flat-faced upper and lower cabinets with chrome pulls. Richly toned wood chairs and table cap off the dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides. The grand staircase, to the left, is viewable from the outside through a set of giant casement windows on the upper landing. A spacious master suite is situated off of this upper landing. Featuring separate closets, a tiled bath with tub and shower, this suite has a perfect view out to the rear yard through the bedrooms rear windows. All the way upstairs, and to the right of the staircase, is four separate bedrooms. Downstairs, under the master suite, is a gymnasium. This gymnasium is connected to the outdoors through an overhead door and is perfect for athletic activities or storing a boat during cold months. The lower level also features a living room with view out windows and a private guest suite.

Modern Prairie Style Home on Minnehaha Creek

Sustainable Nine Design + Build

Landmark Photography
Inspiration for an expansive modern three-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Minneapolis with mixed siding, a hip roof and a mixed roof.

Aerial View of this Turn of the Century Home

User

Aerial View of this Turn of the Century home. Photos by Kevin
Photo of an expansive traditional three-storey multi-coloured house exterior in New York with mixed siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Sunnyland Residence

Rosewood Custom Builders

Jenn Baker
This is an example of a large industrial two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Dallas with a flat roof and mixed siding.

New Retreat

Whitlock Builders

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Charlotte with mixed siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Cottage

Edgewater Design Group

The family purchased the 1950s ranch on Mullet Lake because their daughter dreamed of being married on its shores. The home would be used for the wedding venue and then as a wedding gift to the young couple. We were originally hired in August 2014 to help with a simple renovation of the home that was to be completed well in advance of the August 2015 wedding date. However, thorough investigation revealed significant issues with the original foundation, floor framing and other critical elements of the home’s structure that made that impossible. Based on this information, the family decided to tear down and build again. So now we were tasked with designing a new home that would embody their daughter’s vision of a storybook home – a vision inspired by another one of our projects that she had toured. To capture this aesthetic, traditional cottage materials such as stone and cedar shakes are accentuated by more materials such as reclaimed barn wood siding and corrugated CORTEN steel accent roofs. Inside, interior finishes include hand-hewn timber accents that frame openings and highlight features like the entrance reading nook. Natural materials shine against white walls and simply furnished rooms. While the house has nods to vintage style throughout, the open-plan kitchen and living area allows for both contemporary living and entertaining. We were able to capture their daughter’s vision and the home was completed on time for her big day. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

Atherton Avenue

Arcanum Architecture

Bernard Andre
Inspiration for a contemporary multi-coloured exterior in San Francisco with mixed siding and a flat roof.

Mountain Contemporary

Living Stone Design + Build

Tim Burleson
Design ideas for a large contemporary two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Other with mixed siding.

Bahamas

Atlantic Breeze Storm Shutters, Inc.

Bahama Shutters enhance the tropical look of your home while offering everyday use and protection. While still allowing a cool coastal breeze, the Bahama Shutter provides shading protection from the sun. The added privacy benefit of Bahama Shutters eliminates the need for interior window blinds or shutters, while still allowing in light and air flow in the closed position.

Walloon Lake Home North Shore Drive

Elaine Keiser Architect, Inc

This is an example of an arts and crafts two-storey multi-coloured exterior in Other with wood siding and a gable roof.

Showcase Award Winning Green Home - Saratoga Springs

Capital Construction Inc

Mid-sized contemporary one-storey multi-coloured exterior in New York with mixed siding and a gable roof.

Multi-Coloured 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.