Inspiration for a country two-storey white exterior in San Francisco with wood siding and a gable roof.

Paul Green Historic Home/Chapel Hill, NC/Vacant Home Staging

Touches of color add interest to the all important curb appeal. Notice how the color draws your eyes toward the front door! Photo by Marilyn Peryer
Inspiration for a large country two-storey white house exterior in Raleigh with wood siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Quaktertown Kitchen

Jarrett Design

This project was a long labor of love. The clients adored this eclectic farm home from the moment they first opened the front door. They knew immediately as well that they would be making many careful changes to honor the integrity of its old architecture. The original part of the home is a log cabin built in the 1700’s. Several additions had been added over time. The dark, inefficient kitchen that was in place would not serve their lifestyle of entertaining and love of cooking well at all. Their wish list included large pro style appliances, lots of visible storage for collections of plates, silverware, and cookware, and a magazine-worthy end result in terms of aesthetics. After over two years into the design process with a wonderful plan in hand, construction began. Contractors experienced in historic preservation were an important part of the project. Local artisans were chosen for their expertise in metal work for one-of-a-kind pieces designed for this kitchen – pot rack, base for the antique butcher block, freestanding shelves, and wall shelves. Floor tile was hand chipped for an aged effect. Old barn wood planks and beams were used to create the ceiling. Local furniture makers were selected for their abilities to hand plane and hand finish custom antique reproduction pieces that became the island and armoire pantry. An additional cabinetry company manufactured the transitional style perimeter cabinetry. Three different edge details grace the thick marble tops which had to be scribed carefully to the stone wall. Cable lighting and lamps made from old concrete pillars were incorporated. The restored stone wall serves as a magnificent backdrop for the eye- catching hood and 60” range. Extra dishwasher and refrigerator drawers, an extra-large fireclay apron sink along with many accessories enhance the functionality of this two cook kitchen. The fabulous style and fun-loving personalities of the clients shine through in this wonderful kitchen. If you don’t believe us, “swing” through sometime and see for yourself! Matt Villano Photography

Atherton, California Luxury Home by Markay Johnson Construction

Markay Johnson Construction

Named for its enduring beauty and timeless architecture – Magnolia is an East Coast Hampton Traditional design. Boasting a main foyer that offers a stunning custom built wall paneled system that wraps into the framed openings of the formal dining and living spaces. Attention is drawn to the fine tile and granite selections with open faced nailed wood flooring, and beautiful furnishings. This Magnolia, a Markay Johnson crafted masterpiece, is inviting in its qualities, comfort of living, and finest of details. Builder: Markay Johnson Construction Architect: John Stewart Architects Designer: KFR Design

Traditional Exterior

Design ideas for a traditional two-storey exterior in Seattle with wood siding.

WILLOW GLEN CLASSIC

HEYDT DESIGNS

Design ideas for a large traditional two-storey white house exterior in San Francisco with wood siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, a grey roof and shingle siding.

North Beach Refresh

Board & Vellum

Photo by Andrew Giammarco.
Inspiration for a mid-sized two-storey grey house exterior in Seattle with wood siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof and clapboard siding.

Ketchum Cabin Retreat

User

This Ketchum cabin retreat is a modern take of the conventional cabin with clean roof lines, large expanses of glass, and tiered living spaces. The board-form concrete exterior, charred cypress wood siding, and steel panels work harmoniously together. The natural elements of the home soften the hard lines, allowing it to submerge into its surroundings. The Glo A5 triple-pane windows and doors were utilized for their advanced performance capabilities. Year-round comfort is achieved by the thermally-broken aluminum frame, low iron glass, multiple air seals, and argon-filled glazing. Advanced thermal technology was pivotal for the home’s design considering the amount of glazing that is used throughout the home. The windows and multiple 16’ sliding doors are one of the main features of the home’s design, focusing heavily on the beauty of Idaho. The doors also allow easy access to the deck, creating an eagle-eye view of the Valley.

ROCKY VIEW | MODERN FARMHOUSE

Andison Residential Design

Modern Farmhouse architecture is all about putting a contemporary twist on a warm, welcoming traditional style. This spacious two-story custom design is a fresh, modern take on a traditional-style home. Clean, simple lines repeat throughout the design with classic gabled roofs, vertical cladding, and contrasting windows. Rustic details like the wrap around porch and timber supports make this home fit in perfectly to its Rocky Mountain setting. While the black and white color scheme keeps things simple, a variety of materials bring visual depth for a cozy feel.

Sycamore Park

PatriARCH Architecture

Farmhouse Modern home with horizontal and batten and board white siding and gray/black raised seam metal roofing and black windows.
Design ideas for a mid-sized country two-storey white house exterior in San Francisco with wood siding, a hip roof, a metal roof, a grey roof and board and batten siding.

Linden Shore Retreat, Branford, CT

Joseph Sepot Architects

This year-round retreat radiates charm and classic detailing traditionally found in vintage 19th century cottages. Dennis M. Carbo Photography
Inspiration for a small traditional two-storey grey exterior in New York with wood siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof and shingle siding.

William St House

Moore Design

Photo of a country two-storey grey house exterior in Wellington with wood siding.

Greek Revival Garage Addition

ArchiPlicity, LLC

This project is an addition to a Greek Revival Farmhouse located in a historic district. The project provided a bedroom suite and included the razing and reconstruction of an existing two car garage below. We also provided a connection from the new garage addition to the existing family room. The addition was designed to feel as though it were always a part of this family home.

Modern New Build - Westport CT

HSL Building Company, LLC

Brand new construction in Westport Connecticut. Transitional design. Classic design with a modern influences. Built with sustainable materials and top quality, energy efficient building supplies. HSL worked with renowned architect Peter Cadoux as general contractor on this new home construction project and met the customer's desire on time and on budget.

Front Elevation

Tindall Architecture Workshop

Large transitional two-storey beige house exterior in Other with wood siding, a gable roof and clapboard siding.

Balmoral Renovation

MLDG

Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style two-storey grey house exterior in Brisbane with wood siding, a hip roof, a metal roof and a white roof.

Mount Vernon View

Wiedemann Architects LLC

View of walkway and garden between garage and home. This wing has the family room and guest bedroom below and three additional bedrooms with baths above.

Woodland

Tommy Daspit Photographer

Fron porch of modern luxury farmhouse in Pass Christian Mississippi photographed for Watters Architecture by Birmingham Alabama based architectural and interiors photographer Tommy Daspit.

Pleasant Beach Phase Two. Bainbridge Island WA

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional two-storey brown townhouse exterior in Seattle with wood siding, a shed roof and a metal roof.

Terraced House - Elm Grove - Modern Wood Exterior in a Wooded Suburban Setting

Vetter Architects

The client’s request was quite common - a typical 2800 sf builder home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living space, and den. However, their desire was for this to be “anything but common.” The result is an innovative update on the production home for the modern era, and serves as a direct counterpoint to the neighborhood and its more conventional suburban housing stock, which focus views to the backyard and seeks to nullify the unique qualities and challenges of topography and the natural environment. The Terraced House cautiously steps down the site’s steep topography, resulting in a more nuanced approach to site development than cutting and filling that is so common in the builder homes of the area. The compact house opens up in very focused views that capture the natural wooded setting, while masking the sounds and views of the directly adjacent roadway. The main living spaces face this major roadway, effectively flipping the typical orientation of a suburban home, and the main entrance pulls visitors up to the second floor and halfway through the site, providing a sense of procession and privacy absent in the typical suburban home. Clad in a custom rain screen that reflects the wood of the surrounding landscape - while providing a glimpse into the interior tones that are used. The stepping “wood boxes” rest on a series of concrete walls that organize the site, retain the earth, and - in conjunction with the wood veneer panels - provide a subtle organic texture to the composition. The interior spaces wrap around an interior knuckle that houses public zones and vertical circulation - allowing more private spaces to exist at the edges of the building. The windows get larger and more frequent as they ascend the building, culminating in the upstairs bedrooms that occupy the site like a tree house - giving views in all directions. The Terraced House imports urban qualities to the suburban neighborhood and seeks to elevate the typical approach to production home construction, while being more in tune with modern family living patterns. Overview: Elm Grove Size: 2,800 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Completion Date: September 2014 Services: Architecture, Landscape Architecture Interior Consultants: Amy Carman Design

Two-storey Exterior Design Ideas with Wood Siding

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.