Well-Thought-Out House Exterior Designs You Can Take Inspiration From
Upgrades to your home’s exterior can not only make your house look great, but they can add curb value as well. Because of this in 2022, 24.2% of homeowners completed an exterior painting project. However, beyond painting, how do you achieve a well-thought-out exterior design?
Are you ready to start planning your upgrades for the year? You need to find some inspiration in the process and the current architecture of your home. Keep reading to learn planning ideas that will inspire you.
How to Achieve a Well-Thought-Out Exterior Design
Designing the exterior of your home and looking at ideas can be fun but also time-consuming. However, sometimes your ideas can quickly become bigger than your budget and the capabilities of your home. So beyond looking for inspiration online, how do you make a plan that will work?
Create a Mood Board or Inspiration Folder
Designing the exterior of your house can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider, from the style of the house to the materials you’ll use. That’s why to start it’s important to organize your ideas and thoughts.
You can do this by creating a mood board or inspiration folder. For people who love dreaming and organizing this process can be just as fun as the process of implementing your ideas. It will also help you put all of your ideas in one place. You can then begin to see which ideas are actually feasible and start planning.
Don’t Forget the “Little Details”
The saying that the “devil is in the details,” is beyond true when you’re looking at the redesign process. The details can make or break the end result. Therefore, it’s imperative that you don’t forget the “little details!” It’s easy to hone in on the big picture, but it’s absolutely the little things that will pull it all together. Here are some ideas to take inspiration from:
- Add some greenery: Plants and flowers are a great way to add color and life to your home’s exterior. However, when adding plants, think about whether you have a green or black thumb. If you tend to kill plants, choose hardy plants or consider hiring someone to help with live plants. If you do add greenery think about adding a few potted plants near the front door or hanging some flower baskets from your porch railings.
- Illuminate your entryway and walkways: Make sure your front and back yard are well-lit and consider bright nightscaping options for both safety and curb appeal! In addition, think about adding motion sensor lights near your front door or path leading up to your house.
- Play with paint colors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different paint colors for your trim, shutters, or even the entire exterior of your house. You probably don’t want to go too crazy! But a fresh coat of paint can really transform the look of your home. You might even add a pop of paint to your front door to give it a little something extra.
- Invest in new hardware: Updating your door hardware is a quick and easy way to give your home an instant facelift! Choose new doorknobs, locks, or even address numbers that complement the style.
- Add some unique details: Give your home personality unique touches like a custom mailbox or fun doormat. Make your home the one that you’re proud to return to at the end of the day by personalizing it so that it reflects your personality.
Think About the Architecture
Imagine this: you’re driving through local neighborhoods, and you see a house that just strikes you as wrong. However, you can’t really put your finger on what the issue is. It’s just that nothing seems to go together.
Let’s be honest, sometimes weird mish-mashes work. Other times it just looks odd and as if someone didn’t fully think their decision through. That’s why it’s important to consider the architecture of your home. For example, you wouldn’t put Victorian shutters on a house that’s designed to be modern. They would look out of place and ruin the initial look you were going with.
You want to make sure that the overall design of your home’s exterior is cohesive and flows well. This means that all of the different elements, from the roofline to the trim work, should work together to create a pleasing aesthetic.
In addition, you’ll want to consider the function of your exterior space and how it will be used. For example, if you have a large family, you’ll want enough outdoor space to accommodate everyone and seating as well.
Don’t Forget These Important Factors
Designing your house exterior isn’t just about looking at pictures and pointing. Some design ideas simply won’t work for you. That’s why it’s important to consider all the factors for a well-thought-out exterior design.
One thing you need to keep in mind is the climate. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, you’ll want to make sure your home can withstand the elements. That means using materials that won’t crack or warp in the cold and choosing a design that will allow for easy snow removal.
However, if you live in an area where snow isn’t a risk, but tornadoes are, you’ll need to consider different factors. For example, how likely is it that your outdoor furniture will blow away and end up in the Land of Oz? While the munchkins might appreciate the new furniture, you might not appreciate replacing it. Think about how you can work to prevent things like that.
You also need to think about what kind of maintenance your design will require. If you’re not someone who likes to do a lot of upkeep, then you’ll want to choose materials that are low-maintenance. Things like stone or brick can be beautiful, but they require a bit more care than something like vinyl siding.
Finally, you need to think about your budget. Exterior improvements can be expensive, so you’ll want to make sure you have the money for what you want before you start anything.
Different House Exterior Designs to Inspire You
What kind of design do you like? Finding inspiration is all about knowing what you like. That’s why it’s important to be aware of different designs and what sets that designs apart.
However, if you’re not sure, start by taking a look at three of the most common designs.
- Traditional designs usually feature symmetrical layouts with plenty of decorative elements. The most common materials used in traditional exteriors are brick and stone. Traditional designs are classic and timeless, making them a popular choice among homeowners.
- Modern designs tend to be more minimalist, featuring clean lines and simple shapes. The most common materials used in modern exteriors are glass and concrete. Modern designs are sleek and stylish, making them a popular choice among homeowners who want a contemporary look.
- Rustic designs often feature natural materials like wood and stone. Rustic designs are warm and inviting, making them a popular choice among homeowners who want a cozy feel.
There’s No Place Like Home
Are you ready to love the exterior of your home? Start by taking inspiration from the designs of others and creating a mood or inspiration board. Happy redesigning!
