When it comes to designing your home’s exterior, there are numerous factors to consider. From the color of the paint to the style of the front door, every detail contributes to the overall look and feel of your home. A well-executed exterior design not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also adds value to your property. However, with countless options available, it can be overwhelming to find the best exterior home design for your property. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top exterior design trends and provide tips on how to achieve the best exterior home design for your unique style and preferences.
What to Consider in Best Exterior Home Design
Choosing the best exterior home design is crucial as it determines the overall look of your property. Before making any decisions, it’s essential to take into account several factors that can affect your home’s appearance.
Architectural Style
The architectural style of your home plays a significant role in deciding the best exterior design. Whether you have a contemporary or traditional home, the exterior design should complement its style. For example, a modern home requires clean lines and an uncluttered look, while a traditional home can benefit from a more decorative and classic look. Understanding the style of your property can help guide your exterior design choices.
One important consideration to keep in mind is that the exterior design of your home should be in harmony with the surrounding properties. While you want your home to stand out, you don’t want it to look out of place. Instead, try to blend in with the neighboring homes while still making your home distinctive and unique.
Location and Environment
The geographical location and surrounding environment should be taken into account when choosing an exterior design for your home. The climate, weather, and surrounding natural elements such as trees, water bodies, and hills can all influence your decision. For instance, if you live in an area with a lot of rain, you may want to choose materials that can withstand the moisture, such as concrete rather than wood.
The natural land formations and scenery have to be considered to pick a design that will suit the environment. Your house should feel like a natural fit in the area, making the view more appealing and attracting visitors’ attention.
Personal Preferences
Your personal preferences and individual tastes should be the final determinant when choosing a design for your home. To help you decide, you can browse through different exterior design options and get inspiration from home design magazines and shows. With the right inspiration, you can customize the design to reflect your personality and make your home unique.
Another way to enhance the personalization of your home’s exterior is by adding outdoor lighting, seasonal decorations, and landscaping features. These finishing touches help to create a welcoming and comfortable outdoor space that accents your residence’s style and personality.
In conclusion, selecting the best exterior home design entails several considerations, including the architectural style of your house, surrounding environment, and personal preferences. By taking all these elements into account, you can create a beautiful, cohesive exterior that enhances your house’s overall look and feel.
Trends in Best Exterior Home Design
Exterior design is one of the most important aspects of a property, affecting both the look and functionality. It is imperative to keep up with evolving exterior designs to ensure that your property is modern and visually appealing. Here are the latest trends in best exterior home design:
Color Blocking
Gone are the days of playing it safe with neutral colors. Color blocking is a popular trend in exterior home design, and involves using bold colors to create visually striking contrasts. Bright and bold color combinations add a unique dimension to the exterior of your home and make it stand out from the rest in the neighborhood. However, it is important not to go overboard with color blocking, as an excessive use of vivid colors could appear overwhelming and clash with the surroundings.
Metal Accents
Metal accents are another trend making waves in exterior home design. From steel to copper to bronze, metal accents can give your property a sleek, modern look. Metal siding and roofing have become ubiquitous home improvement trends, adding charm and character to any property. Additionally, metal accents can add durability and resilience to your exterior design.
Mixed Materials
Mixed materials in exterior design typically include the combination of two or more textures, often involving contrasting colors or material components. The use of brick, timber, and stone or concrete mixed in such a way that complements the style is a perfect example of mixed-materials. By blending several elements, mixed material exterior designs introduce a sense of depth and texture that improves the physical appeal of a property. Consider combining materials with contrasting colors to add visual excitement to your home.
Sustainability Features
Sustainability and eco-friendliness are gaining popularity in exterior home design trends. Sustainable features like green roofs, cool roofs, solar paneling, and energy-efficient windows improve functionality while also reducing energy costs in the long term. Integration of eco-friendly features like rainwater collectors, planters, and landscaping combining with strategic placement of native flora and fauna are some of the efficient ways of sustainable exterior designs. With more homeowners becoming conscious of the environment, eco-friendly elements in exterior design are likely to become commonplace in future trends.
Materials for Best Exterior Home Design
Choosing the right material for your home’s exterior design is essential in achieving the desired style and functionality. Below are some of the most common materials used for the best exterior home design:
Brick
Brick is a versatile and durable material that offers a timeless appeal to any home. It is available in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes, making it an excellent option for homeowners who want to add character and charm to their home’s exterior. Brick’s strength and durability also provide added protection against weather and natural disasters.
Stone
Stone is a natural material that exudes elegance and sophistication. It is a popular choice for high-end homes and estates, giving an impression of permanence and stability. Stone is available in various colors, textures, and shapes, allowing homeowners to create a custom look that complements their home’s overall style and architecture. However, stone is relatively expensive compared to other materials, and the installation process requires expertise.
Stucco
Stucco is a popular material for homes with a Mediterranean or Spanish-style architecture. It is a cement-based coating that provides an attractive and smooth finish. Stucco is also an energy-efficient material that helps regulate the temperature inside your home, reducing energy bills. One downside of Stucco is that it requires regular maintenance since it can crack and chip over time.
Vinyl
Vinyl is an affordable and low-maintenance material for home exteriors. It is available in various colors and textures and can mimic the look of other materials such as wood and stone. Vinyl is also an excellent option for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency since it is an excellent insulator. However, vinyl’s appearance can fade over time due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and extreme weather conditions.
Wood
Wood is a classic and versatile material for home exteriors. It is available in various types, such as cedar, redwood, and pine, with each having its unique characteristics. Wood provides a warm and natural aesthetic to your home’s exterior and can complement multiple design styles. However, wood requires regular maintenance, such as painting and staining, to prevent rotting, warping and insect damage.
Fiber Cement
Fiber-cement is a relatively new material that is gaining popularity among homeowners. It is a composite material made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, creating a durable and long-lasting material. Fiber cement offers the appearance of wood or stucco without the regular maintenance and susceptibility to weather damage. Additionally, fiber-cement is fire-resistant, making it an excellent option for homes in areas prone to wildfires.
Colors for Best Exterior Home Design
Choosing the right colors for your home’s exterior design can make a big difference in curb appeal. The colors should complement the style of your home and surroundings, and evoke a desired mood. Here are some tips on choosing the best colors for your home’s exterior:
Consider the Style and Architecture of Your Home
The color of your home’s exterior should complement its overall style and architecture. If you have a traditional-style home, consider using classic colors such as white, beige, or brown. For a more modern home, you may want to use bolder colors such as gray, black, or even a bright red. Be sure to take into consideration the color of your roof, as well as any other structures on your property, such as a garage or shed.
Take Inspiration from Your Surroundings
Your home’s exterior should also complement its surroundings. Take inspiration from the colors in your neighborhood and the surrounding landscape. If you live near the beach, for example, you may want to consider using blues and greens to evoke a coastal vibe. If you live in a more wooded area, you may want to use earthy tones like brown and green to blend in with the natural surroundings.
Consider the Mood You Want to Create
The colors you choose can also help create a desired mood. If you want to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, consider using warm colors like red, yellow, or orange. If you want to create a more peaceful and calming environment, blues and greens are a good choice. Neutral colors like beige, gray, and white can help create a timeless and classic look.
Don’t Forget About Accents
Finally, don’t forget about accents when choosing the best colors for your exterior home design. Accents like shutters, doors, and trim can be a great way to add some visual interest to your home’s color scheme. Consider using a contrasting color for your accents to make them stand out.
Landscaping and Lighting for Best Exterior Home Design
Exterior design is not just about the aesthetics of your home. It’s about creating functionality, enhancing curb appeal, and transforming a house into a home. When it comes to the exterior design, landscaping and lighting play a significant role in completing the overall look and feel of your property.
Landscaping
Landscaping is the art of modifying a piece of land to make it more attractive and useful. It involves enhancing the natural elements such as plants, trees, and rocks, while incorporating man-made features such as patios, walkways, and water features. A well-planned landscape design can boost the visual appeal of your home while adding value to your property.
- Consider Your Climate: The first step in creating a landscape design is to consider your climate. Choose plants that can thrive in your climate zone, and avoid plants that require too much maintenance or water. Native plants are a great option as they are adapted to your region and can survive in challenging conditions.
- Balance Your Hardscape Elements: Hardscape elements such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls can add functionality to your landscape design. However, it’s essential to balance your hardscape elements with softscape elements such as plants, flowers, and shrubs to create a harmonious design.
- Use Colors and Textures: A strategic use of color and texture can enhance the visual appeal of your landscape. Choose plants that complement the color of your home and add texture with various foliage shapes and sizes.
- Light Up Your Landscape: Outdoor lighting can add ambiance to your landscape at night. Consider adding path lights along your walkway, up-lighting for trees, and accent lighting for features such as waterfalls.
- Maintain Your Landscape: Finally, proper maintenance is critical to keep your landscape looking beautiful. Routine watering, pruning, and fertilizing can help keep your plants healthy and vibrant.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting is essential for your home’s safety, security, and aesthetic appeal. It can illuminate walkways, showcase beautiful landscaping, and discourage potential intruders. A well-planned lighting design can enhance the exterior beauty of your home while ensuring your safety and security.
- Focus on Function: Consider the purpose of your outdoor lighting before selecting the fixtures and placement. Pathway lights, for instance, can guide guests to your front door, while floodlights can illuminate dark corners of your property and deter intruders.
- Layer Your Lighting: Avoid harsh lighting by layering your outdoor lighting. Combine overhead lights with task lighting and accent lighting, such as up-lights or down-lights, to create a warm and inviting outdoor environment.
- Match Your Style: Lighting fixtures come in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern and everything in between. Choose a style that complements your home’s architecture and design to create a cohesive look.
- Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting, such as LED lights, can save you money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Consider installing solar-powered lights for added savings and eco-friendliness.
- Work with a Professional: A professional lighting designer can help you create a custom lighting design that meets your specific needs and enhances the beauty of your home.
FAQs
Are you looking to revamp the exterior of your home? Perhaps you are considering a contemporary or rustic transformation? Or maybe you simply want to make small upgrades to the existing design? Whatever your preference, you’re sure to have a few questions about exterior home design. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is the most popular exterior home design style in 2021?
The popularity of exterior home design styles can vary depending on geographical location, culture, and personal preference. However, at present, the most sought-after exterior home design style in 2021 is modern. The clean, simple lines of modern exterior design make for a timeless and versatile look. It’s easy to maintain, energy-efficient, and offers a sleek and sophisticated appearance. Other popular exterior home design styles include contemporary, farmhouse, and craftsman.
How much does it cost to hire a professional to design your exterior home?
The cost of hiring a professional to design your exterior home can vary widely. It depends on a range of factors, including the scope of work, the size of the property, and the level of expertise of the designer. The average cost of hiring an exterior home designer in the United States is approximately $8,000 to $15,000. This estimate typically includes the design, planning, and construction work required to complete the project. While this may seem like a considerable investment, a well-designed exterior can significantly increase the value of your property.
What is the best way to maintain the look of your exterior home design?
Maintaining the look of your exterior home design is just as crucial as the initial design itself. Over time, harsh weather conditions, environmental factors, and wear and tear can take a toll on the overall appearance of the exterior. Here are some tips to help maintain the look of your exterior home design:
- Regularly clean and power wash the exterior of your home to remove dirt, grime, and debris.
- Inspect and repair any damaged or worn elements, such as roof tiles, gutters, and siding.
- Repaint or touch up any areas that have faded or chipped paint.
- Upgrade or replace any outdated or worn-out fixtures, such as lighting, doorknobs, and windows.
- Perform routine landscaping to keep the surrounding areas clean and tidy.
- Maintain a consistent design style by choosing new elements that align with your existing exterior design.
By following these essential maintenance tips, you can keep the exterior of your home looking beautiful and well-maintained for years to come. Remember, a well-kept exterior not only enhances the overall curb appeal but also helps to protect your home from potential damage and offers a warm welcome to guests.
Thanks for Checking Out the Best Exterior Home Design!
We hope you’ve found some helpful ideas for your own home’s exterior design. Remember, the best design reflects your personal style and meets the needs of your family. Keep experimenting and trying new things until you find the perfect combination. Make sure to check back later for more tips and inspiration on home design!