While judging books from their cover may be frowned upon, judging a home by its curb appeal is to be expected from buyers scouring the market for their dream home. While you’ll spend more time oohing and awing at the crown moldings, vaulted ceilings, and granite countertops of your home’s interior, the exterior should make the right first impression to future buyers and house guests alike. After all, inner beauty won’t be enough to win the hearts of first-time homebuyers anxious to flaunt their most recent purchase.
Whether you’re remodeling or building a custom home from the ground up, ensure your home’s exterior puts the hottest exterior design trends on full display. Should you decide to pull the trigger on a custom home build, let these design trends showcased below inspire your search for trendy house plans. That way, your home will catch the eye of dog-walking neighbors and picky buyers alike.
1. Going green
Homeowners are becoming increasingly interested in incorporating sustainable features into their homes, and the exterior is no exception to the go-green rule. Green design elements include solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural landscaping. Not only are solar panels a great way to reduce your energy costs, but they can make your home appealing to sustainability-first buyers, should you put your home on the market in the recent future.
Yet another green feature shining bright on this year’s must-watch trend list is rainwater harvesting, which can help homeowners save on water bills. Of course, natural landscaping is good for the environment and can add beauty to your home. If you incorporate a garden into the landscaping, you’ll reap what you sow and enjoy the added benefit of fresh fruits and vegetables right at your doorstep. The home-grown cherry on top is that gardens and good landscaping contribute to a home’s curb appeal.
2. Mixed natural materials
In contrast to the shiny, synthetic materials often used in exterior design, natural finishes have surged in popularity. A home with a natural finish is sure to stand out from the crowd. Popular choices for finishes include wood, stone, and brick. You can use these types of finishes on both the exterior and interior of your home, helping you achieve a cohesive look. Natural materials climbing to the top of homeowners’ wish lists include wood siding, brick, stone, and metals with a natural finish.
a. Natural stone
Stone is not only stylish but surprisingly durable. You can put these stones to work and create walls, fireplaces, and other features. Or, you can use it to cover entire surfaces, like the exterior of your home.
b. Brick
Use brick to create walls, chimneys, and other features. And, like stone, it is very durable.
c. Wood siding
Wood siding is a classic choice that never goes out of style and adds a much-needed sense of warmth. Using a variety of materials on the exterior of your home can give it a unique, stylish look. In other words, you don’t have to stick with one type of natural material. Mixing and matching different materials can add subtle flair and elegance.
3. Geometric shapes
Geometric shapes are trending in exterior design now and will continue to be popular. You’ll spot this geometric flair in rustic cabins and modern mansions alike. Some of the most popular geometric shapes include hexagons, circles, and ovals. But what is the formula for geometric style that stands out for all the right reasons? Consider a unique roofline with trend-setting curves and sharp points. To fully align your home with this red-hot trend, showcase geometric shapes in landscaping, i.e., flowerbeds or hedges.
4. Bright colors
In contrast to the natural trend, bright colors are becoming increasingly popular in exterior design. Some of the most popular colors include blue, green, and orange. These bright colors may also extend into roofing. These electric and magnetizing hues are perfect for giving your home a cheerful, vibrant look.
5. Green roofs
Green roofs are another trend gaining traction in the exterior design world. Not only do these green roofs increase the sustainability of your home but also elevate your roofline. Create a green roof by adding vegetation from simple grasses and flowers to full-blown gardens. Such plants are planted over a waterproofing membrane.
6. A more the merrier take on windows
Windows are a crucial part of exterior design and have become an increasingly important element in modern homes as homeowners strive to make their homes more energy-efficient. More and more homes are incorporating large windows that let in natural light. The use of windows that funnel in natural light by the gallon reduces the need for artificial lighting. It also gives homeowners a great view of their surroundings. You can use windows in various ways to improve the look of your home. You can install large, floor-to-ceiling windows or use a variety of smaller windows to create an eye-catching pattern.
7. Outdoor living spaces
Another trend that is popular in exterior design is outdoor living spaces. Whether you embellish with expansive decks, polished gazebos, magazine-worthy pergolas, or a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen, the sky is the limit for your outdoor living space. Porches are also making a comeback in exterior design, as they extend the usable space in your backyard and serve as a hub for relaxation and backyard barbeques.
8. Mansard roofs
One can typically spot a mansard roof in homes with a Tudor or French style. Mansard roofs have a steep slope and are very ornate. This type of roof is perfect for adding extra character to your home and even added space in the form of an attic or loft.
9. Black accent color
In exterior design, black is an accent color that can add contrast and depth to a home’s exterior. Black is a popular choice for trimming windows and doors or for adding details such as shutters and brackets, as it plays nicely with colors on the color wheel.
10. Metal roofing
When it comes to roofing materials, you may want to consider metal roofing. It is an ideal choice for homeowners who want a durable roof that will last for many years. Metal roofs come in several colors and styles, so you can find one that will perfectly match your home. This type of roofing is also very energy efficient, so it’s a good choice for homeowners concerned about climate change.
Final thoughts
Maintaining and upkeeping your existing home is a lot of work, but you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Consider popular materials, colors, texture patterns, and energy-saving trends. With exterior design trends for every taste, you’ll have oodles of inspiration for your next home renovation project.
