Nobody wants a cookie cutter home. When you’re planning a new custom home build, you want to choose a design with curb appeal. You’ll likely be looking for something that’s on trend, but still fits with your personal taste. To help you find the right look for your new home, here are some of the latest trends in exterior finishing.
Linear designs
Unlike traditional designs with highly textured finishes that incorporate things like rounded turrets and window surrounds, modern home designs tend to be based on straight lines with smooth surfaces. Picture a series of boxes layered on boxes with maybe an angled roofline.
Mix and match materials
One of the most popular trends in recent years has been to mix and match different materials.In some cases, this is done for budgetary reasons. If a client can’t afford to fully clad a building in masonry, they’ll use it as an anchor element and then use cheaper options such as siding to complete the surface. For others, it’s for esthetics, contrasting different materials within one overall design. The look typically starts with masonry skirting the lower level. The space around the windows might be clad in wood or a manufactured siding product. Natural wood pillars can be used to create a dramatic entranceway. Wooden entrance doors and on the garage providesadditional elements. Metal trim in either a dark tone or eye-catching bronze can help round out the picture.
Big windows with bold frames
Nothing beats natural light, which is why most modern designs feature large, prominent windows and floor-to-ceiling patio doors. A very popular trend today is to manufacture windows with bold black frames. Modern, highly efficient double- and triple-glazed windows allow designers to maximize natural light without having to worry about drafts or cold spots inside. The black frames add instant, eye-catching curb appeal, particularly when contrasted with lighter coloured exterior walls. Just remember to factor in some sort of curtain or blind system for privacy and to block out the bright sunlight during the warmer months.
Contrasting shades
Another popular trend has been to use contrasting light and dark tones. This can be accomplished with a mix of lighter coloured masonry and dark elements such as window frames or siding.
A product like Shouldice Stone’s Urban Brick Smooth gives you the versatility of using the same material in two extremes of colour: the light Polar and dark Galaxy.
Let there be light
Once upon a time, a couple of exterior sconces on either side of the front door would be considered enough for exterior lighting. But if you’ve put so much time and effort into creating your dream home, you’ll want to shine a spotlight – literally – on it. Exterior pot lights built into the soffit overhangs cast downward light across the face of the house to show off your style. And don’t forget walkway lights offer a safe path to your door.
Indoor/outdoor spaces
People are increasingly looking for ways to expand their living space into the outdoors. A covered front porch suits a traditional design. But more common with modern designs are large overhangs at the rear of the house. These covered areas feature a seating area and are often enclosed with insect screening or retracting glass panels. An outdoor fireplace becomes a natural focal point for an exterior space and allows you take advantage of it well into the shoulder seasons.
For more inspiring ideas, take a look at our online portfolio of residential and commercial projects.
