Trends
Mix it up: Home exteriors

Today’s modern homes are shifting how we think about the exterior façade of houses. The days of a single exterior material in a solid color—whether it be siding, brick or stucco—are gone. And they’ve been replaced with a whole new meaning of curb appeal that favors mixing multiple materials to create stylish layered and textured designs.
Homeowners are now opting for mixing multiple materials to create interest, dimension and personality to their homes. They’re mixing vertical board and batten with horizontal siding styles. Adding color and texture with natural stone, stucco, window exteriors and metal accents. They’re incorporating natural wood elements, reimagining shiplap and shaker siding and so much more. And using horizontal and vertical lines to create depth and texture.
One-Tone
Using mixed materials doesn’t always need to be bold and dramatic though. Mixing materials and textures within the same color tone provides a subtle, even elevated look. The richness and dimension of texture shines through to create a layered tone-on-tone look.
Traditional
This trend isn’t reserved for just modern and contemporary homes. Traditional home styles can mix it up by incorporating stone and other textured materials to create dimension and texture. Material selections and colors can be classic and subtle, but the combination of materials gives things a modern twist.
Roofs
Even the choice of roofing materials and colors play a key role in the overall design. Metal roofs with dramatic, vertical lines create a very different look than a traditional shingle style, regardless of color. Both add color and texture, but in different ways.
Wood
Wood elements, either natural or stained, continue to be a popular way to add character and dimension to a home’s exterior. The organic, pure beauty of wood adds a warmth and uniqueness that’s hard to find in other materials. Wood often acts as an anchor of sorts, helping to pull the exterior design together, while providing a grounded, welcoming feel.
Walls of Glass
Windows and doors also play an important role in pulling together the full mixed materials look. Some homes blend the windows and doors in with the exterior façade, while others are designed to make the windows and doors stand out. Even the size and amount of glass in windows and doors help refine the overall look of a home. Walls of glass provide an airiness and scale that can’t be easily reproduced with other building materials.


Colors
Today’s homes aren’t limited to a single window and door color. Some homes are adding accent windows with pops of color, choosing multiple colors to either complement or contrast the exterior material they are set against.


Whatever your home style, you can add interest and personality by mixing it up on the exterior—whether you start small with a single element or go all out with a full makeover. Either way, we think you’ll love it!
Sign up for emails
Get inspiration delivered!
