A well-maintained home exterior is a key factor in the overall value of your property. It fends off harsh weather conditions, enhances energy efficiency, and promotes aesthetic harmony.
The key to maintaining your home exterior is proper preparation and regular inspection. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Color
Home exterior colors reflect homeowners’ personalities and can create a welcoming vibe for guests. The right shade of paint can make your house stand out on the block while staying in style for years to come.
White remains a popular choice for many homes. It can minimize the imposing facades of larger homes and allow lush landscaping to take center stage. However, it’s important to choose a shade that will work in your climate. Shades that stay bright in hot temperatures will help lower cooling costs.
Cream, vanilla, eggshell, and ivory are shades of off-white that can create a classic exterior color scheme. If you want to add more color to your siding, consider using a darker hue for trim or a bold shade for the front door.
Darker hues are gaining popularity as home exterior colors. Sherwin-Williams’ Iron Ore (SW 7069) is a cool dark gray that reads more like deep charcoal than black and pairs well with white trim and accents. Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron (2124-10), which has similar undertones, is another option.
Blue hues are also gaining popularity as home exterior colors. Sherwin-Williams’ Pacific Blue (SW 7005) has subtle blue undertones for a cheerful look while remaining neutral. If you’re looking for a more dramatic shade, try Cyberspace (SW 7517), which has striking depth and bold sophistication.
Texture
The home exterior isn’t just a reflection of homeowner taste, it’s also an integral part of the neighborhood aesthetics. Homeowners often opt for designs that reflect the architectural styling, color palettes, and landscaping prevalent in the surrounding area to create a pleasing streetscape. The challenge for designers is to help homeowners find a design that reflects their unique style without adding elements that may quickly feel outdated or that could overwhelm the overall aesthetic.
One of the most effective ways to celebrate texture is using different cladding materials and textures. For example, a smooth panel cladding with a metal accent strip can add visual interest to a home’s facade without overwhelming it. Additionally, these materials are able to take on a variety of colors to complement or contrast with the textures used elsewhere in the house.
Gables and bump-outs are other great places to showcase texture. For instance, a textured stucco or EIFS façade can elevate the look of a front-facing roof gable while adding warmth and visual depth to the facade.
However, homeowners who don’t want to make a large investment in their home’s exterior can easily introduce texture through smaller elements like the front door or porch furniture. The home’s landscaping is also a great way to add vibrant colors or patterns without committing to a full exterior remodel.
Materials
The materials used in your home’s exterior affect its durability, appearance, and maintenance needs for years to come. A quality choice based on your local climate, architectural style, and personal preferences will contribute to your home’s beauty while providing optimal protection against the elements.
A porch, window or door frame, and gutters are some of the many parts that comprise your house exterior. Weep holes are small holes on the bottom of vinyl siding that help promote proper drainage. A bay window is a section protruding from an exterior wall and encased in windows like a sunroom or conservatory. A front door can be clad with a variety of materials which mixes painted and stained wood.
Whether you choose brick, fiber cement, or stone veneer, the right home exterior will enhance your property while blending with its architectural style. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider choosing a weather-resistant material such as fiber cement or brick.
Garages, driveways, and sidewalks are also common components of a home’s exterior. A paved walkway can be made of gravel, asphalt, pavers, or concrete, and can be accented with a decorative pattern to add curb appeal. An attractive walkway can make it easy for you and your guests to reach the front or back doors of the house.
Trim
Trim adds a finishing touch to the home’s form and function, framing windows, doors, roofs, and eaves. It provides an aesthetic or visual frame that complements the architectural style and brings it to life, enhancing curb appeal. In addition to ensuring that your home is well-protected from rain, snow, and scorching sun, properly maintained exterior trim enhances your home’s beauty and value, reduces maintenance costs, and improves energy efficiency.
Home exterior trim comes in a variety of materials, from traditional wood to moisture-resistant composites to vinyl. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, but the best trim material will depend on your preferences. Choose durable materials that will stand up to the elements and fit your home’s style, budget, and long-term vision for your property.
Choosing the right color for your home exterior trim is an important part of creating the perfect design for your residence. A monochromatic trim color creates a subdued, elegant quality, while high-contrast colors can draw the eye and emphasize architectural details.
Gable brackets, also called corbels, are a unique home trim piece that can be installed on the exposed peaks of roof gables to add depth and character. They can be ornate and decorative, drawing the eye up to the roof and adding height, or simple and understated, blending with the simple lines of Craftsman-style homes.