Give Your Home a Fresh Look: Trending Exterior Types to Try This Year
Feeling like your home’s first impression is a little… well, underwhelming? You’re not alone. The exterior of your house is its handshake with the world, and sometimes, that handshake can feel a bit limp.
A fresh exterior can completely transform your home’s personality, boosting its curb appeal and making you smile every time you pull into the driveway. This year is all about bold choices, sustainable materials, and a blend of classic charm with modern sensibilities. We’re going to explore the trending home exterior types that are making waves and turning heads.
Why Your Home’s Exterior Matters More Than You Think
Before we dive into the exciting trends, let’s talk about why you should even care about what the outside of your house looks like. It’s about so much more than just a coat of paint. The right exterior is an investment in your property and your happiness.
First and foremost, curb appeal is a real and powerful thing. It’s the overall attractiveness of a house from the street, and it heavily influences first impressions. Whether you’re planning to sell or stay for decades, having a home that looks inviting and well-cared-for is a huge plus.
This directly translates to property value. An updated, stylish exterior can significantly increase what your home is worth. Considering the different home exterior types is not just a design choice; it’s a smart financial move that can offer a great return on investment.
Beyond the financials, there’s the simple joy of loving where you live. Your home is your personal sanctuary, a reflection of your style and personality. Pulling up to a house that looks exactly how you’ve always dreamed is a feeling that’s hard to beat.
A well-designed exterior also plays a role in your home’s protection and efficiency. Modern materials offer better insulation, durability against the elements, and lower maintenance requirements. So, upgrading your home’s look can also mean upgrading its performance.
Ultimately, your home’s facade sets the tone for everything inside. It’s the cover of your personal storybook. Investing time and thought into choosing from the various home exterior types available ensures that your story starts off on a beautiful and compelling note.
Trending Home Exterior Types for a Modern Makeover
Ready for a transformation? This year’s trends offer something for everyone, from those who love cozy charm to those who crave sleek, clean lines. Let’s explore some of the most popular home exterior types that are defining modern residential architecture.
Modern Farmhouse: The Charm That Keeps on Giving
The modern farmhouse trend isn’t going anywhere, but it is evolving. This style masterfully blends rustic comfort with clean, contemporary design for a look that feels both timeless and fresh. It’s a nostalgic nod to a simpler time, redesigned for 21st-century living.
At the heart of the modern farmhouse aesthetic is a simple, often gabled, form. The color palette is typically high-contrast, with crisp white or light gray siding paired with black windows, trim, and roofing. This creates a striking visual that is both classic and incredibly current.
One of the defining features is the siding. Board and batten siding is the star of the show, creating vertical lines that add height and texture to the facade. This is often mixed with traditional horizontal lap siding to create visual interest and break up large walls.
Large windows are another crucial element. Gridded A-frame windows or large picture windows without any grids flood the interior with natural light and connect the home to its surroundings. They are almost always black to pop against the light-colored siding.
The front porch is the welcoming soul of this style. A deep, covered porch with simple, squared-off columns and a metal roof invites you to sit and stay awhile. It’s a functional space that enhances the home’s friendly and approachable vibe, making it one of the most beloved home exterior types.
Finishing touches often include gooseneck barn lights, a simple wooden front door, and subtle-yet-strong metal roof accents. The overall effect is a perfect balance of cozy, chic, and uncluttered. It’s a design that feels both grand and grounded at the same time.
Exploring this option among the various home exterior types means embracing a clean, comfortable, and inviting aesthetic. It’s a style that works beautifully in suburban neighborhoods, rural settings, and even urban infill projects. It proves that simplicity, when done well, is the ultimate sophistication.
Sleek and Chic: The Rise of Modern Minimalist Exteriors
If your personal style leans more towards “less is more,” then the modern minimalist trend is for you. This approach strips away unnecessary ornamentation to focus on form, material, and light. It’s all about clean lines, geometric shapes, and a sophisticated, uncluttered look.
The silhouettes of these homes are often bold and simple. Think flat or low-sloped roofs, strong rectangular forms, and a deliberate asymmetry that feels artistic. The design prioritizes the structure itself, letting the shape of the building make the statement.
A key characteristic of these home exterior types is the use of mixed materials. You’ll often see a curated palette of materials used to create texture and depth. Smooth stucco might be paired with warm wood panels, or dark metal siding could be contrasted with board-formed concrete.
The color scheme is typically neutral and earthy. Shades of gray, black, white, and warm wood tones dominate the landscape. This restrained palette allows the architectural forms and the quality of the materials to take center stage.
Glass is a major player in modern minimalist design. Floor-to-ceiling windows and large sliding glass doors are used to erase the boundary between inside and out. This not only floods the home with natural light but also makes indoor spaces feel larger and more connected to the landscape.
You won’t find traditional trim or elaborate detailing here. Edges are crisp, and transitions between materials are seamless and intentional. The beauty lies in the precision and the thoughtful composition of each element, a hallmark of these particular home exterior types.
Minimalist exteriors prove that a home doesn’t need to be ornate to be beautiful. By focusing on high-quality materials and strong architectural forms, this style creates a powerful and serene presence. It’s a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate understated elegance and a connection to the environment.
Scandinavian Simplicity: Bright, Airy, and Functional
Inspired by the design philosophies of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, Scandinavian-inspired exteriors are gaining huge popularity. This style is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection to nature. It’s all about creating a home that feels bright, peaceful, and effortlessly stylish.
The core principle of Scandinavian design is “hygge” (a Danish concept of coziness and contentment), and that starts with light. These homes are designed to maximize natural light, a precious commodity in Nordic countries. You’ll see large, unadorned windows and a very light color palette.
The exterior colors are often stark and simple. Crisp white, light gray, or bold, black-stained wood are common choices. This contrasts beautifully with the natural landscape and creates a clean, graphic look.
Wood is the hero material in these home exterior types. Light-colored wood, like pine or cedar, is often used as vertical siding. This not only adds warmth and natural texture but also emphasizes the home’s connection to the surrounding environment.
The architectural forms are typically very simple and functional. Classic gable rooflines are common, referencing traditional barn or cottage silhouettes. The design is efficient, with no wasted space or unnecessary decoration.
A seamless indoor-outdoor connection is essential. Decks and patios are seen as extensions of the living space, often made from the same light wood as the siding. This creates a harmonious flow and encourages residents to enjoy the outdoors.
Functionality is just as important as aesthetics. Materials are chosen for their durability and ability to withstand harsh weather. The design is practical, thoughtful, and built to last, making it a sustainable and intelligent choice among home exterior types.
The overall feeling of a Scandinavian exterior is one of calm and tranquility. It’s a minimalist approach that is warm and inviting rather than cold or stark. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to create a simple, beautiful, and nature-focused home.
The Building Blocks: Popular Materials Shaping Today’s Home Exterior Types
The overall style of a home is one thing, but the materials you use are what bring that vision to life. The right combination of siding, roofing, and accents can define your home’s character, maintenance needs, and durability. Today’s trends are all about mixing textures and making smart, sustainable choices. The palette of materials available for modern home exterior types is more diverse and exciting than ever before.
Mixing Materials: The Art of a Dynamic Facade
Gone are the days of a home being clad in a single material from top to bottom. One of the biggest trends in residential design is the artful mixing of materials. This technique adds depth, character, and visual interest to a home’s facade.
The idea is to create a dynamic interplay of textures and colors. This can break up large, monolithic walls and highlight specific architectural features. For instance, you could use a stone veneer on the home’s foundation and first floor, with a smoother fiber cement siding on the second story.
This approach is central to many of the popular home exterior types we see today. A modern farmhouse might mix classic white board and batten with rustic reclaimed wood accents on the porch gables. A minimalist home could contrast sleek metal panels with the raw texture of board-formed concrete.
The key to success is balance and intention. Instead of a chaotic jumble, the goal is to create a cohesive and curated look. Designers often use a “primary” material for the bulk of the home and then introduce one or two “secondary” materials as accents.
These accent materials can be used to emphasize an entryway, highlight a window bay, or define a specific volume of the house. For example, a warm cedar or ipe wood rainscreen can be used to soften a modern stucco exterior. It’s about creating moments of visual delight.
The possibilities are nearly endless. Think brick with metal, stucco with wood, or fiber cement with stone. The combination you choose can steer the overall style of your home, making it feel more rustic, industrial, or contemporary.
By thoughtfully blending different materials, you can craft a custom look that is unique to your home. It’s a powerful tool for adding personality and sophistication to any design. This trend allows for incredible creativity when selecting from the vast array of home exterior types.
Sustainable and Stylish: Eco-Friendly Choices
As homeowners become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable building materials has skyrocketed. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability. Many eco-friendly options are not only good for the planet but are also beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance. These materials are becoming a cornerstone of forward-thinking home exterior types.
One major focus is on materials made from recycled content. These products divert waste from landfills and reduce the need for virgin resources. They are engineered for performance and come in a huge range of styles and colors.
Another aspect of sustainability is longevity and low maintenance. Materials that last for decades without needing to be repaired or replaced reduce waste and the consumption of resources over the home’s lifespan. Less painting, staining, and sealing also mean fewer chemicals are released into the environment.
The responsible sourcing of materials is also crucial. This means choosing wood from certified, sustainably managed forests or using locally sourced materials to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Let’s look at a couple of standout examples that are shaping eco-friendly home exterior types.
Composite Siding: Durability Meets Design
Composite siding is a fantastic example of a sustainable and high-performance material. It is typically made from a mix of recycled wood fibers and plastics. This process gives new life to materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
The biggest advantage of composite siding is its incredible durability. It is engineered to resist moisture, rot, pests, and fading. Unlike traditional wood, it won’t warp, crack, or splinter, and it requires very little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.
From a design perspective, the versatility is unmatched. Composite siding can be manufactured to mimic the look of nearly any material, from natural cedar planks to painted lap siding. This allows you to achieve the aesthetic you want for many different home exterior types without the maintenance or environmental concerns of the real thing.
Reclaimed Wood Accents: Rustic and Responsible
For those who love the authentic warmth and character of real wood, reclaimed wood is a beautiful and sustainable choice. This is wood that has been salvaged from old buildings, barns, or factories. Using it prevents this beautiful material from being wasted.
Each piece of reclaimed wood tells a story. It has a unique patina, with nail holes, saw marks, and a depth of color that you simply can’t replicate with new wood. This makes it a perfect material for creating stunning accent features like porch ceilings, shutters, or a feature wall around the front door.
By choosing reclaimed wood, you are reducing the demand for newly harvested timber, which helps to preserve forests. It’s a choice that adds immense character and history to your home while being kind to the planet. It’s a popular feature in many rustic and contemporary home exterior types.
Tips for Choosing the Right Home Exterior Type for You
With so many amazing options, how do you choose the right one for your home? It can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into a few key considerations can make the process much easier. The perfect choice for you will be a balance of aesthetics, budget, climate, and personal lifestyle.
First, take a look at your surroundings. While you want your home to stand out, you also want it to feel like it belongs in its neighborhood. Consider the architectural styles and color palettes of the homes around you to ensure your choice feels harmonious rather than out of place. This doesn’t mean you have to copy your neighbors, but being mindful of the context is a good starting point when evaluating home exterior types.
Think about your local climate. Materials perform differently in different environments. For example, stucco is a great choice for hot, dry climates, while fiber cement or composite siding holds up better in a region with lots of rain and humidity. Understanding how materials will weather in your specific location is crucial for longevity.
Your budget is, of course, a major factor. The cost of exterior materials can vary dramatically, from affordable vinyl siding to high-end stone veneer. Be realistic about what you can afford, and remember to factor in the cost of installation, which can also differ significantly between materials.
Consider the long-term maintenance commitment. Are you someone who enjoys weekend home improvement projects, or do you want a “set it and forget it” solution? Materials like brick and composite siding are very low-maintenance, while wood siding will require regular painting or staining to keep it looking its best. Be honest with yourself about how much upkeep you’re willing to do.
Finally, and most importantly, choose a style that you truly love. Look at inspiration online, create a mood board, and think about the feeling you want your home to evoke. Your home’s exterior is a long-term commitment, so make sure it’s a reflection of your personal taste and makes you happy every single day. The best among all home exterior types is the one that feels right to you.
Wrapping It Up: Your Home, Your Style
Your home’s exterior is so much more than just a shell; it’s the first chapter of your story. From the timeless appeal of the Modern Farmhouse to the sleek sophistication of Minimalist design, the trending home exterior types of this year offer a wealth of inspiration. There are more tools than ever to express your personal style.
Whether you’re drawn to mixing materials for a dynamic look or prioritizing sustainable choices that are both beautiful and responsible, the power to transform your home is in your hands. Remember to consider your home’s context, climate, and your own lifestyle as you make your decision. By combining thoughtful planning with a dash of creativity, you can create a facade that not only looks incredible but also adds value and joy to your life for years to come.
