Your home’s exterior is essential for strong kerb appeal. So whether you’re looking to sell or simply lift up your street cred, let these ideas inspire.
There’s much more to exterior house design than just the house front design. There’s the front garden and landscape design, pathway and entrance, fence and driveway, and of course, cladding and window treatments.
The exterior of your home and the surrounding landscape complements the building design and completes the overall look of your property. So, what ideas do you have for your home’s exterior? And how are you planning to create kerb appeal and a welcoming front yard to drive up to each day?
We’ve put together 16 exterior house design ideas for you to peruse… and get planning.
1. Connect the patio to the living space
These days most home designs feature open plan living spaces, and if you have an outdoor area as part of your home’s exterior design this should be included in the floor plan, too.
Create a cohesive indoor-outdoor floor plan by connecting the patio to the living and dining area. Picture: Bellriver Homes
“Having an outdoor patio connected to a living and dining space helps create the perfect entertaining area,” says Carlene Pocknell, design studio manager at Bellriver Homes.
Connect the indoor living spaces to outdoor decking for an open, economical use of space. Picture: Emma Cross Photography/Cathi Colla Architects
2. Sun shading is a must
Australia’s weather conditions are harsh, with all states and climates receiving their fair share of brilliant (but intense) sunlight. Sun shading is a must, especially in homes with northerly or westerly aspects.
Sun shading can become a feature of your home’s exterior design. Picture: Dave Kulesza/Canny
3. Interesting pathways
Make the entrance to the home more interesting with unique pathways and landscaping. “Create a journey to the front door with interesting pathways, combining landscaping and the functional element of getting from the gate to the front door,” saysRoger Borland, Director of Architecture.
Add interesting pathways to enhance the entrance and increase the appeal of your home exterior design.Picture: Dave Kulesza/Canny
4. Full-height windows
Make a statement and maximise natural light with full-height windows. “The use of full-height windows enables us to benefit from maximum natural light exposure, plus a connection to the outside,” says Roger.
Full-height windows maximise natural light and create a connection to the outside.Picture: Dave Kulesza/Canny
5. Heavy pivot front doors
Want to create an impressive entrance to your home? Consider full-height, heavy pivot doors.
“Use full-height, heavy pivot front doors to create a sense of grandeur at the entrance of your home, before you even step inside!,” says Roger.
Make a grand entrance with a full-height front door. Picture: Dave Kulesza/Canny
6. Statement front doors
A statement front door can make a world of difference to the look and feel of your house. Try experimenting with scale, materials and door handles for a distinctive look.
Home exterior idea: Try a statement front door with an interesting handle for a unique entrance to the home.Picture: Dave Kulesza/Canny
7. Front door handles
A statement pull handle on your front door can turn it from an ordinary entrance, to a dramatic expression of your style, while also creating a big impact on the overall design of your home, according to the door hardware experts at Zanda Architectural Hardware.
Geometric-shaped handles in weathered steel, brass or leather-coated timber, or black solid cast iron knockers or letter plates are just some of the ways you can add flair to your front entrance.
Experimenting with the shape and texture of your front door handle dramatically changes the exterior of your home. Picture:Zanda Architectural Hardware
8. Add colour to the front door
Creating a bold entrance to your house doesn’t have to be complicated – simply adding a bright or striking colour to the front door will leave a lasting impression on anyone who walks by.
Add a pop of colour to your home exterior by painting the front door. Picture:Emma Cross Photography/Cathi Colla Architects.
9. Custom water features
A custom water feature in your front yard is the perfect way to add a sense of grandeur to your home exterior. Not only are they stylish and minimalist, but they are a sure-fire way to impress your guests.
A modern water feature is the ultimate luxe addition to your home exterior. Picture:Mazzei Homes
10. Get creative with sculpture
Sculptures are a classic garden feature, as they are a great way of expressing the owner’s taste and style. A statue adds unrivalled charisma to the front garden, setting the property apart from its neighbours, according to experts at Mazzei Homes. Go for a modern sculpture to show off your artistic flair.
Add style to your front garden with a sculpture or statue.Picture:Mazzei Homes
“Contemporary sculptures in the garden create an interesting focal point within the landscape,” says MarkTravers, a landscape architectfrom MTLA.
A modern sculpture creates a contemporary feel. Picture: Janis House Photography/Mark Travers Landscape Architect
11. Play with textures
Front pathways to your home create an interesting journey up to your door. Make them even more appealing by combining different tiling and concrete. This will add a modern, experimental touch to your home entrance.
Combining white pavement with grey concrete tiling adds depth and texture to your front pathway. Picture:Mazzei Homes
12. Raised garden beds
Raised garden beds are a great way to add emphasis and depth to your front garden. They are a classic garden feature, and with a stone border you’ll give your home exterior a gorgeous heritage feel.
Raised garden beds give your home exterior a classic feel. Picture: Janis House Photography/Mark Travers Landscape Architecture
13. Go for a gate with a contemporary look
Want your home exterior to look truly modern? A metal gate with a non-traditional pattern will give your home a modern feel as soon as you enter the property. Top it off with a matte black or stainless steel finish for a stunning contemporary look.
A contemporary black gate sets the tone for this property. Picture: Janis House Photography/Mark Travers Landscape Architecture
14. Lush foliage
Adding lush foliage to your home exterior gives it a classic look, and while it takes some time to grow, it will ultimately make your home more inviting. The touch of greenery creates a sense that your house is blending in with its natural elements.
Wisteria-wrapped archways give the home a stunning Mediterranean look. Picture: Janis House Photography/Mark Travers Landscape Architecture
15. Timber decking
Hardwood timber decking warms up the entrance to your home, giving it a coastal, relaxed vibe. Adding some wooden deck chairs and plants completes the rustic look.
A hardwood deck will give your home a warm, homely feel. Picture: Janis House Photography/Mark Travers Landscape Architecture
16. Statement plants at your front door
Spruce up your front entrance by planting statement plants or flowers on the deck or by the front door. Greenery can make your home more appealing, and adds colour to the home exterior. Go for something contemporary like agave plants for a modern feel.
Adding greenery by the front door will give your home an inviting feel. Picture: Janis House Photography/Mark Travers Landscape Architecture
This article was originally published on 9 Jan 2019 at 9:00am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.
