First Impressions: Exterior Design Ideas
Planning your dream home involves many new and exciting decisions – from choosing the style of home plan to the exterior details that will reflect your style and personality. Of course, flooding the interior of your home with color and charm is one of the best-loved moments from the beginning. But incorporating these qualities to your home’s exterior will capture the neighborhood and attract friends and family for years to come. Exterior design is a fun and exciting way to add curb appeal to your home and ensure it is lavished with remarkable class and beauty – from the inside and out.
The colors and details available today are fantastic. Exterior design choices have taken on all new levels with floods of new color palettes and details available for every style of home – from French country house plans to colonial home plans. Everything from the trims and railings to the roof and doors should be considered when browsing the expansive palette of color options. But keep in mind that it is important to refrain from certain design options depending on the style of home you plan to build or purchase:
• Colonial house plans are best finished with soft, reminiscent neutral that capture the era while defining the details
• Southwestern style stucco homes are full of rich peaches and warm tones
• Victorian homes are often swathed in unusual and multiple colors spotlighting the intricate details
• Traditional designs can be decorated with stone, either natural or synthetic, to capture the home’s historic charm
• Brick exterior also allows countless options by combining different brick colors and colored cement for the mortar joints for amazing impact
There are no real restrictions on what styles can utilize what colors, however, do keep in mind that there are other rules about home exteriors. This is especially true in smaller towns or neighborhoods with homeowner associations. Check to make sure the color you love is an option where you build. Though color is a top priority in building a home with curb appeal, there are other components to consider:
• Regular cleaning and sealing will keep driveways from looking worn and will enhance your home’s beauty
• Functional objects, such as mailboxes and door handles, are often overlooked in terms of curb appeal. Whether plain or ornate, be certain that all are sturdy, clean and undamaged
• Lawn edges should be trimmed in order to define walkways and create clean lines
• Regular cleaning of your home’s exterior will prevent the task from becoming overwhelming and time consuming. It also extends the life of your siding material
• Plantings in front of the home should be trimmed and minimized so focus is drawn to the home
• Pay close attention to blossom colors to keep from clashing with your home. Choose neutral tones for your exterior if you prefer to draw focus to the landscaping rather than the house
Paying close attention to the surrounding area in which you live is recommended before adding color and landscaping to the exterior of your home. Garnishing the exterior of your home with ornate décor that fits your personal taste will ensure your home is beautiful. But it is important to make sure that the colors you choose will fit beautifully with other homes in your neighborhood. Asking neighbors and friends for opinions on appropriate color options will help you make the best decision. By incorporating your style to your home’s exterior, your home will be gorgeous on the inside and out, whether you live in a country house plan or even log home plan.
These plans can be found on our website http://www.houseplansandmore.com/
August 28th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I loved watching video! It gave me great home plan ideas. Every room was awesome!
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I just want to live in one of the garages!! But seriously, we just moved and are looking to renovate….thanks for the AWESOME ideas!!