The outside of your house matters more than you think. A study from The Bankrate shows that curb appeal can increase your home’s value by as much as 7%. Yet, many homeowners overlook it, pouring money into flashy indoor renovations while neglecting the outside.
Think about it — what’s the first thing you notice when you approach a home? Not the countertops or the hardwood floors, but the exterior. The outside is what creates the first and lasting impression.
So, while everyone’s busy dreaming of granite countertops, you could be focusing on exterior house ideas that will increase your home’s value.
Ready to explore outdoor design ideas that actually make an impact? Let’s dive into 20 curb appeal tips to transform your home’s exterior and elevate your space — without ever stepping inside.
1. Refresh or Update Front Yard Landscaping for an Exterior Remodel and Design
A well-balanced front yard is crucial for enhancing curb appeal, and it all comes down to thoughtful planning. Start by designing with proportion in mind. Your landscaping should complement your home’s size and style.
One key tip for balanced landscaping is layering. Use taller plants or shrubs near your home’s foundation and gradually scale down with smaller plants toward the walkway. It draws attention to your home and creates a seamless transition from the yard to the house.
Choose plants that offer seasonal variety:
- Something flowering in the spring
- A touch of greenery in summer
- Vibrant foliage in the fall
This way, your front yard always looks fresh and dynamic, no matter the time of year.
Also, don’t forget about hardscaping elements like:
- Pathways
- Decorative stone borders
- Raised garden beds
2. Add or Replace Shutters
Shutters can be a standout feature, but the trick is knowing how to balance them with the rest of your exterior. When adding or replacing shutters, size is the first thing to consider. The width of your shutters should be proportional to your windows.
Ideally, each shutter should be half the width of the window, which gives the illusion that the shutters could actually close over the window, even if they’re decorative. Too wide or too narrow, and they’ll throw off the proportions, making the entire exterior feel off.
While it might seem simple to pick a contrasting color, your shutters should complement the overall color scheme of your home. A soft, neutral palette works best with bold, dark shutters, while brightly colored exteriors can benefit from more understated shades.
You want them to pop, but not steal the spotlight. A good rule of thumb? Match the shutter color to either the trim or door for a cohesive look, but avoid repeating the same color throughout, as it can make the exterior feel monotonous.
Keep in mind, the goal is to add character without cluttering the façade.
3. Re-side Your Home
Re-siding your home is one of the most transformative changes you can make to its exterior. But choosing the right material is key to achieving a balance between:
- Style
- Functionality
- Long-term maintenance
One popular option is vinyl siding, known for its affordability and low upkeep. It comes in various colors and styles, from classic clapboard to more textured looks like shake or scallop.
For those who want a more natural feel, wood siding is a beautiful, timeless option, but be ready for more maintenance. Wood needs regular sealing or staining to prevent weather damage and keep its charm intact.
Fiber cement is a modern material that’s gaining popularity because of its durability and versatility. It mimics the look of wood without the upkeep, and it’s resistant to:
- Pests
- Rot
- Fire
An excellent choice for sustainability-focused homeowners. Speaking of sustainability, consider insulated siding. It regulates your home’s temperature, reducing energy consumption, but it also adds an extra layer of soundproofing.
4. Change the Front Door
Few upgrades can refresh the exterior of your home as quickly as a new front door. It’s one of the first things people notice, and it sets the tone for your home’s style.
A solid wood door exudes warmth and tradition, but it requires regular maintenance to withstand the elements. Steel doors, on the other hand, offer great durability and security, while fiberglass doors are versatile, mimicking wood without the upkeep.
If you’re aiming for a modern house exterior, doors with glass panels or sleek metal finishes can provide a contemporary edge. These doors let natural light into your entryway, creating a welcoming glow while maintaining privacy with frosted or textured glass.
Color plays a crucial role in design. A brightly painted door can add personality and contrast to a neutral façade, while more subtle tones can blend seamlessly with your existing color palette.
Don’t forget about hardware; polished metal handles and door knockers add a touch of sophistication and are an easy way to personalize the look.
5. Add or Expand a Porch
Adding or expanding a porch is one of the best ways to create a welcoming entryway while boosting curb appeal. It’s an extension of your home where guests are greeted, and you can enjoy some fresh air.
When designing a porch, think about the size and style of your home. A wrap-around porch might suit a sprawling, farmhouse-style house, offering plenty of room for seating and even outdoor décor. On the other hand, a simple front porch can do wonders for smaller homes, creating an intimate yet inviting feel.
Functionality is just as important as aesthetics. Consider how you’ll use the space — will it be a cozy spot with rocking chairs, or are you adding square footage to create an outdoor dining area? If your porch is exposed to the elements, think about incorporating a roof extension for shade and shelter.
You should also consider flooring materials; durable options like composite decking or stone pavers offer both style and longevity.
6. Install Dormers or Enhance Roof Design
Dormers can be a game-changer when it comes to both the functionality and look of your roof. They:
- Add height
- Bring in natural light
- Enhance the overall design
Especially if you have a sloped roof. Dormers break up large roof planes and create a charming architectural feature that can transform the appearance of your home, especially if you’re aiming for a more traditional or cottage-style look.
When deciding to add dormers, proportion is key. A dormer that’s too large can dominate the roofline and make the house look top-heavy. Too small, and it can look out of place.
Dormers are also highly functional — they create extra headroom in the attic or upper levels of your home, making the interior feel more spacious. They’re perfect if you want to convert an attic into a livable space, such as a home office or guest room, without undergoing major renovations.
7. Use a Fresh Coat of Paint
Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to transform the look of your home, breathing new life into dated exteriors.
Before you pick up that paintbrush, make sure to consider the local climate and environment. Light colors can reflect sunlight, keeping your home cooler in warm climates, while darker shades can help retain heat in cooler regions.
Pay attention to finishes too — a matte or satin finish offers a modern touch, but high-gloss is best for highlighting details like trim. The right paint, applied thoughtfully, can completely refresh your home’s exterior and make a bold statement.
8. Add or Enhance Trim for Contrast
Trim is often overlooked, but it’s one of the easiest ways to highlight your home’s architectural features and create depth. Adding or enhancing trim can completely transform the look of your home, giving it a polished, well-designed finish. The trick is in balancing color and size to ensure it complements, rather than overpowers, the overall exterior.
The trim should always coordinate with your overall design — too much contrast, and it can feel disjointed; too little, and it may blend in too much. A good rule of thumb is to keep it simple and clean, especially for modern exteriors where the emphasis is on sleek, minimalist lines.
The size of the trim matters too. Wider trim can give your home a more substantial, traditional look, while thinner trim lends itself to contemporary styles. Consider using different trim widths for various areas of the home to create visual hierarchy, such as wider trim around the front door and windows to draw attention to these key features.
9. Install New Windows or Enlarge Existing Windows
Upgrading or enlarging your windows dramatically enhances both the aesthetic and energy efficiency of your home. New windows can transform your home’s exterior, providing cleaner lines, modern materials, and better insulation. Larger windows also bring more natural light into your home, which is a major trend in modern house exteriors and a key feature in sustainable home design.
If you’re looking to enlarge your windows, go for floor-to-ceiling options that blur the line between indoors and outdoors — this design element adds both luxury and functionality.
Energy efficiency should also be top of mind when selecting new windows. Look for double-glazed or triple-glazed panes, which help reduce heat loss and keep your home comfortable year-round. Low-E coatings on the glass can reflect infrared light and keep heat out in the summer, while still allowing natural light in.
10. Build or Update a Portico
A portico, whether added or updated, instantly elevates your entryway. It:
- Provides shelter from the elements
- Protects your front door
- Creates a grand entrance that sets the tone for the rest of your home
A gabled portico with decorative columns brings a sense of timeless elegance. If your home has a more modern exterior, a flat-roof portico with clean lines and minimalist materials like metal or wood can add a sleek, contemporary look.
Your portico should feel balanced with the size of your entryway. Too small, and it will look insignificant; too large, and it could overwhelm the front of your home.
Adding stylish sconces or overhead lighting to your portico provides a welcoming glow for guests. A thoughtfully designed portico creates a grand entrance that offers practical benefits for years to come.
11. Install or Upgrade Exterior Lighting
To get the most out of your exterior lighting, consider layering it.
- Use path lightsto subtly guide visitors along walkways
- Uplightsto accentuate trees or tall structures
- Spotlightsto emphasize unique features like stonework or sculptures
The goal isn’t to flood your space with light, but to create depth and shadow, giving your home a dynamic, welcoming look after dark.
For energy-efficient options, consider smart lighting systems. These allow you to control brightness and timing via an app, so your lighting is perfectly timed with the sunset or motion-sensing for added security.
Solar-powered fixtures are ideal for areas that receive direct sunlight, but they’re less effective in shaded spaces — here, consider low-voltage LED systems, which combine efficiency with powerful illumination.
12. Enhance the Walkway with Pavers or Stone
Interlocking pavers are a versatile choice because they can be easily replaced if one becomes damaged, and they offer a variety of design patterns like herringbone or basket weave, which add visual interest.
If you’re going for a more rustic feel, flagstone or bluestone slabs provide a natural look, but be mindful of their irregular shapes — they need to be carefully laid to ensure stability.
For homes in colder climates, make sure to pick materials that are resistant to frost and thaw cycles, as freezing temperatures can cause cracking. Permeable pavers are another option if you want to improve drainage, reducing water runoff during heavy rains.
13. Replace Garage Doors with Carriage-Style Doors
Carriage-style doors offer a great blend of tradition and functionality, but the real beauty lies in customizing them to fit your home’s unique look. If you want to maintain the historic charm of these doors without sacrificing modern convenience, consider opting for insulated steel carriage doors with a faux wood finish. They give you the rustic look of real wood but are more durable and require less maintenance.
When choosing a design, focus on the window placement. Rectangular, divided-lite windows along the top of the garage doors can mimic the design of your home’s existing windows, creating a cohesive look.
Alternatively, arched windows can give the doors an elegant curve, adding softness to an otherwise rigid structure.
14. Use Natural Materials
Natural materials can add texture and depth in unexpected ways. Stone cladding isn’t just for walls. Consider wrapping it around:
- Columns
- Chimneys
- Creating an accent wall along the exterior
The layered texture adds visual interest without overwhelming the design. If you want a more subtle touch, try incorporating river rock into landscaping beds or around the foundation for a natural, low-maintenance border.
For wood, opt for materials like cedar or redwood, which are not only beautiful but naturally resistant to insects and decay. These types of wood weather beautifully over time, acquiring a silver-gray patina that adds character.
If sustainability is your focus, look into bamboo cladding, a renewable material that offers a sleek, modern finish while being incredibly eco-friendly. To keep everything consistent, echo the use of natural materials from the home’s exterior into your:
- Garden pathways
- Fences
- Outdoor furniture
15. Create a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow with New Doors
For a truly open feel, pocket sliding doors can disappear entirely into the walls when opened, allowing for uninterrupted views and access to your outdoor space. These are particularly effective if you have a patio or deck that flows into your living area, turning two distinct spaces into one large entertaining area.
To enhance the connection, consider installing flush thresholds where the floor level inside is perfectly aligned with the outdoor flooring, creating a smooth, continuous surface. Pair this with bi-fold doors that accordion open to maximize the opening width, making the transition as open or as closed as you need.
16. Incorporate Craftsman Design Elements
These styles, originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focus on:
- Craftsmanship
- Natural materials
- Simple, honest forms
If you’re renovating a Craftsman-style home, look for opportunities to highlight or restore iconic features like:
- Tapered columns
- Exposed rafters
- Decorative wood brackets
These details are functional yet decorative, adding both strength and beauty to the structure.
The hallmark of this design style is the use of natural materials. Even if your home isn’t originally a Craftsman, you can incorporate these elements to give it a timeless feel. Adding a deep front porch with wide steps is another common feature that can transform the entryway into a welcoming, functional space.
17. Add a Pergola for Shade and Architectural Interest
A pergola is an architectural focal point that transforms outdoor spaces into stylish living areas. The design options are endless. For a modern twist, consider a minimalist pergola with clean lines and a metal frame, or go traditional with beams and rafters in a more ornate style.
To increase functionality, consider adding retractable canopies or growing climbing plants for natural shade. Pair the pergola with outdoor lighting or even a ceiling fan to extend its use into the evening, creating a relaxing, versatile space perfect for dining or lounging.
18. Top Your Chimney with Decorative Features
Chimneys are often overlooked when it comes to exterior design, but adding a decorative chimney cap or other embellishments can bring an unexpected touch of elegance to your home’s roofline.
A copper or steel chimney cap provides protection from the elements and keeps pests out, but it also adds a distinctive architectural element. Over time, materials like copper will develop a patina, adding character and a timeless look to your home.
Beyond caps, consider decorative chimney pots, which are cylindrical structures that sit atop chimneys to enhance airflow and create a dramatic focal point. Available in various materials, from terracotta to metal, these features can turn a functional chimney into a statement piece.
Make sure the scale of the decorative element complements the size of the chimney and roofline to maintain visual harmony.
19. Install Solar Panels for Energy Efficiency
By incorporating solar panels into your roof or even as part of a ground-mounted system, you reduce your carbon footprint and significantly lower your energy bills. Today’s solar panels are sleeker and more efficient than ever, with options like black-on-black panels that blend into darker roofs, making them less obtrusive than traditional blue models.
Solar technology is continually improving, with solar shingles now available for those who want a more integrated look. These shingles function like traditional panels but replace sections of your roof, allowing them to blend naturally into the overall design.
In addition to the environmental benefits, many homeowners can take advantage of tax credits and rebates, making solar a financially smart investment.
20. Use Eco-Friendly or Sustainable Materials
Sustainability has become a major focus in modern exterior design, and using eco-friendly materials is a smart way to future-proof your home while minimizing environmental impact.
Reclaimed wood offers a rustic, weathered look while reducing the demand for new lumber. It adds unique character to your home that can’t be replicated with new materials.
Another great option is recycled metal roofing or siding, which is both durable and lightweight. Metal roofs, in particular, are incredibly energy-efficient and can last up to 50 years, reducing the need for replacement.
For those looking to freshen up their exterior with a coat of paint, low-VOC or zero-VOC paints are environmentally friendly and safe for your home’s air quality. Eco-friendly paints come in a wide variety of colors, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability.
Finally, permeable pavers made from recycled materials can be used in driveways and walkways to help manage stormwater runoff, reducing strain on municipal water systems.
Revitalize Your Space with These Exterior House Ideas
Transforming your home’s exterior can significantly enhance both its appearance and efficiency. These exterior house ideas offer creative ways to boost curb appeal and create a space that reflects your unique style.
For innovative, eco-friendly materials that bring your vision to life, LX Hausys provides top-tier solutions for building and decorative materials. With a focus on creating value-added spaces that blend nature and design, LX Hausys has the products to suit your lifestyle.
Discover our range today and start your home’s exterior transformation!