New Construction Exterior House Design

One of the first things that attract buyers to any new home is its curb appeal. We all want that beautiful home that stands out from the rest, but we also want it to blend with its surroundings and the neighborhood. Designing a stand out home is not for the novice. An outstanding exterior home design starts with an understanding of basic design principals like balance, proportion, and color. But what exactly is it that gives a home serious curb appeal?

There are many factors, some obvious, some less so, that give a home outstanding curb appeal. Designing a home's exterior is a complicated combination of color, materials, and balancing shapes and lines. All of these elements contribute to a home's “wow” factor. Yet while some homes look perfectly fine, others can make you stop and stare in awe at their beauty. These are the homes that have followed some key exterior home design principals to achieve their wow factor.

Making some key choices during the design stage can give your new construction home that curb appeal you desire. Let's take a look at some basic exterior home design principals that can take your build from good, to head-turning great!

Basic Exterior Home Design 101: Balance and Symmetry

Like all good design, Whether it's a brochure, a car, or a home, balance, and symmetry play an important role. A home's facade needs to offer some semblance of balance and symmetry in order to appear pleasing to the eye.

Whether it's the symmetry of a stately Colonial home with its centered door and windows equally flanking either side or a more modern home where balance is achieved through peaked roof lines and equally spaced dormers, there are numerous ways to achieve proportion and balance.

There are many different ways of achieving a proportional symmetrical and balanced home exterior including using dormers, window placement, and more. Some are obvious, some less so, but either way, a properly designed home has an exterior that is balanced and proportional.

Form Follows Function

Basically, the purpose of the building is the starting point of good home design. Consider all of your family's needs when designing your home. The exterior of your home will mimic and compliment the interior designs you've chosen. For example, if you're an artist, maybe you want larger windows to improve the natural light so you can paint in your study. Maybe you want to add an in-law suite in the attic and a shed dormer will increase headspace, floor space, and natural light. Always remember the interior design will affect the exterior home design.

Basic Exterior Home Design Part Two: Material and Texture

The materials you choose for the exterior of your new construction will not only provide protection but can play a huge role in the aesthetics of your design. Seek to balance durability and aesthetics, while reflecting your personal style. If you're more of a rustic traditionalist, tumbled stone and cedar shake shingles might be the perfect look. If your tastes run more to the modern, the sleek lines of steel or wood panels might be the perfect look.

This is where consulting with your architect, designer, or design build remodeling contractor can be valuable. They will have access to plenty of tools that can help you clearly see what your exterior materials choices will look like before you make a big financial investment.

The Beauty of Color

Color can play up so many features when it comes to exterior home design. Deciding which color palette is right for you can be challenging. Bold or basic? Like in any decorating choice, color is vital. The right colors can hide flaws or when improperly chosen, can draw attention to them. Some ideas for creative use of color include:

• Painting the front porch a bright white to draw the eye to a cozy entrance

• Choosing a bold bright color for the front door

• Make a tall home appear shorter by using a darker color on top and a lighter one on the bottom

Color can trick the eye and play up positive elements of your exterior. It can be an easy, inexpensive way to create stunning curb appeal!

Other Factors To Consider...

While the overall physical structure is important, there are other ways to add curb appeal. Subtle details like well-placed plantings and architectural elements can add interest a create focal points.

• Create a Welcoming Walkway – Guide your guests from the street to the front door with a well-maintained path. Make it at least 3 to 4 feet wide so two people can walk side by side. It's a wonderful way to greet your guests.

• Add a Pop of Color – A splash of bright bold color that contrasts with your home's siding can add life to a tired entry. A bright red, stately black, or cheerful green door welcomes visitors into your home.

• Tame Your Landscaping – Cutting overgrown shrubbery that blocks the view of your home can open up the design. Flowers and plants in containers are easy to maintain, and can add a pop of color!

• Add Personality – Add beautiful entry lighting or dramatic tile to achieve a polished look and provide a visual interest.

• Add Architectural Details – Research your homes style and add appropriate details like columns, balusters, and molding that is period and style specific.

• Create Drama with Landscape Lighting – One way to add an element of style to your home is through outdoor lighting. Landscape lighting is inexpensive and can add a dramatic element that can raise your homes curb appeal to the next level.

Speak to our home designers. They can help you to add elements to your home's exterior design that can up its curb appeal and make it uniquely yours. When creating a new construction home, taking the time in the design stage to incorporate stylistic elements is well worth the effort. Simple design principals applied wisely, like color, proportion and symmetry can help you to create a home that will make people stop in their tracks!

Forward Design Build is a residential design-build firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and communication. We are committed to improving our neighbors quality of life with inspired design and creative remodeling. Our homes are highly functional, exquisitely beautiful, and remarkably comfortable. Contact us to speak with an expert about your new home or remodeling project.

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