10 Must-Know Exterior Home Design Trends for 2021
By: TessaIf you’re putting time and money into an exterior redesign, you want it to look updated. While many homeowners desire a trendy curb appearance, they often don’t want the details to fall out of style within the next few years. This takes a delicate balance, but as expert virtual exterior designers who’ve designed thousands of homes, we’re here to show you how to get it done. Here’s a list of 10 must-know exterior home design trends for 2021 that still possess classic beauty.
Stuck on balancing exterior design trends with timelessness? At brick&batten, we can help. Get started with our virtual exterior design services, and we’ll create a unique design with realistic renderings of your home. You’ll also get a detailed shopping list to make the plans a reality.
10 Must-Know Exterior Home Design Trends for 2021
#1 // Going Extra on Windows
Bright and airy interiors are in, so it only makes sense that adding extra exterior windows is on-trend too. Take a look at how windows can drastically modernize a home in the before and after above! The key when adding new windows is to make sure they match the home’s original architecture. In other words, you want it to look like the home was built that way. If you respect the home’s architecture when adding windows, it will look trendy, yet classic.
#2 // Creamy White Paint
White paint. Yup. The right color white paint will never go out of style. Whites can be tricky with LRV and undertones, but if you find the right shade that works with your fixed elements, white exterior paint is definitely timeless and classic but also updated. Pairing a beautiful white color with wood accents is hard to top! The color we chose for the redesign above is Seapearl by Benjamin Moore. Get inspired by these brick&batten designs with white paint.
#3 // Add a Pergola to It
One of our favorite exterior home design trends here to stay in 2021 is the pergola. If your home doesn’t already have a large porch, it doesn’t mean you should miss out on sitting outside and waving to your neighbors. A pergola will not only add covering for shade but takes your curb appeal up a notch. Whether it’s a visor-type garage pergola or a modern pergola over a porch, it’s time for you to get one!
#4 // Contrasting Garage Doors
Well-made garage doors with architectural details like windows and paneling should be celebrated, not hidden. One way to highlight your garage doors as a design element is to paint them a contrasting color. We used Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams for the rendering above. These colors both complement and contrast with one another in a beautiful way.
#5 // Interesting Architectural Doors
Your door should be the focal point of your home. In 2021, people are still using bright paint colors to show personality through their home’s front door. However, neutral-color doors in a wood tone or iron with unique architectural designs are also becoming popular. Homeowners are also opting for wider doors and large sidelights.
#6 // Swapping Curved Lines for Straight Lines
We believe 2021 is the year of straight lines. Arched windows certainly had their time in the 90s and 2000s, and they still can look great on certain homes. Nevertheless, switching out the ornate starburst windows for straight-line windows can instantly give your home an updated look and modernize it enough to take it into the future and keep it there.
#7 // Front Porches
Of course, a back porch has its time to shine with grilling and large family dinners; however, gone are the days of a tiny stoop in the front. We are continuing to notice a shift to the front porch, as well. Clients are asking for more porch seating, and we are noticing that people enjoy lounging on their front porch. It’s an excellent way to see what’s happening and meet new neighbors.
#8 // Painting Brick
Painting a house with original brick can be daunting. People say it’s bad for the brick or the brick can’t breathe… blah, blah. The bottom line is, if you don’t like your brick, it’s safe to paint. Paint has come a long way. With the right brand and application, your brick will take on new life with little maintenance. So, if you’re thinking about painting your brick, you’re not the only one! Try Romabio for a beautiful and long-lasting result.
#9 // Natural Wood Accents
In 2021, many homeowners are saying goodbye to light-colored lament siding and swapping it out for natural or composite wood. Wood accents look beautiful on many types of architecture, from farmhouse to contemporary. So, if you’re wanting to try one trend that’s likely here to stay, we recommend finding a place on your home’s exterior to put some wood (or a composite for less maintenance). Whether it’s columns, siding, front door, fence, soffits, or garage doors, find a place and embrace the wood trend.
#10 // Dark Colors
In the last couple of years, we have seen an upswing in darker paint for home exteriors as well as interiors. And we can see why! People love to call this a “trend,” and while it has gained popularity, painting a house black finds its roots long before now. Dark paint is dramatic and eye-catching. If you’re considering being the first one on the block to try a darker color, go for it. Your neighbors will be swooning when your project is finished. Find some of our favorite dark colors here.
At brick&batten we are on the lookout for more than just a passing trend. It’s only smart money to spend on your home exterior if you know what you’re planning isn’t going to be out of style within months of finishing your project. We’re always looking for that balance of classic beauty with a modern update.
If you want some help unlocking your home’s potential checkout our exterior home design service. We can help you stay on-trend while saving money by avoiding costly mistakes when it comes to your home exterior. We’d love to collaborate with you to create a home you love! Get started today.
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