Fixer Upper Homes: Exterior Design Ideas and Inspiration
By: Britteny
Turning a fixer upper home into your forever home can feel like a daunting task. After all, fixer upper homes are often in rough shape, and the list of necessary updates can appear never ending. But with assistance from experts like us, transforming a fixer upper into a showstopper is simpler than ever.
Keep reading to see some of the fixer upper homes we’ve helped transform and get inspiration for your own renovation project.
Whether your home is in need of a major renovation or just some simple updates, we can help. Our expert exterior designers will create a photorealistic rendering of your home exterior with our recommended upgrades. From paint colors to cladding materials to light fixtures, we can reimagine any aspect of your home. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.
What is a fixer upper?
Fixer upper homes come in all shapes and sizes and can be found in neighborhoods all across the country (and the world). Additionally, any style of home can be a fixer upper, from ranches and Cape Cods to cottages and bungalows.
As the name implies, fixer upper homes generally are not in great condition and require some degree of fixing up to be livable. Sometimes fixer upper homes are purchased with the intent of remodeling and reselling for a profit. Other times, people buy them and renovate them to live in them.
The owner of the home above reached out to us for design help almost a year after purchasing it. They described it as a fixer upper and said their main goal was to update the exterior with a fresh color palette. They also wanted to replace the garage door, update the landscaping, and make some other minor changes. Benjamin Moore’s Platinum Gray on the siding and Simply White on the fascia, soffits, trim, columns, and garage pergola, plus a new front door, garage door, walkway, and driveway helped transform the exterior.
Add texture and color
The exterior of this home was pretty one-note before, and the owner wanted to give it some dimension and character. Benjamin Moore’s Deep River on the new vertical siding and Revere Pewter on the brick create some contrast. The new garage doors are flanked by wood siding, and the metal columns supporting the second-story balcony pop against the light brick.
On the back side, light stone on the chimney makes this design element a focal point. Multiple seating areas and a pool create a great space for entertaining.
Modern farmhouse-inspired fixer upper
This client wanted a modern farmhouse aesthetic for their fixer upper, which they described as “very solid but ugly.” To achieve the desired look, we suggested a classic white and black color palette with warm wood accents. We replaced the dated white front door and added a portico overtop. A new railing and steps, plus an updated walkway lined with landscaping help boost the curb appeal.
We carried the color palette, stone, and wood accents through to the garage side of the home as well. This side features a new entry door and garage door, as well as a new driveway and fresh landscaping.
Stucco and stone fixer upper
The home above is the perfect example of the power of exterior paint and the impact it can have on your curb appeal. The existing color palette made the exterior look dated, but a creamy white hue on the stucco and gray stone give the home a contemporary feel. We also rendered the shutters in a rich shade of gray and the eaves in a dark greige.
The addition of a covered porch — featuring a modern cable railing and industrial-looking columns — also elevates the exterior.
Focus on the front porch
This California client purchased their fixer upper for the location and land it’s situated on. After spending years renovating the interior, they turned to us for help with the exterior. We recommended new siding painted with Sherwin Williams’ Oyster Bay and used Pepper Shake, also by Sherwin Williams, on the trim and front door.
One of the most noticeable aspects of this transformation is the front porch. Thick wood columns replace the thin white ones, and wood decking adds more warmth. Two lounge chairs and a hanging chair offer plenty of seating, and the planters and window boxes make the space feel inviting. Finally, a landscape-lined walkway leading to the steps makes the entrance a focal point.
Optimize your outdoor space
Whether you plan to sell your fixer upper or live in it yourself, a well-designed outdoor space is always a great investment. For the property above, we designed a more functional and aesthetically pleasing front yard featuring a fire pit with comfy seating options, fresh landscaping, and a fence for a bit of privacy.
We suggested updates to the house as well, including a new color palette, modern garage doors, and a glass front door.
Coastal fixer upper
This client wanted a coastal aesthetic for their recently purchased fixer upper in Florida. Sherwin Williams’ Pure White as the home’s primary color and Benjamin Moore’s Water’s Edge as an accent help to provide the desired beachy vibe. While the new color palette alone did wonders to update this home, we also suggested some other upgrades, including a metal roof, a stone paver walkway, new columns, and modern light fixtures.
Mediterranean-inspired fixer upper
A few months after moving into this fixer upper, the owner enlisted our help to create a fresh Mediterranean-inspired look that would add interest to the façade.
We suggested a new color palette — Cape May Cobblestone on the brick, fascia, and soffits — with a wood front door and black window trim. We also designed a front porch covered by a wood pergola and added a trellis covered in greenery to highlight the entrance.
Since the homeowner wanted to get rid of the lawn, we filled the front yard with stone pavers, wood planter boxes, and some low-maintenance landscaping. Finally, we added a fence with a painted wood gate.
Painted brick fixer upper
The combination of red brick with white siding and window trim and black shutters gave this home a dated feel. To update it while still maintaining its charm, we suggested a monochromatic color palette. We rendered the brick in Benjamin Moore’s Olympic Mountains, an off-white hue, and used a crisper white, Mountain Peak White, on the siding, eaves, soffits, and columns.
Steel Wool, also by Benjamin Moore, on the shutters adds a subtle pop of color. We also replaced the windows and opted for black trim and added some warmth with a wood front door and copper awning overtop.
From fixer upper to forever home
Turning your fixer upper into your forever home (or someone else’s if you plan to sell) will require some work. But it doesn’t have to be a stressful, overwhelming process. As we demonstrated in this post, there are plenty of ways to update a fixer upper, and some of the renovations are quite simple.
That said, taking your property from run down to remarkable will be even easier with a brick&batten design to guide you. You’ll be able to see all your desired upgrades on your home before you start renovating.
From fixer upper homes to commercial buildings, we excel at helping clients visualize the potential of their property’s exterior. Your home or business could be next. Begin your exterior design project today.
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