How to Make Stucco Homes Look Fresh and Modern
By: Alexis B.
Stucco homes have been around for centuries, and for good reason! They’re a classic choice that stands the test of time and fits countless aesthetic designs, from Southwestern ranches to minimalist modern builds. But if you haven’t worked on your stucco home for a while, you may be finding it to be a little… Dated.
The good news is that with a few new design choices, you can give your stucco home new life! Whether you just want to touch up the exterior or are looking for a full revamp, here are a few tips to turn your stucco home into a masterpiece without losing its charm.
1. Embrace a Modern Color Palette for Stucco Homes
Paint is one of the easiest ways to transform the look of your home. But because stucco can have a natural texture, color might play a little differently here than it does on smoother surfaces. You’ll need to choose any new paint colors thoughtfully.
Soft whites, creamy “greiges,” and warm taupes often offer a clean, modern base for stucco homes. Some of our favorite shades include:
- Tavern Taupe by OMEGA Acrylic Finishes
- Vanilla Cream by OMEGA Acrylic Finishes
- Natural Linen by Sherwin-Williams®
Looking for something bolder? No problem. Consider a dramatic slate for a moodier vibe, and pair it with a light trim to add crisp lines and depth.
Remember, you should always test your paint color in real lighting and on the actual stucco surface before committing to a full paint job. Paint behaves differently in natural lighting and on different textures, so your home could look completely different than what you expect if you don’t test first! If you’re not sure where to start, our paint visualizer services can help you get started.
2. Contrast Stucco Homes with Accents and Texture
Stucco can come in different finishes, from smooth to highly textured, but that isn’t where your home’s depth should end. Your home should add a bit more contrast using accents to break up that visual uniformity.
Consider mixing materials like wood, stone, brick, or metal to create eye-catching contrast and add dimension. Cedar slat siding around the entry, a stone base skirt, or metal awnings are all great ways to add highlights. Even something as simple as a wood-look garage door can completely transform your home – it’s all about layering textures for that designer-worthy finish.
3. Tackle Outdated Trim, Shutters, and Doors
The little details always matter. If your trim, shutters, or doors have been barely hanging on for the last decade, it’s time to fix them. Slim, minimalist trim often offers a nice modern edge to stucco homes, especially when paired with a bold front door in shades like sage green or burnt orange. If you want a look that’s even sleeker, you could consider skipping shutters altogether or opt for flat panel styles. Thoughtful color choices are key here to make your home pop without looking too dramatic.
4. Upgrade Those Old Lighting Fixtures
The wrong lighting fixtures can easily date a gorgeous house. To keep the look modern, we recommend sleek lights in finishes like matte black or brushed brass. Geometric shapes and clean lines are a must for a fresh look.
Don’t forget to layer here, too! Path lights, uplights, and overhead lights all work together to give your home a true glow-up.
5. Landscape Stucco Homes With a Purpose
Stucco homes tend to look very crisp and architectural, so it’s softening them with some lush landscaping can improve the look. For Mediterranean-inspired stucco homes, drought-tolerant plants like agave, lavender, or olive trees can tie the look together nicely. For more contemporary homes, simple greenery like structured shrubs and ornamental grasses can complement the aesthetic perfectly.
Hardscaping is just as important. Concrete stepping paths and raised planters, for example, can really add some flair to a stucco home.
6. Don’t Raise the Roof: Replace It
We don’t always think about roofs when it comes to home redesign, but hear us out: your roofline and gutters play a huge role in your home’s overall look!
Swapping out your dated roof for something fresh and modern, like black shingles or concrete tile, can give your home the edge it needs to stand out. For gutters, thin, clean-lined options or color-matching designs can keep the focus on your home’s natural beauty, rather than its less glamorous accents.
7. Add Architectural Pieces to Your Stucco Home that Pop
Finally, personalizing your stucco home is all about those “wow” features. Do you want a pergola over the patio, or some new porch columns? What about horizontal wood slat accents for framing windows? These details add depth and interest that stucco homes tend to lack.
Consider replacing stair railings and porch enclosures with minimalist options like wrought iron or cable rails. Warm-toned wood can also add a natural element to a stucco home that makes it more inviting.
These architectural upgrades are more about just looking great, they also add functional benefits like shade or extra living space. They’re a great way to blend form and function, which we’re huge fans of when it comes to home design.
Tell Your Stucco Home’s Story
Stucco doesn’t mean “stucc” in the past. With the right colors and design choices, stucco homes can look fresh, modern, and totally unique to you. With the fresh base of a stucco home, there are endless ways to bring personality and charm to its exterior.
Feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities? We got you. At brick&batten, we’re ready to help you reimagine your home with our exterior virtual design services. Reach out to see how we can work together to create something amazing.
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