The Art of Layering On a Mixed Materials Exterior
By: Alexis B.
If you’ve ever walked by a home and thought, “Wow, that sucker looks expensive,” you’ve probably admired the magic of a mixed materials exterior. Layering materials like wood, stone, brick, and metal gives a home personality and depth that comes straight out of a magazine cover. Even if you’re working with a builder-grade facade, mixing materials is one of the easiest ways you can turn your home’s exterior from flat to fabulous.
But before you pick up a single panel of siding, here’s everything you need to know to layer mixed materials like a pro.
Why a Mixed Materials Exterior Makes Your Home Pop
Okay, but why does mixing materials make such a huge impact, anyway?
The human eye loves contrast. It’s why that little black dress looks so gorgeous with a bright red lip, or why a satisfying bookshelf mixes matte ceramics with glossy glass pieces. That same rule applies to your home’s exterior.
A mixed materials exterior creates visual interest through tone, texture, and variation, making your home feel layered and lived in rather than a boring box.
Texture adds depth. Materials like stone are grounding, while metal brings a modern edge. Wood softens a facade with warmth. When combined intentionally, these different textures can create architectural balance like a perfect outfit.
Beyond aesthetics, mixing different construction materials can also highlight your home’s best features. For example, a different siding type or color around the entryway can draw the eye right where you want it. Strategic material changes can help parts of your home blend or stand out, depending on your goal.
Golden Rules of a Mixed Materials Exterior
Designing a mixed materials exterior can feel intimidating, but our pros are here to help. Here are a few guiding principles to get you started.
1. Pick a Focal Point
Your home’s front door, entryway, or standout gable should take center stage. Use your most striking texture or color on this focal point. Then, the rest of your materials should support that focal point rather than competing with it.
2. Play With Scale and Proportion
Don’t forget scale when you’re mixing materials. Mix large-scale elements like chunky stone veneer with finer details like lap siding. It’s all about finding a balance that works, even with sizes.
3. Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette
Mixing textures is great, but too many colors can make your home look busy. The last thing you want is for your neighbors to walk outside and go, “Yikes.”
Stick to two or three complementary tones for your exterior. Neutral stone pairs beautifully with cool grays or warm taupes, while wood pops against deep charcoal siding. Contrast is your friend; just keep the colors complementary to one another.
4. Think About Transitions
Where your materials meet is just as important as the materials themselves. Trim boards, metal reveals, or subtle changes in plane can make those transitions feel intentional and professional rather than accidental.
They’re also important to protect your siding from leaks or pests, so always secure your transitions well. When in doubt, leave it to the professionals!
5. Respect Your Home’s Architecture
A mid-century modern home might not appreciate a random stone archway. Make sure you choose materials that enhance your home’s existing character, rather than fighting against it. Your home’s features should blend, not appear mismatched like an old pair of socks.
Top Exterior Materials to Mix and Match
Building your palette is the fun part. Here are some of our designers’ favorite combinations for creating a mixed materials exterior that wows.
Stone
Stone is the perfect material to give your home a sense of strength and permanence. It’s great for grounding the base of your home or for framing entryways. Consider pairing it with fiber cement or wood accents for a nice rustic-yet-refined look.
Brick
Few materials feel as timeless as warm brick. It plays well with smooth surfaces like stucco or fiber cement to give you a cozy, collected feel. Painted brick can also modernize a traditional exterior while still maintaining texture and depth.
Wood
Wood adds instant warmth to any exterior. Whether you opt for cedar shingles or faux wood-look siding, this texture softens your home’s look. Keep in mind, however, that natural wood requires high maintenance, so engineered alternatives may be better for durability (and maintenance-free weekends).
Metal
Looking for an exterior with a sleek, modern edge? Look no further than metal. Metal siding or accents can offer great contrast, as long as you balance it with something organic like wood or stone to keep it from looking too cold. Consider options like standing seam panels or small aluminum details like porch roofs or trim.
Stucco
Smooth surfaces like stucco are perfect for letting your other materials shine. Stucco brings a clean, modern touch that helps offset busier textures like brick or wood, so it’s great for balancing out a busy exterior.
Glass and Decorative Panels
Though glass isn’t usually considered a “siding” material, glass panels can work as a gorgeous accent for railings, screens, or porch details. This delicate material adds lightness and sophistication to any home’s facade.
How to Layer a Mixed Materials Exterior Like a Designer
Even the most stunning materials can fall flat without thoughtful placement – that’s why our expert designers are here to help with your mixed materials exterior.
Aim to use the 60-30-10 rule, which is used to balance your color palette. You should use one material for about 60% of your exterior, a complementary one for 30%, and a bold accent for the final 10%. This can keep your home balanced yet visually appealing.
You should also aim to place heavier materials like stone or brick near the foundation, os your home feels stable and grounded. Even gravity agrees.
Finally, repeat your elements strategically. If you use wood at your entry, use it on your garage doors or porch beams, too. Repetition makes the design feel intentional, rather than random.
Final Thoughts: Mixed Materials Are a Recipe for Gorgeous
A mixed materials exterior is all about balance, proportion, and the right ingredients. When done well, layering textures on your home turns it into something truly special.
Ready to see what your home could look like with the right mix of materials? Start your virtual exterior design today and let our expert designers show you exactly how gorgeous your home could be.
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