10 On-Trend Modern Exterior Designs

Modern exterior designs are sleek, sophisticated, and make even the most modest home look like it belongs in a magazine. Whether you’re planning a full remodel or just dreaming about it, we’ve rounded up ten of the freshest trends that’ll keep your curb appeal current. 

1. Modern, Monochromatic Minimalism

Yes, sometimes less really is more. Monochromatic exteriors, like all-black or all-white, are moody and mesmerizing. The magic of these homes comes in the texture – think smooth stucco, sleek lap siding, and matte finishes to keep things interesting without too much visual clutter.

It’s also a trend that’s easy to figure out. Choose a hue and play with different finishes and materials to add depth. Think of it like putting together a chic outfit in one color. 

2. Warm Wood Accents

Warm wood accents are still going strong! Though modern is often equated with cool and clean, warmth is making a comeback right now. Whether you’re aiming for a cedar soffit or a slatted privacy wall, these accents are perfect to cozy up your exterior.

If you’re not the type to remember to re-stain every few years, not all hope is lost. Many composite materials mimic wood without the need for maintenance, so you can get the look without breaking a sweat.

3. High Contrast Color Combos

Monochromatic not your thing? No worries, high contrast is here to save the day! Contrast adds instant drama to your home, so whether you like white siding with black trim or the reverse for something more daring, high-contrast palettes are a staple in modern exterior designs.

Consider adding a third accent color through your front door or some planters for a layered look.

4. Make a Modern Exterior Design Statement With Your Entry Doors

Front doors aren’t just for coming and going. Today, modern homes are using their front doors as design statements. Oversized pivot doors, bold colors, and unexpected materials like stain and glass are turning entrances into focal points.

And if you don’t want to go full neon, you can always try a bolder color like forest green or terracotta for something timeless.

5. Sleek Horizontal Siding in Modern Exterior Designs

Though vertical siding has been in for a while, there’s something special about sleek horizontal lines on a house. It just screams sophistication. Whether you go with fiber cement, composite, or metal, horizontal siding gives you a grounded look that’s a favorite in modern exterior designs.

Plus, it pairs well with vertical elements like slatted wood or stacked stone, so you can mix things up a bit. 

6. Mixed Materials for Modern Texture and Depth

Minimalism isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. “More is more” can definitely be done tastefully!

Mixing materials like stucco, stone, wood, and metal can add personality to your home’s exterior for a custom look that’s not chaotic. In this case, stick to a neutral palette and focus on texture, like combining white stucco with natural stone.

7. Strategic Outdoor Lighting for Modern Exterior Designs

Modern homes don’t go dark after sunset! Lighting is key, and not just for safety. Uplighting trees, spotlighting architectural details, and soft-glow pathways add the polish your home needs to stand out. It’s like giving your home a red carpet every night. 

Just make sure you don’t end up looking like an airport runway. Stick to the basics to highlight your home’s best features without going overboard. 

8. Flat or Low-Pitched Rooflines

If you’re doing a serious renovation, consider flattening things out. Flat or low-pitched rooflines are a hallmark of modern architecture. They give the structure a clean, bold profile and can make even a one-story home look elegant. 

They’re also a great excuse to install those solar panels you’ve been thinking about. 

9. Metal Accents That Shine

From standing seam metal roofs to matte black gutters and fascia, metal details are making their mark. These accents bring shine, edge, and longevity to your design – what’s not to love?

Plus, metal ages beautifully. As copper and corten steel develop a patina, your home tells a gorgeous story over time. If you’re not sure where to start, consider replacing small details like gutters or shutters first, then making additional changes. 

10. Integrated Landscaping and Hardscaping in Modern Design

Modern exterior designs always consider the space around the house. Clean lines in the hardscaping make everything feel cohesive, so you’ll want to aim for linear pathways, raised beds, and minimalist plantings. Concrete planters, gravel beds, and lighting can also tie into your home’s exterior design. 

Remember to make your outdoor space a place worth living. Consider everything you want to enjoy in the great outdoors, then balance your hardscaping and landscaping to make your summer dreams come true. 

Consider Your Home Before You Choose a Modern Exterior Design

Before adding any of these designs to your home, consider what you’re working with. Every home has its own personality, so a 1920s Tudor might not look right in full-blown industrial chic. Modern doesn’t have to mean reinvention; it can be a slow evolution. 

Look for ways to layer modern touches onto your home’s natural strengths. If you have a lovely porch, try adding a modern railing. Or pair brick with black windows and a streamlined front door. The goal should be to enhance, not erase. 

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Modern Exterior Designs

Modern exterior designs are more versatile than you think. You don’t need to have a brand new build or move to a trendy neighborhood to make them work. Start small with a new door or a fresh coat of paint and build from there. 

If you’re stuck, that’s what we’re here for! Our team at brick&batten can help you visualize your exterior with a virtual rendering that brings your ideas to life on your home. Get your design started today to see all the ways your home can shine. 

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