18 On-Trend Modern House Exterior Designs

Upgrading to a new modern house exterior design can create a wow factor for your home’s curb appeal. Modern design is often as functional as it is elegant. It’s the use of a limited neutral palette, unique but well-chosen materials, and simple geometric lines. And the overall effect is stunning. Plus, the latest designs also make thoughtful use of interior and exterior square footage to increase the value of your home and make it the most beautiful house on the block.

If you find yourself dreaming about on-trend modern house exterior designs but aren’t sure where to begin, we’re here to help. Our team of designers are experts at drawing on the best of the latest trends while creating a timeless aesthetic. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.

What’s the latest in modern house exterior designs?

Minimalism is on-trend for both the exterior and the interior of the home. According to The Spruce, modern, minimalist design “is stripped to its core function, realized using limited materials, neutral colors, simple forms, and avoiding excess ornamentation to achieve a pure form of elegance.”

Some key elements of modern design include the following:

1. Focus on functionality: Everything has a place and a purpose. Modern design emphasizes quality and craftsmanship over quantity. Materials are chosen for durability; with more people spending more time at home right now, the ability to withstand regular everyday use is crucial to good design.
2. Clean, simple lines: Geometric shapes and sculptural forms have taken the place of ornate designs, pushing designs toward open space and calm energy.
3. Natural elements: Warm neutrals and the use of wood and stone are often built to soften a façade, provide texture, and blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Furthermore, large windows allow for more natural light indoors.
4. Contrast: Dark paint colors are often paired with warm, light neutrals for a striking visual effect.

We love the fact that practicality is on-trend for modern exterior homes. Moreover, people are rethinking the use of their exterior spaces to be able to live and work outside more than ever. Porches, patios, and landscaping are curated for conversation and leisure — or maybe even a conference call, if necessary.

#1 // Modern Bungalow

This bungalow home got a fresh and inviting update with its porch extension and cozy outdoor living areas. Simple geometric lines adorn the roof, front door, fencing, and Corten steel planter.

#2 // Updated Split-Level

This contemporary design needed a modern makeover with some contrasting colors to punch up the drama. The stone-and-pavers walkway offers a warm invitation to the front door. Also, the use of a large planter as a privacy wall defines a new outdoor living space that essentially adds to the square footage of the home.

#3 // Modern Ranch

Our designers softened the design of this modern ranch home with well-placed plants and the replacement of the siding to James Hardie Panel Vertical Siding in Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray. The upgrade to wood for the garage door and front door adds a touch of class, and the addition of patio furniture completes the picture.

#4 // Modern Mission

Our designers retained the mission-style roof of this home but added natural stone siding for visual interest. They also simplified the lines on the siding, windows, garage, and front door. The fountain, porch extension, and contrasting pattern on the steps provide a unique effect.

#5 // Simplified Split-Level

The larger windows and front door, plus a sleek new garage door, provide natural light indoors and a sense of openness to this home’s exterior design. Our designers incorporated wood tones to add warmth, as well as statement lighting and a dark gray paint color (Benjamin Moore’s Soot) to invoke moodiness.

#6 // Modern Colonial

We love the larger front porch and cozy outdoor nooks our designers added to this colonial home exterior. The simplified windows with dark trim and wood side paneling match the new door and porch overhang. The dark color we recommended for the siding is warm and unctuous. The copper gutters add a finishing touch.

#7 // New Construction Design

The use of neutral colors brings together the multiple textures and patterns used in this new construction design. Light stone and new smooth paneling pair with dark trim and wood elements. Geometric lines generate a simple theme that is both modern and beautiful.

#8 // Porch and Pavers

This ’70s style two-story porch got a modern makeover to a cozier one-story finish. The lovely new neutral sandstone pavers add class. Well-placed seating and landscaping cultivate an inviting place to watch the street go by.

#9 // Cedar Pillars

This home received a smart, simple change to the porch design. The new roofline and cedar pillars lend modern vibes that are dramatic and inviting. The removal of shutters and large shrubs allows for more openness and clean lines. Strategic use of lighting creates intentional design.

#10 // Ranch with Retaining Wall

The new retaining wall around the patio of this home sets it off and produces a welcoming outdoor living room space. A dramatic change to the shape of the porch overhang, cedar pillars, and planks, plus simple lines of the new siding beget the modern style.

#11 // Sprawling Ranch Redesign

The feel of this home’s design starts with the beautiful new front door and reshaping of the walkway. The warm new color (Seapearl by Benjamin Moore) and clean new landscaping brighten things up. New windows and wood pillars amplify the exterior and add to the sense of calm.

#12 // Modern Color Palette

This home, built circa 2000, already had a lot of windows. Our designers focused on a rich, dark color (we love Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams) for the siding and garage to modernize the façade.

#13 // Fearless Bright Whites

The seafoam green to bright white took this home from ho-hum to wow. Using principles of minimalism, our designers simplified the curves and spindles and added natural stone accents for visual interest.

#14 // Modern Rustic Balance

Often we recommend that our clients remove shutters, but in this case, the modern rustic appeal of new gray shutters are a counterpoint to the warm white brick paint color (Alabaster by Sherwin Williams).

#15 // Limewashed Stone

This home started with good bones and a unique, bold design. The deliciously creamy white paint color (Pure White by Sherwin Williams) and new siding elevated the color palette, and the stone is limewashed to keep the element of texture. Dark trim highlights the roofline and front door.

#16 // Walkway Update

The white pavers over dark mulch leading to this home’s wide front steps brought much of the modern feel to this update. The use of lighting, freestanding lanterns, and a retaining wall to display the home number are both practical and unexpected.

#17 // Simplified Railing

The second-floor porch and walkway are pared down with a minimalist design for the railings and posts. Smooth, clean lines for the new driveway and light new door yield openness. Our designers’ recommendation of wood paneling to hide the HVAC unit and the steel planter with house numbers are functional updates that are also lovely.

#18 // Midcentury to Modern Contemporary

Upgraded doors for both the main entrance and upper porch on this exterior home upgrade allow tons of light to filter inside. Our favorite part of this design is the wood paneling on the second-floor eaves and on the siding beneath the main-level porch overhang.

Modern house exteriors design upgrades can add value to your home

At brick&batten, our designers enjoy working with homeowners interested in modern house exterior designs. We pay attention to the little details, such as materials and colors, to provide the modern feel and stunning curb appeal our clients want. Often, simple changes lead to a more livable environment and make your home feel like a relaxing retreat.

Dreaming of making a timeless, modern upgrade to your home exterior but aren’t sure where to begin? We’d love to help. Our team of designers use a photo (or blueprint!) of your home and the inspiration you provide to create a virtual rendering of your new design. Plus, we provide you with a resource list to help you execute the look. Learn more about our process for developing modern house exterior designs, or get started on making your exterior dreams a reality today!

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