Exterior Design Principles You Should Know

When designing your dream home, perfecting the exterior can be a daunting task. With a delicate balance of colours, materials, shapes and lines, the exterior of your home needs to be visually appealing and stand out for all the right reasons.

Overwhelming as it may be, this process should also be exciting and rewarding. Here are 5 basic exterior design principles you should consider to enhance the front of your home and make a statement.

Balance and Symmetry

One of the most important aspects of any well-designed exterior is balance and symmetry. The facade of every home needs to feature some amount of both balance and symmetry to appear aesthetically pleasing, satisfying and thoughtfully designed.

There are many ways for custom home builders to achieve both balance and symmetry in your home’s exterior, and the right way to go about this will depend on the features and design style of your home. While good old-fashioned symmetry might be the most obvious way to achieve this, some other ways to do so include your roof lines and outdoor pergola elevations or larger windows combined with a smaller front door or vice versa.

Form Follows Function

The phrase “form follows function” was invented by Louis Sullivan, the mentor of famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It means that the purpose of a building should be the focus of its design, and form the starting point for all the decisions that will be made throughout the process.

To follow this mantra, ask yourself the following questions: What is the purpose of your home? What will it be used for? Think about the needs of you and your family and how the design of your home and yard can accommodate them.

Balance and Mixture of Textures and Materials

With so many options available to you, choosing the right materials for your home’s exterior can be difficult to say the least. While it can be easy to get caught up in the aesthetics, don’t forget the importance of durability and functionality as well.

The textures and materials you select will go a long way in reflecting your personal style, so think carefully about your final choices. For example, if your home is modern and minimalist, you might consider using steel or dark wood panels for that sophisticated, sleek look.

Colour Choices

When it comes to the colour of your home exterior, you should choose something that suits your home’s style and its surroundings. Rather than getting caught up in trends, opt for something classic and timeless to save yourself from having a dated exterior just a few years down the track. Drive around your neighbourhood and look to your neighbours for inspiration and to see what works and what doesn’t.

The fun part is that there are plenty of ways to play with colour through your exterior, such as a pop of colour on your front door or contracting shades on the top and bottom of your home. Most homes rely on three hues – a domain shade and two accents, with one being bolder and brighter than the others. These hues can be monochromatic or complementary, and make sure your trim coordinates with your chosen shades.

Landscaping

Landscaping is one of the most commonly underutilised aspects of a home’s exterior, and when done right it can become a valuable extension of your home as well as a stunning reflection of your style. Features such as water features, pergolas, fencing and paving can all be used to make a show-stopping statement, providing a serene retreat for you and your family.

If you’re investing in your landscaping, don’t forget to invest in lighting as well. After all, what’s the point of having a beautiful landscape if no one can see it once the sun goes down? Spotlights, flood lights, garden lights, string lights, step lights and more can brighten up your yard after dark and allow you to safely entertain well into the night.