How to Harmonize Exterior Elements with Your Home’s Architectural Style

In recent years, homeowners have redoubled their attention to the exterior of their properties. Not only do next-level exteriors help extend the functional square footage of the residence, but they play a crucial role in boosting curb appeal and creating a polished, cohesive aspect for the property that will help it stand out in a competitive real estate market. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the best renovations that can help harmonize exterior elements with the home’s architectural style. 

Upgrade the Roof

A stunning roof puts the finishing touches on any exterior. Unfortunately, too many homeowners take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach to their roof. This can lead to cracking, fading, and blistering of asphalt and cedar shake shingles. 

This not only damages the home's exterior appearance, but it compromises the structural integrity of the building envelope. If you do not have the time to clean, seal, and maintain these types of basic roofs, it is worthwhile to consider an upgrade to more durable, lower maintenance options. Metal and composite shingles are some of the top roofing options in this regard. They maintain their aesthetics in the face of extended UV and precipitation exposure. They also offer the highest fire resistance on the market. This helps guarantee ongoing viability and curb appeal with minimal intervention required by the homeowner. 

Show the Windows Some Love

The windows are one of the most important elements of a home’s exterior. Cracked, clouded, and otherwise damaged windows will make any architectural style appear dated and worn. By installing new windows, the glistening crystal aspect and improved light transmission will inject a dose of vitality into the property. Consider features such as window trim and shutters to add a dose of contrast to tie the theme together. Southern and Victorian homes are a couple of architectural styles particularly well-suited to these accents. 

Modernize the Siding

The home’s cladding occupies the greatest surface area of any exterior element. It is critical to get it right in order to let an architectural style shine. Some themes naturally lend themselves to specific colors. A crisp white is ideal for a Colonial style home, while a Cape Cod lends itself to reddish brown hues. It is important to paint or stain the home’s cladding every other year to ensure ongoing aesthetics and protective properties. 

If this is too much of a commitment, consider inorganic cladding products such as steel log or fiber cement. These engineered materials can be fabricated in all of the best house colors to help homeowners achieve their desired aesthetics while reducing time committed to upkeep. These types of siding are rated to last 50+ years but will likely outlast the life of the house itself. 

Pay Attention to the Driveway

The driveway is an underrated aspect of the home exterior. After all, visitors are likely to form their first impression the minute they turn down your lane. Cracked concrete and rutted gravel driveways will not make the ideal statement. 

Therefore, it is important to make sure these surfaces are in top condition year-round. Clean and seal concrete driveways ahead of winter to limit the risk of moisture absorption. Construct gravel lanes with durable substrate paver grids to help hold surface stone in place in the face of all types of forces. 

Replace the Garage Door

The garage door is by far the largest aperture in a home’s exterior. As such, it will naturally draw attention--both good and bad. Dented, dinged, and otherwise damaged garage doors will detract from even the most awe-inspiring exteriors. 

On the other hand, innovative garage door options can be seamlessly integrated to mesh with contemporary home styles. While the traditional overhead carriage-style garage door remains the most common option, glass panel, natural wood, and louvered options are some other styles that are gaining traction in modern properties. 

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint is all it takes to transform an exterior from “dated” to “jaw-dropping.” However, while a paint job may seem less complex than some of the more extensive exterior makeovers, haphazardly slapping on a new coat can do more harm than good. Know your limits as a DIY painter. 

If you don’t have a window of time to commit to the job, quality paint stripper and tools to prepare the surfaces, and the necessary PPE, it will probably save you money to hire a professional contractor to do the job right. 

Make a Statement with Cohesive Exterior Renovations

A home’s exterior is a crucial component of the property. Not only does it increase functional space, but it creates stunning curb appeal that ties the residence together. From an upgraded roof to a fresh coat of paint, consider any of the ideas listed above to ensure that your home’s exterior meshes with its architectural style. For more of the latest real estate trends in the Louisville/southern Indiana area, explore the resources at Coldwell Banker McMahan for the leading market insights!

Author Bio 

Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.