Exterior design trends, tried on your own facade.

Exterior directions worth trying

Rather than chase a single trend, try a few established directions on the same photo and see which one your house carries best.

• Modern farmhouse. Light siding, dark window frames, and simple porch details. Works well on gabled houses.
• Contemporary. Natural wood, clean trim, and warm exterior lighting.
• Transitional. Darker, moodier siding with traditional shapes kept intact.
• Mid-century modern. Warm wood tones, low planting, and a focus on outdoor living.

Before

After

Before and after comparison. Drag or use arrow keys to reveal more of either image.

What to compare on a facade

• Siding color and material. The biggest visual change for the least structural work.
• Trim, doors, and window frames. Black frames, a stained front door, or white trim can shift the style on their own.
• Lighting. Porch and path lights change how the house reads at dusk.
• Planting and paths. Borders, a new walk, or fewer shrubs can open up the front of the house.

How to shoot an exterior photo

1. Stand across the street or at the end of the drive and get the whole facade in frame.
2. Shoot straight on in soft daylight. Harsh noon shadows hide detail.
3. Move cars, bins, and hoses out of the shot if you can.
4. Try a few styles, then refine the closest one rather than starting over.

Read results as concepts

A redesign sometimes adds things that aren't there, like a patio, a pool, or extra landscaping. Treat those as suggestions, not plans, and run it again if they distract from what you want to judge. A redesign doesn't check structure, materials, or local rules, so confirm any real change with a contractor and your HOA or local planning office.