Your house exterior’s aesthetic plays a crucial role in how you feel about the property. The various design features that accompany each architectural style influence the character of the home. This character will influence whether home buyers decide to invest, but what homeowners loved years ago may not appeal to them anymore.
Fortunately, property owners aren’t stuck with the same architectural style forever. With careful choices and expert help, it’s possible to transform a home exterior’s architectural style and breathe new life into an aging aesthetic.
Understand Your Home’s Current Style
The first step in revamping your home exterior’s aesthetic is to understand what the current style of your property is. There are seemingly endless architectural styles across the world, with nearly 100 in the US alone. Determining your home’s style requires you to note the variety of features across the property. Certain combinations make for specific styles. For example, homes with pitched roofing and decorative framing elements are often Tudor-style homes. Meanwhile, flat, open-concept houses with an emphasis on natural lighting are likely Mid-Century Modern homes. If you’re unfamiliar with the common architectural styles in your area, an expert can lend their knowledge to your project.
Renovate With Expert Help
Once you know what style your home currently is, it’s time to work with a contractor to determine if your preferred style is possible. In most cases, you will be able to transform your home into a new style, but your starting place and end goal will determine how extensive the project will be. Working with professionals who have experience in these kinds of projects is ideal, as they will be able to identify the best direction for your renovation.
That said, hiring a home exterior contractor isn’t something to do quickly. You’ll want to thoroughly review your options to ensure you select a reliable and knowledgeable contractor that can help you achieve your goals without doing too much or too little.
Use Color and Texture to Your Advantage
While your contractor focuses on giving your property the general shape of your preferred architectural style, you will need to consider which colors and textures to use across the exterior. While structure does the heavy lifting in regards to conveying architectural styles, colors will also play a role. Consider the history of your chosen style and what colors would have been in trend when the style came into fashion. For example, 21st Century-style homes will use muted gray tones at times, but they can also feature bold pops of color that highlight the exaggerated, loosened shape of the property.
You’ll also need to consider the texture of your property. Various siding, roofing, and porch materials are available, but selecting the right option will help you achieve the desired style. For example, the Second Empire style often uses brick, and without it, the home may not capture the Second Empire style’s charm.
Consider the Little Things
Once you achieve the general shape, color, and texture of your desired style, it will be time to consider all the little factors that contribute to the overall style. Everything from the door style to the eaves and spindles will influence the look of your property. Even your shutter style should match your intended home style, as these seemingly small additions can do a lot to convey the desired aesthetic. Speak with your contractor about how to incorporate these key elements that give your preferred home style its charm.
