Home Exterior Design; Let Your Details Shine!

Fall is simply a splendid time of year to be outside with family and friends by your side. With the crisp, comfortable weather and fall colors all around us, who wouldn’t want to enjoy an outdoor luncheon with friends or enjoy an apple cider donut (or two) out on the porch or in the backyard!? Well, for some homeowners, these outdoor occasions draw their attention to their home exterior design choices. 

Now, suppose you’re feeling great about your home’s exterior design schemes, exterior paint color choices, and accent pieces. In that case, you’ll feel confident in hosting an afternoon circling the firepit or maybe even a football game, but if you’re feeling a little less-than-confident in your home’s exterior design, this blog is for you!

In this piece, I will show you some quick ways to introduce new colors and exciting accent pieces to your home’s exterior without weeks or months of planning and execution. 

Don’t fret, have the confidence to host the next fall block party. Success is in the details! 

Home Exterior Design – The Two Extremes

As a color expert and designer, I commonly find that homes needing exterior design work gravitate to one of two extremes. Either the home is flat, meaning no dimension, no color variation, nothing dynamic, just static and sterile. A simple picket fence, white or beige siding, gray door, and gray-shingled roof. Uninspired. 

On the other end of the spectrum is an exterior design composition trying to cram too much in – a home littered with competing/contrasting colors and accent pieces strewn about without consideration or an overall plan.

The great news is that it’s not impossible to come back from either extreme and find a pleasant balance right in the middle. 

Home Exterior Design – Front Doors; The Defining Accent

The front door to your home may very well be the most poignant accent color and statement a homeowner chooses. I’ve explored the subject of front door colors before, and my opinion stands; front doors set the tone for the home’s exterior and even interior. 

Changing your front door’s color is extremely effective in either adding some liveliness/excitement to the greater home exterior or grounding the louder colors accenting around it. Whether painting the front door itself or applying the colors to your front entrance, it sets the stage for your home!

For example, a sky blue door on the entrance to a classic New England seaside colonial adds a bit of pop; however, it doesn’t detract from the calm, solemn beauty of the home’s aged shingles and salty-rustic aura. Another example would be using a dark royal blue, statement grey, or forest green door color to contrast the more exciting colors around the home, like plant life, window trim, bright shutters, etc. 

Exterior Accents – Small Details Add Up!

Please don’t feel overwhelmed; remember, great things have small beginnings, and it’s about progress, not perfection. You can add some lovely accents to your exterior design without rolling out the paint cans or breaking the bank if the circumstances won’t allow it. 

• Flora

Flowers and various plant life can help elevate your exterior design schemes and mood! Try bundling some Autumn Crocus, Asters, and Red Maple together and arrange them around your porch, front door, or even in a wreath. The rusty reds, brilliant gold, and soft greens with a touch of lavender will pop with romantic fall color and immediately draw any eyes passing by. 

• Exterior Art

Sourcing outdoor artwork, such as aluminum garden art pieces or sculptures, is a great way to add dynamic shapes and features to your home’s exterior. I love how metal signs or sculptures mounted against a home’s exterior wall or fence present to the surrounding environment. It doesn’t need to be elaborate art; just your house number can be beautifully crafted into an interesting accent piece! 

Home Exterior Design – Take it One Day at A Time

If you feel your home’s exterior could use lots of revisioning, don’t overwhelm yourself. Some exterior projects are months or years in the making, but quick adjustments made in a day or two can be impactful in their own right and set you on a path to inspired greatness.

Don’t know where to start and what colors go well together? As a color expert, I saw a need for people to understand what colors can be used together through immediate visual means. So, I’ve included two color themes from the Color911 color app to test some of your exterior color curiosities! 

Design your own color palettes or work from dozens of curated color themes to show you what colors can be used together to suit any season or design. It’s color inspiration in an app; I hope you give it a try!