How to Modernize the Exterior of Your Home

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How to Modernize the Exterior of Your Home

Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see and you may not realize it but it’s what sets the tone for what’s inside. If you’re ever looking at your home’s exterior and felt a missing piece, a modern look could be the answer.

Styles change, materials wear down, and what once looked good can start to feel old especially if your neighbors are a step ahead. Doing this however, doesn’t mean starting from scratch.

Small but subtle updates can completely change the way your home looks and feels. Bigger updates can take more planning so you can get started slowly with the smaller ones.

What Updates Should You Make?

It is easy to get used to the way your home looks, even when certain details start to feel outdated. You pass by the same front door, the same windows, and the same walkway every day without giving them a second thought.

But if you take a step back and really look, you might notice things that could use an upgrade. Before making any changes, spend some time looking at your home from different angles.

The Big Details

Stand across the street, take a walk around the yard, and even snap a few photos to see what stands out. Pay attention to how your home looks during the day and at night.

The goal is not to focus on what is wrong but to see where small updates could bring a big change. 

  • Try to see your home as a whole rather than focusing on small details right away.
  • Consider how the roof, siding, windows, and landscaping work together.
  • A fresh coat of paint might make a difference, but if the overall layout looks mismatched, a single update will not be enough.
  • If something seems off, ask yourself why. The colors may not complement each other, or certain materials could feel out of place.

When modern homes stand out, it is often because every element feels connected.

The Small Details

After looking at the bigger picture, shift your attention to the smaller features. Sometimes, the smallest elements are what make a home look older than it actually is.

  • Faded house numbers, an old mailbox, or weathered shutters might seem insignificant, but they can impact the overall look more than you think.
  • Take note of anything that looks worn out or disconnected from the rest of the home.
  • If the garage door has a completely different style from the front door, or if outdoor lighting does not match the rest of the design, these are areas worth updating.

Even swapping out old hardware or replacing a single outdated feature can create a more polished and modern look.

1. The Front Door

Your front door is the first thing visitors notice. A dull or outdated door can make the whole exterior feel uninspired, while a modern choice can instantly elevate the look. 

An upgrade does not mean a total door replacement.

Choose a Color 

A bold front door does not have to mean a bright, eye-catching color, but if that fits your style, it can be a great way to add personality.

  • Deep blues, rich greens, and bright reds can make a home feel warm and inviting.
  • If you prefer a more subtle approach, matte black, deep charcoal, or muted earthy tones can still create a modern look.
  • If your siding is a neutral shade, a darker or richer door color can add contrast.
  • If your home already has bold features, a more understated door can keep everything balanced.

Upgrade the Hardware 

Even if you love the color of your front door, outdated hardware can make it feel stuck in the past.

Swapping out old knobs, locks, or handles for sleek, modern designs can give your door an instant refresh. Matte black, brushed nickel, and satin brass are great options that work well with a variety of styles.

Beyond just the handle, consider updating the door knocker, mail slot, or even the house numbers near the entryway. Adding glass panels to your front door can create a more open and welcoming feel. 

2. The Color of Your Home

The color of your home shapes the entire look and feel of its exterior. A fresh coat of paint can take a house from outdated to modern in an instant.

The right colors can make your home look more inviting and even increase curb appeal. If your current color scheme feels dull, faded, or mismatched, updating it can bring new life to your home without a full renovation.

Go for Neutrals

Neutral tones never go out of style, but modern homes often feature colors with a little more depth. Instead of basic beige or plain white, consider warm grays, soft taupes, or rich off-whites.

These colors add dimension without shouting. If you want a clean look, a cool-toned white with a hint of gray can make the exterior feel fresh.

If you love darker colors, deep charcoal, muted navy, or earthy green can create a striking look without overpowering the home’s design. Darker shades work especially well when paired with lighter trim or natural wood accents to add contrast.

Use Contrast to Highlight Key Features

The trim, shutters, and other details should complement the primary shade while adding visual interest. A crisp white trim against a darker home can create a modern contrast, while black or deep brown trim can add a bold touch.

Even small details like the front door, window frames, or porch railings can stand out with the right contrast. A black door on a light-colored home or a warm wood tone against a dark backdrop can instantly update the exterior.

Before committing to a full repaint, test a few colors on different areas of the house. Check how they look in natural daylight and under evening lighting to make sure they work in every setting.

3. The Siding and Materials 

Siding covers most of the exterior, so if it looks worn out, outdated, or mismatched, it can bring down the entire appearance of your home. Updating your siding is one of the most effective ways to give your home a modern look. 

Modern homes often feature a mix of materials rather than relying on just one type of siding. Wood, stone, brick, and metal accents can add dimension and interest without being too much.

Choose Modern Siding Styles

Traditional homes often feature standard horizontal vinyl siding, but modern exteriors tend to favor more structured designs. Vertical siding can create a more contemporary look, while wider planks or panels can give a sophisticated appearance.

Board-and-batten siding, which alternates wide boards with thin strips, has become a popular choice for a fresh and modern farmhouse look. If your home has brick or stucco, painting it in a neutral or deep-toned color can update it without a full material change.

Mix Materials 

A combination of textures and materials can make a home look more unique and high-end. Pairing smooth siding with natural wood, metal, or stone accents can create an intentional modern contrast.

If your home already has brick or stone, consider updating it with a fresh finish or complementing it with new siding. Wood-look siding, whether real or composite, is a great way to add warmth without going for a fully rustic look.

Metal details, such as black trim or a standing seam roof, can add a bold, industrial touch.  

4. The Windows

Windows determine the way your home looks from the outside and how it feels on the inside. If your windows are outdated, small, or mismatched, they can make your home appear older than it really is. 

Choose Bigger Windows

Modern homes often feature larger windows that allow more natural light to flow inside. If your windows feel small or closed off, replacing them with larger panes can make a striking difference.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, picture windows, or sliding glass doors are great options if you want a more open and airy feel. If a full window expansion is not an option, even slightly increasing the size of key windows can create a more modern look.

Removing outdated grids or replacing thick frames with slim, black metal designs can also give existing windows a fresh and updated feel.

Use Contrast to Make Windows Stand Out

Window frames can either blend into the home or serve as a statement feature. A modern approach often includes bold contrast, such as black or dark bronze frames against a light-colored exterior. 

If you prefer a softer contrast, warm wood-tone window trims or deep gray frames can add depth without feeling too bold. Even repainting existing frames in a crisp, updated shade can instantly change the appearance of your home.

Upgrade the Glass

Beyond appearance, modern windows can make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. Older windows often let heat escape in the winter and bring in too much heat in the summer.

Upgrading to double or triple-pane glass can improve insulation while reducing glare and outside noise. If replacing the glass is not an option, you can add window treatments like minimalist shades or UV-protective film. 

5. The Outdoor Lighting

The right outdoor lighting can make your home feel warm and welcoming while highlighting its best features. A well-placed light fixture can turn a simple entryway into an inviting focal point while improving safety.

Too much lighting can feel harsh, while too little can leave your home looking dull or uninviting. 

Upgrade Entryway Lighting

Swap out old lantern-style fixtures for modern sconces or statement pendant lights. Black metal, brushed brass, or matte finishes work well with a variety of styles and can instantly refresh your home’s look.

If your entryway feels dark, consider adding recessed lighting in the porch ceiling or using wall-mounted lights on either side of the door. A well-lit entrance not only looks inviting but also improves security by making it easier to see who is at your door.

Use Pathway and Landscape Lighting

Low-profile LED stake lights along a walkway or driveway add a soft, even glow without being too bright. If you prefer a more modern touch, in-ground or recessed lighting can do that. 

Landscape lighting can also highlight architectural features, trees, or garden beds. Soft uplighting on trees or textured walls adds depth, while small spotlights can draw attention to stonework or unique design elements.  

6. Landscaping and Hardscaping

The way your home looks from the street is just as important as the details on the house itself. A modern, well-maintained home can still feel incomplete if the yard looks plain or overgrown.

You also do not need an elaborate garden or expensive materials.

Define Walkways and Driveways

Your driveway and walkways take up a lot of visual space, so making them look intentional can instantly improve your home’s exterior. Cracked concrete or uneven paths can make an otherwise beautiful home look neglected.

Upgrading your walkway with modern pavers, stone, or stamped concrete can create a stylish entrance. If a full replacement is not necessary, power washing and sealing your existing path can make it look new again.

For the driveway, consider adding border stones, a gravel accent strip, or even a smooth asphalt finish. 

Cost of Re-Siding a House

When modernizing the exterior of your home, small changes can lead to huge transformations. The updates if strategically done can make your home increase in value and look great. 

When considering larger projects, like re-siding your house, it’s important to weigh the cost and how it fits within your bigger picture. The cost of re-siding a house can vary, depending on the materials you choose and the scope of work required.

It may look like a significant investment upfront, but the long-term benefits are hard to ignore. New siding can increase energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and boost curb appeal. 

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austin@skysideexteriors.com