Design by Lucy Penfield, Photography by Kim Cornelison
Your home’s exterior serves as a reflection of your personal style and values, acting as a billboard for the world to see. With so many elements contributing to a great-looking exterior – from architectural style to color palette to landscaping – it’s easy for things to be off without even realizing it. In order to help you identify and rectify what may be hindering your home from looking its best, design professionals share their top pet peeves regarding home exteriors.
Meet Our Experts:
– Amanda Reynal, Interior Designer based in Palm Beach, Florida
– Todd Hotchkiss, Retired Residential Architect formerly of Monarch Renovations
– Hanna Shiplett, Principal Designer at Eden + Gray Design Build
1. Oversized Light Fixtures:
Designer Hanna Shiplett emphasizes the importance of selecting light fixtures that are proportionate to the size of your home. For houses with prominent garage doors on the front facade, Shiplett recommends fixtures that are at least 12 inches tall, with a maximum of 20 inches for a modern fixture. Upgrading your light fixtures can easily address this exterior issue.
2. Using Multiple Building Materials:
Architect Todd Hotchkiss cautions against using too many different building materials in a way that appears unrealistic. Rather than solely serving as decoration, materials should look as though they are integral to the construction of the house. Hotchkiss recommends using fewer materials and repeating them to create a cohesive look.
3. Emphasizing Your Front Door:
Make a statement with your front door by selecting a finish that reflects your personality and enhances the overall aesthetic of your home. Shiplett suggests considering a unique finish, such as a stained wooden door or a bold paint color, to create a striking focal point that showcases your style.
By addressing these common exterior design challenges, you can elevate the look of your home and ensure that it accurately represents your personal taste and values.
In her remodeling work, Shiplett has observed a trend among clients who are replacing single doors with sidelites with larger double doors. “There is typically enough space for this change,” she explains.
One common mistake in landscaping, according to Reynal, is misjudging the scale in relation to the house. Oversized landscape elements can overwhelm the house, while undersized elements can diminish the architecture’s impact. It’s essential to find a balance that complements the home’s size and style.
Another aspect often overlooked is the pathway leading to the house. Hotchkiss advises creating a seamless transition from the outdoors to the indoors by designing the front yard with defined spaces using features like pergolas, pathways, trees, and plantings. Enhancing this transition can create a welcoming atmosphere for both residents and guests.
Reynal emphasizes the importance of working with the existing architecture of the home rather than trying to completely reinvent it. Matching the exterior design to the home’s architectural style is crucial for a cohesive look. Understanding the historical context of the architectural style can guide homeowners in making appropriate updates that enhance the overall aesthetics of the property.
