The appearance of your home’s exterior plays a crucial role in creating a lasting impression for visitors and bystanders alike. As we approach winter and anticipate the warmer months ahead, consider these 2025 trends to inspire your upcoming spring home projects.
Enhanced Lighting: Joanna Hartman, Principal at Page Paul Architecture & Interiors in Austin, Texas, emphasizes the impact of layered exterior lighting in creating a welcoming and dynamic outdoor space. Similar to interior lighting design, incorporating various light fixtures like step lights, lanterns, and pendant lights can add drama and charm to your yard.
Regenerative Landscaping: Brandy Hall, Founder and CEO of Shades of Green Permaculture in Avondale Estates, Georgia, advocates for regenerative landscaping practices that promote biodiversity and sustainability. By using native plants, eco-friendly materials, and water management features like rain gardens and permeable pathways, you can create an ecosystem that supports local wildlife and mitigates climate-related challenges.
Vibrant Colors: Kristen Brown, Director of Architectural Operations at Clayton Korte in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, notes the rising trend of bold and playful color schemes for exterior design. Experimenting with vivid hues like sage green, deep blue, and white can infuse personality and cohesion into your home’s facade.
Natural Brick: Abby Davis, Principal Architect at Walcott Adams Verneuille Architects in Fairhope, Alabama, suggests embracing the natural beauty of brick exteriors instead of opting for paint. While painting brick can be a viable option in some cases, enhancing other features like windows, trim, and front doors can refresh the look of your home without altering the brick surface.
Secluded Outdoor Spaces: Even in limited outdoor areas, creating cozy and private zones can transform your yard into an inviting retreat. Kristen Brown recommends incorporating intimate seating arrangements and, for those with larger budgets, considering features like plunge pools for both functionality and aesthetics.
Distinctive Entryways: Abby Davis highlights the significance of front doors as a statement piece that reflects the homeowner’s style and sets the tone for the home’s overall design. By adding personalized touches such as unique hardware, bold colors, and decorative trim, you can elevate the look of your entrance.
Handcrafted Finishes: Embracing artisanal details in exterior design can add a touch of uniqueness and sophistication to your home. Whether through custom finishes, intricate textures, or handcrafted elements, incorporating artisanal touches can enhance the visual appeal and character of your property.
It may seem more convenient to upgrade your exterior using off-the-shelf products, but Laura Bryant, a Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) and Senior Associate at Word + Carr Design Group in Austin, Texas, suggests taking a more creative approach. Bryant advises homeowners to think outside the box when it comes to utilitarian elements like gates and handrails. “Consider how these functional features can be transformed into something more interesting and unique,” she explains. “By working with a local fabricator, you can create something that truly reflects your personal style.” By incorporating one or two handcrafted elements, you can elevate your outdoor space and make it truly distinctive. Read the full article on Southern Living.
