When it comes to your home exterior, the finish is just as important as the structure itself. An exterior home finish can completely transform the look of a house and increase its curb appeal. With so many different types of residential exterior finishes available in Canada, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your home. In this article, we’ll provide three design tips to ensure your home exterior has a balanced, and cohesive look.
Black Exterior Accents
Black accents are especially helpful to highlight specific architectural features on your home. When using black on a house exterior, a little goes a long way! You don’t need to use all black to create a modern, sleek exterior, the key is moderation. The trick is to balance the light and dark hues to create the perfect contrast. Too much dark or light in one area of your façade can throw off the balance. The tone of black you use can impact the look so be mindful if your stone has warm or cool undertones.
Stone Exteriors
Adding warm wood or stone to the exterior of your home is another great way to create balance. Stone veneers are available in a variety of designs and patterns. These patterns fall into three main categories: natural, manufactured, and faux. Natural stone on a home exterior looks amazing but can be costly, so if your heart is set on the look of stone but the price is too high, there are some great alternatives. Manufactured stone is the closest match to natural stone. It’s made from cement that is poured into molds and is lighter and cheaper than real stone. On top of that it shares many of the practical benefits of stone such as it is naturally insulating, extremely durable, and needs little maintenance.
You can also use a manufactured stone veneer, which is made from real stone that is cut down thinner and placed on sheets to be installed. This is a great solution if you want real stone for a fraction of the cost, and weight. Make sure it is installed properly to avoid future trapped moisture problems. There will be less variation in colour and texture with a stone veneer.
Faux stone looks quite realistic but does not feel like real stone. Although faux stone siding is long-lasting it is less durable than manufactured stone because it can be dented or torn if impacted. Manufacturer’s warranties range from 20 to 75 years. When properly installed, faux stone veneer siding is maintenance-free and more fire-resistant than wood or vinyl siding.
White Exteriors
We all love a crisp white exterior but be careful with white in our Canadian climate. The best solution for upkeeping a white exterior is to either scrub stains with soap and water or use a garden house or a high-pressure water spray to remove dirt. The need to repaint a white exterior is far more common than darker colours. It is recommended white exteriors be repainted every 3 years. Some paints will be easier to maintain, so it’s beneficial to research white paints before you make a purchase. Good surface prep will also help to maintain your façade.
You can always mix elements from different styles to create a unique look that reflects your personal taste and design preferences. If you need help incorporating any of these ideas into your home exteriors, our design team is always available!
Charlene is an award-winning Calgary Interior Designer and owner of Lush Interiors. For over 20 years she has collaborated with clients to create their ideal living spaces. Charlene and her interior design team create spaces that blend classic elements with a modern sensibility, always incorporating her client’s unique personalities and esthetic. Join Charlene on this design journey as she explores the latest trends, uncovers timeless design principles, and discover innovative ideas to elevate your home or workspace.
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