Exterior home design trends tend to stick around much longer than interior design trends, especially the trends that have a classic appeal to many homeowners. Neutral colors, textured elements, and clean lines will always be in style. However, a new trend toward a connection with nature has crept into the exterior home design over the past few years and continues to grow in popularity. The newfound connection with nature that homeowners are seeking has created a new wave of exterior design trends that are definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Neutral and Earthy Color Palettes
Exterior house colors are always changing. One year the favorite may be red and the next year it is beige. In 2022, the most popular exterior home colors will be those that belong to the neutral color palettes, specifically those that lean toward an earthy tone. Beige, charcoal, cream, ivory, navy, sage, forest green, and browns. Earth tones, especially those that are dark, are dramatic and eye-catching. Dark blue and forest green are particularly popular earthy tones that homeowners who favor modern or traditional homes will enjoy. For homeowners that favor a lighter shade of paint, cream, beige, and tans are perfect earthy tones.
Extra Glasswork
A key feature of this year’s exterior design is extra glasswork. Extra large windows and front doors with glasswork are two of the most notable glasswork features this year. Extra large windows range from full walls windows or oversized windows that allow the light to filter into the interior. Not only do oversized windows allow for natural light to make its way into the home, but it also adds to the architectural elements of the outside of your home. Large windows are generally seen in modern and minimalist homes that favor floor-to-ceiling windows. However, large windows can be used in a variety of ways such as bay windows for a more traditional or cottage feel. Of course, oversized windows should be energy efficient since these are the most popular types of windows according to most real estate agents.
Front Porches
For several years, the front porch was ignored and viewed more as a decorative part of a home. Now, a front porch is coming back into style and is being used by many as a gathering area for family, friends, and neighbors. Top real estate agents estimate that the dollar amount that a front porch adds to home has increased 61% since pre-COVID times. You can make your front porch a beautiful addition to your home’s exterior by decorating it with cozy exterior furniture. Rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, and a porch swing are all popular front porch furniture items. In addition to a comfortable seating area, you can add color and decor to your front porch with a beautiful wreath, topiaries, and colorful welcome mat.
If your home has a flat front or a small front porch you can add a pergola to make a partial shade element and an additional sitting area for guests. A pergola is an outdoor structure made of columns that support an open roof of beams and rafters. A pergola provides ample seating and a unique focal point that you can decorate or surround with vining plants and greenery.
Architectural Doors
Front doors have long been a way for homeowners to decorate and add personality to the exterior of their homes. An exterior home design trend that has been taking hold this year is architectural doors. Often made of wood or iron, these doors have a unique design that sets them apart from a basic front door. Architectural doors are usually wider than basic front doors and have large glass areas. If you are looking to add a focal point to the front of your home, an architectural door may be the upgrade you need.
Mixed Materials for Added Texture
Aside from creating visual appeal with color and decor, you can add appeal with visual texture. Using texture would add to your home’s aesthetic interest while adding character to your home. Visual texture can be added with unique siding options, window trim, roofing, and fascia. Using natural materials such as stone and brick can add texture to your home while complimenting the strong drive toward nature. Natural stone veneers are perfect around the base of front door columns or as an addition to siding around the house. You can also use wood to add visual texture outdoors. Common woods to use on the exterior of your home are fir, pine, spruce, cypress, and cedar. Natural stone, brick, and wood are perfect additions for visual texture because it disrupts the bland monotony of solid siding.
Other exterior design trends that you should look out for are decorative lighting fixtures, natural stone pathways, indoor-outdoor living, and landscaping that gives back to nature. If you are hesitant to try any of the new exterior design trends speak with a real estate agent who can assist you with popular trends in your area.
