The Future is Bright for Home Exteriors
The future of home exterior design is shaping up to be an exciting blend of eco-friendly innovation, smart technology, and vibrant aesthetics. As a seasoned construction professional and interior designer, I’m thrilled to share insights into the latest trends that are transforming the way homes look and function.
Embracing Sustainable Materials
One of the most prominent trends is the growing demand for eco-friendly exterior cladding options. Homeowners are increasingly seeking out materials that not only enhance curb appeal but also reduce environmental impact. From reclaimed wood and recycled metal to biodegradable composites, the options for sustainable siding are expanding rapidly.
Reclaimed wood, for instance, brings a warm, rustic charm to a home’s exterior while diverting waste from landfills. Recycled metal offers both durability and a modern, sleek aesthetic. And biodegradable composites, often made from natural fibers and resins, deliver a contemporary look that aligns with eco-conscious principles.
Another sustainable powerhouse is bamboo. This fast-growing grass can be used for siding, fencing, and decking, providing strength, unique visual appeal, and environmental responsibility.
Exploring Vibrant Textures and Colors
Homeowners are no longer content with plain, neutral tones. They’re embracing bold, vibrant colors and eye-catching textures to make their homes stand out. Think deep blues, rich greens, and striking reds that create stunning contrasts against traditional hues.
Textured siding, such as woodgrain, stone facades, or a mix of materials, adds depth and visual interest to the exterior. Consulting with a reputable siding company can help you identify innovative options that cater to your style preferences while ensuring lasting durability.
Integrating Smart Technology
The integration of smart technology is another trend that’s transforming home exteriors. Features like video doorbells, automated lighting, and smart locks enhance security and convenience, while solar-powered devices optimize energy efficiency.
These high-tech upgrades not only boost functionality but also lend a modern, sophisticated touch to the traditional home exterior. As homeowners become more tech-savvy, the demand for seamlessly integrated smart home features is on the rise.
Ensuring Weather-Resistant Performance
In an era of unpredictable weather patterns, the durability and weatherproofing of exterior materials have become paramount. Advanced coatings and innovative materials like fiber cement and engineered wood offer exceptional resistance to UV rays, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring your home’s facade stands the test of time.
By investing in weather-resistant solutions, you can not only extend the lifespan of your home’s exterior but also save on costly repairs down the line. As homeowners become more conscious of long-term maintenance and sustainability, these durable options are gaining significant traction.
Embracing the Future of Home Exteriors
As we look towards the future, home exterior design is poised to blend style, sustainability, and technology in captivating ways. By embracing eco-friendly materials, vibrant textures, and smart home integration, you can transform your home’s curb appeal and create a future-proof facade that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
To stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in home exterior design, be sure to visit the Local Builder London website. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing practical tips, in-depth insights, and inspiring ideas to help you make the most of your home’s exterior.
Tapping into the Florida Exterior Design Landscape
Florida is a hotbed for innovative and captivating home exterior designs, and it’s not hard to see why. With a constant influx of new residents and a desirable climate, the Sunshine State has become a hub for architectural creativity across all budget levels.
Coastal Charm Meets Modern Flair
The exterior design landscape in Florida is a tapestry of styles, from traditional coastal homes with dreamy balconies and plenty of windows to contemporary structures that seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces.
In many parts of Florida, classic lap siding, board and batten, and stucco remain popular, often in light, soothing colors that evoke a refreshing beachside vibe. However, the state has also embraced more modern design elements, such as large windows, sliding glass doors, and outdoor pools and lounge areas.
Exploring Diverse Exterior Aesthetics
Florida’s architectural diversity extends beyond the coast, with a range of styles gaining traction in different regions. From the minimalist elegance of sleek, contemporary homes to the charming allure of pastel-hued residences, there’s something to inspire every homeowner.
Stucco continues to be a popular choice, particularly in single-story homes and resort areas, often combined with lap siding or other materials for added visual interest. Homeowners and builders are also experimenting with mixed-material facades, blending stucco, wood, and stone for a truly unique and eye-catching look.
Prioritizing Weatherproofing and Durability
The challenging Florida climate, which includes intense humidity, moisture, and hurricane threats, has led homeowners and builders to prioritize weatherproofing and durable materials. Fiber cement siding, for instance, has gained traction for its exceptional resistance to the elements, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance.
By leveraging innovative building techniques and cutting-edge materials, Florida’s exterior design landscape continues to evolve, delivering stunning and resilient homes that can withstand the region’s unique environmental conditions.
Exploring the Latest Exterior Design Trends in Florida
Florida’s architectural landscape is a true reflection of the state’s diverse population, vibrant culture, and ever-changing design preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the classic coastal charm or the sleek, modern appeal, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found in the Sunshine State.
As you embark on your next exterior design project, be sure to explore the latest trends and materials that can help you create a beautiful, weatherproof, and future-proof facade. By staying informed and embracing innovative solutions, you can transform your home’s curb appeal and ensure it stands the test of time.
For more expert insights and design inspiration, visit the Local Builder London website, where our team of seasoned professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve your dream home exterior.
Breezeway Brilliance: A Welcoming Transition Space
In her quest to create a welcoming, stylish entry, DIYer Carli, owner of the brand and website Made by Carli, took on a complete breezeway renovation in her Rhode Island home. This breezeway makeover included the addition of rich textures and classic New England design elements, creating a functional and beautiful space for family and guests.
By adding beadboard ceiling and shiplap walls, she transformed the space into an inviting passageway between the home and garage. “An enclosed breezeway is more than a convenient passage from the home to the garage—it’s also a fantastic opportunity to create a unique and inviting space,” Carli says.
Reviving a Dated Breezeway
Prior to the renovation, Carli’s breezeway was less than inviting, with the home’s multiple sidings coming together at a drab set of steps and old-fashioned door. The space was outdated and lacked character, making it feel bland and uninviting.
“The walls were chipped, old cedar shingles had been painted over several times, and the water-stained ceiling didn’t contribute much to the overall aesthetic. It was screaming for a touch of creativity and quality materials to bring it to life,” Carli recalls.
Transforming the Space with Cellular PVC Trim
To breathe new life into the breezeway, Carli and her team demo-ed the entire space, removing old materials and creating a blank canvas for a fresh look. They opted for beadboard on the ceiling and shiplap trim around the perimeter walls, sourcing the materials from Westlake Royal Building Products.
For the new ceiling, Carli chose the Grove Collection™ beadboard in the Natural Cedar color, which blends rich wood textures with the rustic warmth of beadboard trim. The cellular PVC material ensures long-lasting durability, low-maintenance, moisture resistance, and insect resistance.
Once the ceiling was in place, Carli added 5/8″x4″ frame-style trim from the Grove Collection, also in Natural Cedar, to finish the look overhead.
Enhancing the Walls with Shiplap Trim
The breezeway renovation continued with the addition of Royal® Trim Nickel Gap Shiplap walls, a key design element that added a modern, clean look to the space. The vertical shiplap installation in bright white creates a timeless yet contemporary feel, while the cellular PVC material ensures long-lasting durability and easy maintenance.
Carli started by ensuring the walls were smooth and level, using strapping and shims as needed. She then measured the height of the walls, cut the 5/8″x8″ Nickel Gap Shiplap trim boards to the appropriate length, and nailed the planks vertically starting at one corner.
A Welcoming, Stylish Transformation
In just a few days and with the addition of classic trim styles on the floor and ceiling, Carli’s breezeway was instantly transformed into a cozy, inviting entryway. “Our old breezeway is now a welcoming, stylish space with a classic New England feel,” she says. “Westlake Royal Building Products made it easy to achieve the look we desired.”
The use of cellular PVC trim not only delivered the desired aesthetic but also ensured long-term performance and low maintenance, allowing Carli to create a breezeway that truly reflects the character of her home.
Enhancing Exteriors with Heat-Bent Cellular PVC Trim
Along with its benefits of durability, low-maintenance, and authentic aesthetics, cellular PVC trim offers workability for crafting into a range of styles; heat-bending PVC trim expands the opportunities even more, allowing contractors to elevate both exteriors and interiors.
As a thermoplastic polymer, cellular PVC becomes pliable or bendable when exposed to certain temperatures then returns to a solid state upon cooling. This property allows some cellular PVC profiles to be reheated and re-formed, or bent into new shapes.
Exploring the Art of Heat-Bending PVC Trim
Variations in batches, profile geometry, and profile density or weight will likely require some trialing and or experimentation to perfect the art and skill of heat-bending cellular PVC trim. Generally, temperatures in the 275°F to 325°F range are used to heat the material, and bending cellular PVC is an art that requires dialing into the optimal temperature ranges and dwell times.
It’s important to note that not all cellular PVC trim can be successfully bent 100% of the time. Getting the best results will require some testing and practice, as the ability to bend cellular PVC trim is limited.
Leveraging Heat-Bending for Custom Exterior Designs
Heat-bending cellular PVC trim opens up a world of design possibilities, allowing contractors to create custom exterior elements that elevate the look and feel of a home. From curved window casings and decorative trim to unique architectural features, the versatility of heat-bent PVC trim can help bring a designer’s vision to life.
By mastering the heat-bending technique, contractors can offer their clients a level of customization and attention to detail that set their work apart. This specialized skill not only showcases their craftsmanship but also allows them to tackle a wider range of exterior design projects with confidence.
Trim Styles to Complement Popular Architectural Styles
Trim and mouldings are more than a finishing touch to your siding. They’re an essential design element you can use to fully express a home’s exterior style. Here’s a look at how to use trim to enhance five popular architectural styles:
Cape Cod
The Cape Cod home style is defined by its endearing functionality and familiar warmth. Trim styles that accentuate this homespun appeal include Brick Mould, Drip Cap, and Trimboard.
Colonial
The Colonial home style is distinguished by its geometric lines and symmetry. Trim styles that lend a formal, Williamsburg-inspired presence include Williamsburg Casing and decorative crown moulding.
Craftsman
The Craftsman style is known for its tapered square columns and exposed rafters. Trim styles that create easy transitions and picturesque shadow lines, such as angled Trimboards, complement this style.
Farmhouse
The Farmhouse home style reflects practical, humble living. Trim styles that distinguish themselves with a wide header and jamb, or a traditional rams crown, lend this style its country flair.
Modern
The Modern home style is characterized by clean lines that accentuate function over ornament. Trim styles that underscore this aesthetic include subtle overhangs and picture-framed dynamics.
Westlake Royal Building Products offers a range of exterior and interior trim and mouldings to bring these architectural styles to life. Our trim products, made from 100% cellular PVC, deliver the look you want with long-lasting performance and low maintenance.
Achieving Authentic Looks with High-Performance Trim
When restoring historic homes or replicating their authenticity in new construction, many designers and contractors gravitate toward wood as the only solution to match aesthetics and meet regulations. However, advanced materials like TruExterior® Siding & Trim are proving to be a game-changer, offering the look of wood alongside modern benefits.
Crafting Intricate Historic Details
TruExterior’s proprietary blend of fly ash and polymers provides exceptional workability, allowing designers and contractors to create intricate details that can meet even the most stringent historic requirements. From custom moulding profiles to ornate trim and millwork, the material’s versatility enables the replication of authentic historic aesthetics.
This was showcased in the design of a Queen Anne-style home in the historic resort community of Chautauqua, New York, where architect David Williams McKee specified TruExterior for the siding and decorative elements. The resulting home featured gingerbread trim, balusters, and other intricate details that seamlessly blended with the community’s historic architectural guidelines.
Delivering High Performance
In addition to its workability, TruExterior also offers superior performance characteristics that make it an ideal choice for historic restorations and new construction. The material is resistant to moisture, insects, and decay, ensuring long-term durability without the maintenance challenges often associated with wood.
For a Tudor-style new build in Massachusetts, DURATION Moulding & Millwork utilized TruExterior to craft 8-inch plank siding, installed vertically with precise 1/8-inch gaps for a nickel gap appearance. The intricate detailing, including custom mouldings and millwork, was achieved with ease using the high-performance material.
Elevating Charm with Historically Accurate Profiles
When a custom piece isn’t required, TruExterior’s Craftsman Collection of siding profiles offers historically and architecturally accurate options, including Shiplap, Nickel Gap, Channel, Channel Bevel, Cove/Dutch Lap, and V-Rustic. These profiles allow designers and contractors to capture the charm of an Arts and Crafts home while delivering the benefits of a modern, durable material.
Whether you’re restoring a historic gem or building a new home with timeless appeal, TruExterior provides the versatility and performance to bring your vision to life. Request a trim sample and experience the difference for yourself.
Beadboard Brilliance: Elevating Exteriors and Interiors
Classic beadboard is making a comeback, adding a timeless design and charming finish to a range of exterior home styles. And there’s no easier way to capture the look than with Grove Collection™, introduced by Westlake Royal Building Products™ at the 2024 International Builders’ Show.
Grove Collection blends the rich look of stained wood with the rustic warmth of beadboard trim to dress up porch ceilings and soffits. Made of cellular PVC, Grove Collection beadboard is low-maintenance, long-lasting, and moisture and insect resistant.
Enhancing Exteriors and Interiors
Beadboard paneling is an easy way to provide a more classic aesthetic in often overlooked areas of the exterior, as well as add a premium look that can elevate the perceived value of a home. On the exterior, beadboard is most often found on porch ceilings to create a finished aesthetic and hide leveling irregularities, as well as in soffits with exposed rafters or enclosed built-up soffits.
Choosing a beadboard made with cellular PVC, particularly the stained-wood looks of the Grove Collection, can provide the authentic look of wood without the typical repainting and maintenance needs.
Achieving Timeless Charm
Grove Collection offers the elegant look of stained wood in six on-trend colors: American Walnut, Oak Ridge, Natural Cedar, Smoke Grey, Weathered Oak, and Charred Timber. The line features a 6″ V-grooved plank, beadboard, and crown and bed mould, allowing you to create a cohesive, timeless look both inside and outside the home.
By incorporating beadboard elements from Grove Collection, you can
