When most people are trying to upgrade or remodel their homes, they focus on interior design first. That’s usually because both tastes and trends change, and you spend most of your time inside your home.
But, exterior design trends change, too. Unfortunately, they might be tackled less often because they can seem overwhelming. After all, it’s easier to paint a few internal walls than put new siding on your home.
So, how can you keep up with exterior design trends? What can you do to erase past trends and bring your home exterior up-to-date, either for yourself or to boost curb appeal?
Let’s cover a few exterior home trends that have stood the test of time and will undoubtedly look great, even years from now. When you know what will last, you can make better exterior design choices for yourself or a potential buyer.
Look at Your Landscaping
Landscaping can make a big difference when it comes to curb appeal. It can boost the value anywhere from 5.5%-12.7%, potentially allowing you to add thousands more to your listing price.
But, not all landscaping endeavors are created equally.
Maximize curb appeal with timeless landscaping trends, including:
A pristine yard
Additional plants and flowers
Little/no clutter
If you’re not sure where to get started when it comes to quality landscaping, think symmetrical. Whether you’re adding stones, plants, or furniture to your front yard or back patio area, keeping things as symmetrical as possible will give your home exterior a clean, welcoming look. It will draw the eye and make people interested in seeing more.
Speaking of furniture and decor, another good idea is to make a seamless transition between the inside and outside of your home. Warm lighting and comfortable outdoor furniture can give your patio a “living room” feel while bringing live plantsbringing live plants inside your houseinside your house can add a much-needed touch of nature that reminds potential buyers what they liked about your landscaping.
Lighting Replacements
If you want to renovate your home exterior on a budget, consider changing the lighting that surrounds your property. It’s easy to think that certain lighting elements are “trends,” but there are some things that are here to stay – or, they should be.
Switching to LED bulbs throughout your home can save you up to $1,000 a year on utility bills. That includes exterior lights. Whether you plan on selling or you just want to save money, it’s a great investment and can boost the overall appeal and value of your house.
The good news? LED lights aren’t going to go out of style any time soon. They are quickly becoming the norm thanks to their energy efficiency, and you can find bulbs in just about any shape and size you could want.
Another option is to install solar lighting around your house. Having solar lights in the ground to illuminate a pathway or on the corners of your house to light up your yard at night is a fantastic way to make your house feel more like a home while remaining energy efficient.
Update Your Roof
One home exterior trend that will never go out of style is a solid roof. Composition shingles will last 12-20 years. So, if you’ve been in your home that long or you’re planning on selling, installing a new roof is a great idea. You can choose from different materials for your roof, including:
Metal
Asphalt shingles
Cool roofs
Green roofs
Synthetic materials
Some of these options are “hot” trends right now, especially green roofs or roofs with solar panels. And, metal roofing is making a big comeback. Instead of giving in to trends, though, think about what would most benefit your home for the next 10+ years. Think about other features your home has. For example, if you have a smart home or a sustainable home, a solar or “green” roof might be the way to go.
There are so many ways to update your home exterior, it would be impossible to list them all at once. But, don’t fall victim to trendy designs that won’t be popular in a year or two. Do your research, go for the classics when possible, and think about how your home will benefit from certain trends.
Author Bio: Noah Rue is a freelance writer.
