Making the front of your house modern often involves updating key architectural elements and applying contemporary design principles. It's about clean lines, updated materials, and a fresh aesthetic that reflects current trends.
Start with Key Updates: Windows and Doors
One of the most impactful ways to instantly give your property an updated, modern look is to update your windows and doors. According to experts, a modern entrance door can instantly give your property an updated look, a new lease of life, and, in some cases, even add value to your home. Modern doors often feature minimalist designs, bold colors, or incorporate glass panels for a sleeker appearance.
Similarly, replacing old or traditional windows with modern alternatives is crucial. Large windows will not only transform the outside of your home, but they will improve views and make your home lighter and brighter. Consider styles like large casement windows, floor-to-ceiling glass, or windows with simple, clean frames. The absence of busy grids often contributes to a more contemporary feel.
Other Elements for a Modern Facelift
Beyond windows and doors, several other aspects of your home's exterior can be updated to achieve a modern aesthetic.
Paint Colors and Materials
- Choosing the Right Palette: Modern homes often feature a restrained color palette. Think whites, grays, blacks, and natural wood tones. Bold pops of color are sometimes used for the front door but the main body of the house typically remains neutral.
- Mixing Materials: Combining different materials like smooth stucco, wood siding (often horizontally oriented), stone veneers, and metal accents can create visual interest and a modern texture profile.
Landscaping
Modern landscaping tends to be minimalist and structured.
- Clean Lines: Geometric shapes, clean edges for garden beds, and structured pathways are characteristic.
- Strategic Planting: Use architectural plants with interesting forms, low-maintenance ground covers, and perhaps a few statement trees rather than cluttered flower beds.
- Hardscaping: Incorporate concrete, gravel, or large format pavers for walkways and patios.
Lighting
Modern exterior lighting is functional and stylish.
- Minimalist Fixtures: Opt for simple, geometric light fixtures, often in black or metallic finishes.
- Uplighting/Downlighting: Use lighting to highlight architectural features, pathways, and landscaping rather than just providing general illumination. Integrated LED strips or hidden lights are also common.
Garage Door
The garage door is a large part of the front facade and can significantly impact the style.
- Modern Styles: Choose doors with clean lines, flush panels, or contemporary window configurations. Materials like aluminum, glass, or modern wood composites work well.
- Color Coordination: Ensure the garage door color complements the overall modern color scheme.
Architectural Details
Consider adding or modifying details to enhance the modern look.
- Overhangs and Canopies: Simple, clean-lined roof overhangs or floating canopies over the entrance.
- Porch Railings: Replace ornate railings with simple metal or glass options.
- House Numbers: Install large, modern-font house numbers in a prominent location.
Here's a simple comparison of traditional vs. modern front door elements:
| Feature | Traditional Examples | Modern Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Door Style | Panelled, detailed carving | Flush, minimalist, glass panels |
| Color | Classic colors (red, navy, green) | Bold colors, neutrals (black, grey) |
| Hardware | Ornate, brass | Simple, geometric, brushed metal |
| Sidelights | Detailed glass | Clear, full-length, simple frames |
By focusing on these key areas – updating windows and doors, selecting modern colors and materials, implementing minimalist landscaping and lighting, and refining architectural details – you can transform the front of your house to achieve a contemporary, modern aesthetic.
