Small Modern Exterior Home Ideas

Example of a small minimalist white three-story concrete fiberboard and board and batten exterior home design in Other with a shingle roof and a black roof

An attached deck creates a full indoor/outdoor experience.
Inspiration for a small modern one-story wood exterior home remodel in Los Angeles

The goal was to create a dramatic, dark exterior while keeping the interior light and open. The sliders and windows around the home allow a view into the interior which illuminates at night giving a clear view into the bright interior space. Photo by: Zephyr McIntyre

Inspiration for a small modern one-story exterior home remodel in Santa Barbara

Photo: Zephyr McIntyre
Small minimalist green two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof photo in Sacramento

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint. Photo: Sergiu Stoian

We used redwood to create a privacy screen above the regulated 6 foot concrete wall. This is a great way to keep out neighbors while still maintaining city code and regulations.

Trellis and deck Jesse Young Property and Real Estate Photography
Inspiration for a small modern gray two-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in Seattle with a shed roof

Small minimalist gray one-story wood flat roof photo in New York

Bill Timmerman
Small modern white one-story concrete fiberboard exterior home idea in Seattle

A graying cedar slated wall at the covered porch and narrow windows provide privacy to the street. Large floor-to ceiling windows to the side and South open up views to a tree filled property and allow sunlight in.

Adding color that compliments the architectural features of the house to the house number is an elegant way to make that number noticeable. Photo Credit: Richard Riley

Brian Hartman
Small minimalist blue two-story concrete fiberboard house exterior photo in Seattle

Photo Credit Nick Glimenakis
Small minimalist gray two-story exterior home photo in New York

Photographer: Jay Goodrich
Small minimalist brown one-story mixed siding flat roof photo in Seattle

Example of a small minimalist gray one-story stucco exterior home design in Denver with a shed roof

We installed this firepit and seating area for a homeowner in Gilbert, AZ. It harkens back to the type of environment Arizona is known for, natural rock formations, and raw beauty. The light grey of both the seating and firepit work well with the varying shades of gray pavers.

Exterior view of house with ADU
Inspiration for a small modern black two-story metal exterior home remodel in Portland with a metal roof

A canted wall and roof brings surprising interest to this otherwise simple design. Rain chains carry roof water into a bio-swale where storm water is filtered and returned safely back to the environment. Photo: Prakash Patel

© Ryann Ford Photography
Inspiration for a small modern two-story house exterior remodel in Austin