Contemporary Traditional Exterior Ideas & Photos

Example of a large classic beige two-story stone exterior home design in Chicago with a shingle roof
Stone, shutters, peaks - amber11

AquaTerra Outdoors was hired to design and install the entire outdoor package for this beautiful new custom home. We went with a contemporary design and finishes. Features include traditional landscape, new pool, spa, water feature wall, new fence and outdoor kitchen. Photography: Wade Griffith
Like parts of it, needs different roof line - webuser_978574946

Inside: Forged steel balusters with stained maple wood trim. Outside: Forged steel balusters with steel top rail and steel posts.
Inspiration for a large timeless gray three-story brick gable roof remodel in Indianapolis
patio/not deck? - dknguyen531

Troy Theis
Modern metal exterior home idea in Milwaukee
Like the shape and look of the dark features - jeff_harris36

Contemporary two-story exterior home idea in San Francisco
Gorgeous curb appeal. Love the concrete detail and the garage door. - beth_whitlinger

Matthew Millman
Elegant wood exterior home photo in San Francisco
Could we put a grape vine instead of dog? - hudsonvalleyvineyard

Example of a mid-sized farmhouse white two-story wood gable roof design in Nashville with a white roof
master bedroom over split and then just open up the livingroom ceiling . - elaine416

Example of a large trendy multicolored two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Seattle with a metal roof
tile deck and railing over garage - anna_haugen80

Photography by Chris Little
Transitional two-story exterior home photo in Atlanta
Stucco color & front entrance bump out - ccdezigns

The Kiguchi family moved into their Austin, Texas home in 1994. Built in the 1980’s as part of a neighborhood development, they happily raised their family here but longed for something more contemporary. Once they became empty nesters, they decided it was time for a major remodel. After spending many years visiting Austin AIA Home Tours that highlight contemporary residential architecture, they had a lot of ideas and in 2013 were ready to interview architects and get their renovation underway. The project turned into a major remodel due to an unstable foundation. Architects Ben Arbib and Ed Hughey, of Arbib Hughey Design were hired to solve the structural issue and look for inspiration in the bones of the house, which sat on top of a hillside and was surrounded by great views. Unfortunately, with the old floor plan, the beautiful views were hidden by small windows that were poorly placed. In order to bring more natural light into the house the window sizes and configurations had to be addressed, all while keeping in mind the homeowners desire for a modern look and feel. To achieve a more contemporary and sophisticated front of house, a new entry was designed that included removing a two-story bay window and porch. The entrance of the home also became more integrated with the landscape creating a template for new foliage to be planted. Older exterior materials were updated to incorporate a more muted palette of colors with a metal roof, dark grey siding in the back and white stucco in the front. Deep eaves were added over many of the new large windows for clean lines and sun protection. “Inside it was about opening up the floor plan, expanding the views throughout the house, and updating the material palette to get a modern look that was also warm and inviting,” said Ben from Arbib Hughey Design. “Prior to the remodel, the house had the typical separation of rooms. We removed the walls between them and changed all of the windows to Milgard Thermally Improved Aluminum to connect the inside with the outside. No matter where you are you get nice views and natural light.” The architects wanted to create some drama, which they accomplished with the window placement and opening up the interior floor plan to an open concept approach. Cabinetry was used to help delineate intimate spaces. To add warmth to an all-white living room, white-washed oak wood floors were installed and pine planks were used around the fireplace. The large windows served as artwork bringing the color of nature into the space. An octagon shaped, elevated dining room, (named “the turret”), had a big impact on the design of the house. They architects rounded the corners and added larger window openings overlooking a new sunken garden. The great room was also softened by rounding out the corners and that circular theme continued throughout the house, being picked up in skylight wells and kitchen cabinetry. A staircase leading to a catwalk was added and the result was a two-story window wall that flooded the home with natural light. When asked why Milgard® Thermally Improved Aluminum windows were selected, the architectural team listed many reasons: 1) Aesthetics: “We liked the slim profiles and narrow sightlines. The window frames never get in the way of the view and that was important to us. They also have a very contemporary look that went well with our design.” 2) Options: “We liked that we could get large sliding doors that matched the windows, giving us a very cohesive look and feel throughout the project.” 3) Cost Effective: “Milgard windows are affordable. You get a good product at a good price.” 4) Custom Sizes: “Milgard windows are customizable, which allowed us to get the right window for each location.” Ready to take on your own traditional to modern home remodeling project? Arbib Hughey Design advises, “Work with a good architect. That means picking a team that is creative, communicative, listens well and is responsive. We think it’s important for an architect to listen to their clients and give them something they want, not something the architect thinks they should have. At the same time you want an architect who is willing and able to think outside the box and offer up design options that you may not have considered. Design is about a lot of back and forth, trying out ideas, getting feedback and trying again.” The home was completely transformed into a unique, contemporary house perfectly integrated with its site. Internally the home has a natural flow for the occupants and externally it is integrated with the surroundings taking advantage of great natural light. As a side note, it was highly praised as part of the Austin AIA homes tour.
Can we reinstall a new the roof material - nasime_yazdani

Won 2013 AIANC Design Award
Example of a transitional brown two-story wood and clapboard house exterior design in Charlotte with a metal roof
exterior vibe - yellow cedar and great cladding. - mcjacques0864

Adam Rouse
Mid-sized contemporary blue three-story wood exterior home idea in San Francisco with a mixed material roof
Make downstairs sliding doors larger and full pocket slide so indoor / outdoor - fionaalfait

Example of a cottage white two-story vinyl exterior home design in Austin with a metal roof
Single level with glass breezeway - drbradhammer

Contemporary green exterior home idea in San Francisco
Stackable sliding doors to patio - ginawylie

This new home features architectural forms that are rooted in traditional residential buildings, yet rendered with crisp clean contemporary materials. Photographed By: Vic Gubinski Interiors By: Heike Hein Home
standing seam roof with shingles - hcordell93

Jeffrey Totoro Photography
Cottage wood exterior home photo in Philadelphia
Cool textures for an actual barn - rljacobsen

Modern details on a traditional farmhouse porch. Whit Preston Photography
Example of a cottage wood exterior home design in Austin with a metal roof
TIN SILVER COLORED ROOF WHITE HOUSE - mew4him

This small project in the Portage Bay neighborhood of Seattle replaced an existing garage with a functional living room. Tucked behind the owner’s traditional bungalow, this modern room provides a retreat from the house and activates the outdoor space between the two buildings. The project houses a small home office as well as an area for watching TV and sitting by the fireplace. In the summer, both doors open to take advantage of the surrounding deck and patio. Photographs by Nataworry Photography
The way the living room leads out to the patio. - cadence_cushman