Never underestimate the importance of a first impression! Home exteriors are the very first thing neighbors, visitors and prospective buyers see, so you want your house front design to impress. Whether you are considering an exterior remodel to upgrade your front elevation and resale value, or simply want to enhance your home’s aesthetic with a fresh paint color, choosing the right shabby-chic style exterior design for your home is an important undertaking. When exploring various cottage chic exterior ideas, it is important to remember there are different phases with a home exterior makeover. Exterior remodeling is not much different than interior remodeling — both projects require careful consideration of all the components involved. If you're starting from scratch, browse exterior photos and determine what kind of home exterior design ideas you are drawn to, and which ones would be compatible with your current space. Once that's decided, consider materials and colors. Your overall home and neighborhood style will generally guide these selections, but your personal taste and resale ability should also be taken into consideration. When this phase is complete, you can then move on to researching exterior decorating ideas! Save your favorite exterior pictures to your Houzz ideabook and take notes on what kind of decorations you like and what would potentially work for your space. Adding some shabby-chic style finishing touches to the facade, like exterior shutters, always guarantees a personalized, lived-in look, whereas something like exterior lighting is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Which home exterior design style will work for me?

There is a huge range of exterior designs to choose from — whether you're a traditionalist, minimalist or trendsetter, there is an architectural style that will work for you. If you like an old-fashioned look, consider a Victorian, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Tudor, Cape Cod or Craftsman home. For sleek, modern exteriors, think about a Prairie style, art deco, modern or midcentury design. Alternatively, if you want your home to have regional character, go with a mediterranean, Southwestern or tropical style. Ultimately, consider your location, style, budget and current home layout before finalizing your exterior remodeling ideas and plans.

What cottage chic exterior house colors and materials should I use?

The materials you end up using for your exterior remodel are often determined by the overall style of the house. When perusing exterior ideas for more traditional homes, you’ll notice that exteriors are usually comprised of brick and wood shingles, while stone and metal siding are popular contemporary options for more modern homes. If you’re on a tight budget, vinyl siding is a more affordable option; if money is not an issue, stone is beautiful but will cost quite a bit more. Although there is some leeway in the materials you use, be sure they accurately reflect your home’s overall style. If you're not quite ready for a full-on remodel, there are still several exterior ideas you can put to work. Simple things like changing up the trim and paint colors will make a noticeable impact — try to pick a neutral primary color, like beige, brown or gray. If you want to stray from the norm with bright accents, try painting your front door or garage door something bright, such as red, green, blue or yellow.

How do I decorate my shabby-chic style home exterior?

As you consider various exterior decorating ideas, you’ll notice that less is more; a few romantic decorative elements spice up your home's architectural style but too many can make your exterior design look cluttered and chaotic. House numbers are a great way to add personality; you can try a unique font or brighter colors for a different look. Mailboxes, doormats and unique exterior lighting also help enhance your house's facade, and when the holiday season rolls around, don't forget about decorations! Landscaping is also key to a well designed shabby-chic style exterior, so choose plants and hardscaping that will play nicely with the decor to provide a welcoming look.