Strikingly elegant curb appeal on this modern farmhouse doesn't end at the front door! Rich textures and well placed details are found throughout this custom home.

Exterior
Inspiration for a huge farmhouse white two-story wood exterior home remodel in Grand Rapids with a metal roof

Photography by Chase Daniel
Example of a huge tuscan white two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Austin with a mixed material roof

Inspiration for a contemporary black two-story clapboard exterior home remodel in Other

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards In general, Bryan and Connie Rellinger loved the charm of the old cottage they purchased on a Crooked Lake peninsula, north of Petoskey. Specifically, however, the presence of a live-well in the kitchen (a huge cement basin with running water for keeping fish alive was right in the kitchen entryway, seriously), rickety staircase and green shag carpet, not so much. An extreme renovation was the only solution. The downside? The rebuild would have to fit into the smallish nonconforming footprint. The upside? That footprint was built when folks could place a building close enough to the water to feel like they could dive in from the house. Ahhh... Stephanie Baldwin of Edgewater Design helped the Rellingers come up with a timeless cottage design that breathes efficiency into every nook and cranny. It also expresses the synergy of Bryan, Connie and Stephanie, who emailed each other links to products they liked throughout the building process. That teamwork resulted in an interior that sports a young take on classic cottage. Highlights include a brass sink and light fixtures, coffered ceilings with wide beadboard planks, leathered granite kitchen counters and a way-cool floor made of American chestnut planks from an old barn. Thanks to an abundant use of windows that deliver a grand view of Crooked Lake, the home feels airy and much larger than it is. Bryan and Connie also love how well the layout functions for their family - especially when they are entertaining. The kids' bedrooms are off a large landing at the top of the stairs - roomy enough to double as an entertainment room. When the adults are enjoying cocktail hour or a dinner party downstairs, they can pull a sliding door across the kitchen/great room area to seal it off from the kids' ruckus upstairs (or vice versa!). From its gray-shingled dormers to its sweet white window boxes, this charmer on Crooked Lake is packed with ideas! - Jacqueline Southby Photography

David Dietrich
Large modern brown two-story wood exterior home idea in Charlotte with a metal roof

Inspiration for a large craftsman beige two-story wood house exterior remodel in Minneapolis with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Nathan Kirkman
Example of a beach style blue two-story mixed siding exterior home design in Chicago

Give your stucco home a fresh, modern look with a light cream repaint that creates a striking contrast against dark fascia, trim and doors. This elegant colour combination adds warmth, sophistication and stronger curb appeal while helping the property appear cleaner, newer and more valuable. Exterior stucco painting is a cost-effective way to transform your home without the expense of major renovations. While it cannot guarantee a specific increase or “multiply” the home’s value, a professional repaint can deliver an excellent return by improving first impressions and attracting potential buyers. Art‑Tek Construction specializes in professional stucco house painting in Edmonton and surrounding areas, using durable exterior coatings designed for Alberta’s demanding weather. Contact us for a free estimate. #StuccoPainting #ExteriorHousePainting #EdmontonPainters #StuccoRepainting #CurbAppeal #HomeImprovement #ArtTekConstruction

Adding a pop of color to a front door can be an easy way to up your curb appeal and really change the feel of the home as you and guests walk through the door. Pictured her is Benjamin Moore "Blue Suede Shoes".

Inspired by European villas, the palette for this home utilizes natural earth tones, along with molded eaves, precast columns, and stone veneer. The design takes full advantage of natural valley view corridors as well as negating the line between interior and exterior living. The use of windows and French doors allows virtually every room in the residence to open up onto the spacious pool courtyard. This allows for an extension of the indoor activities to the exterior. Photos by: Zack Benson Photography

Transitional beige two-story exterior home photo in Houston with a shingle roof and a gray roof

Envision a sleek modern home in Wheat Ridge that turns an old site into a family dream. Modern Contemporary blends open living with smart features, using quality materials to create a space that's both stylish and practical in Denver's heart. Our clients wanted a home for modern family life, near shops, Sloan’s Lake, and easy drives. Key wishes: solar for green energy, a rooftop deck with mountain sights, and big doors that open rooms to the outdoors. A worn-out old house blocked the vision, so we removed it to build fresh. This opened up the lot for a design that's efficient and fits today's needs, turning challenges into a better way to live. The concept focuses on clean, flowing lines – stone bases with sloped roofs, steel railings, and a kitchen that's simple yet elegant. Glass walls slide away to connect inside with a shaded deck, making everything feel expansive. We applied modern builds for strength and style, with solar panels cutting energy use and costs. It's made to last, blending beauty with real-world toughness. Spacious and open, with four bedrooms and baths for comfort. The main floor links living, kitchen, and deck seamlessly, while upstairs adds more outdoor space for views and relaxation. Since 2015, this home has been a family favorite, mixing sustainability, convenience, and charm. It's a place that enhances daily joy, with thoughtful design that feels right at home in Colorado.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | John Kraemer & Sons, Builder | Charlie & Co. Design, Architectural Designer | Corey Gaffer, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

French country beige two-story exterior home photo in Denver with a shingle roof and a gray roof

Country blue two-story mixed siding exterior home photo in Charlotte with a shingle roof

Peter Kerze
Huge cottage two-story wood gable roof photo in Other

Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman brown two-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in San Francisco

Example of a mid-sized mountain style green two-story exterior home design in San Francisco with a shingle roof