Painting a brick home can be one of the most transformative things you can do to update its look. But while a fresh coat of paint is essential, it’s not just about slapping on a colour and calling it a day. A truly standout exterior transformation needs to take into account various elements that work together to create balance, interest, and sophistication.
If you’re considering painting your brick home, here are some key tips to ensure your renovation isn’t just an improvement, but a masterpiece.
1. Choose Your White Wisely – White is a classic and popular choice when painting a brick home. However, choosing the wrong shade can make or break your design. A stark, bright white may seem crisp and fresh at first, but it shows up dirt too easily, requiring more maintenance to keep it looking pristine. Instead, opt for a soft, slightly warm white or off-white that complements the texture of the brick without being too harsh. This softer approach will also allow the rest of your design elements to shine without being overwhelming.
👇👇Designed by Hotspace👇👇
2. Bring in Natural Timber for Warmth and Contrast – One of the easiest ways to add warmth and visual interest when painting a brick home is through timber accents. Whether it’s timber cladding, window trims, or a striking timber front door, the natural grain of the wood contrasts beautifully against a painted surface. This can stop the house from feeling too flat and sterile, while still maintaining a clean, modern look. When paired with soft whites or muted colours, the timber will bring richness and depth to the overall design.
3. Lighting That Enhances, Not Distracts – Lighting is often overlooked, but it’s a powerful tool in creating the perfect exterior aesthetic. When planning your lighting, focus on enhancing the architectural features of your home, rather than adding unnecessary fixtures that can clutter the facade. Use subtle up-down lighting to highlight the textures of your painted brick or timber accents. Keep the style of your lighting fixtures consistent with the overall look—whether modern or traditional—to tie everything together.
4. Thoughtful Landscaping – Landscaping should feel like an extension of your home’s exterior design. It’s easy to focus on the house itself and forget about how crucial the surrounding environment is. Avoid going overboard with too many textures in the garden; choose simple, elegant plants that complement the style of the house. For example, structured hedges or ornamental grasses are a great choice to contrast with painted brick, providing both softness and shape. Consider adding a raised garden bed or a path to create an organic flow from the yard to the facade.
5. A Mailbox That Matches – Something as seemingly insignificant as the mailbox can pull the entire look of your exterior together. If you’ve gone for a sleek, modern look with painted brick and timber accents, make sure your mailbox reflects that aesthetic. Choose a style and material that matches the home’s overall design—whether it’s timber, painted steel, or a combination of both. The mailbox may be small, but it’s one of the first things people notice when approaching your home, so make sure it’s a cohesive part of the design.
6. Mind the Texture – When you’re painting a brick home, it’s important not to overdo the textures. While contrast is key to a good design, too many competing materials or finishes can make the home look overly busy. If you’ve already painted the brick and added timber, be mindful when considering additional elements like stone, cladding, or ornate trims. While these can add sophistication, too many textures can overwhelm the eye and detract from the overall elegance. The goal is to create interest, but still maintain a clean and harmonious look.
7. Finish With Complementary Elements – While the paint and architectural details are the stars of the show, it’s the finishing touches that will elevate your home’s exterior to the next level. Think about the front door hardware – matte black or a soft gold can provide a chic contrast against lighter colours. Consider the shape and style of your house numbers, doorbell, and any external fittings, making sure they align with the overall aesthetic. Even something like your driveway can play a role.
Painting your brick home is a powerful way to modernize and refresh its appearance, but it’s just the start. By incorporating other thoughtful design elements—like timber accents, elegant lighting, cohesive landscaping, and a well-designed mailbox—you create a home that feels complete and harmonious. Remember, balance is key: you want to add interest, but avoid overwhelming the facade with too much texture or visual clutter.
Jane Eyles-Bennett
https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
If you’re halfway through an exterior house renovation and feeling like it’s not coming together as planned, don’t worry, there’s still time to bring your vision to life. One of the best ways to create a stunning, cohesive home is by using your interior design as inspiration for your exterior.
Here’s how to connect your interior style with your outdoor renovation for a seamless look that ties everything together.
Use Interior Design as Your Foundation – Your home’s renovated interior should act as a guide when planning your exterior renovation. Look at the materials, colours, and textures you’ve already used inside. For example, if you’ve added feature paneling such as VJ boards, you can carry that style outside.
Using a similar cladding, like Axon, for your exterior creates a natural flow from indoors to outdoors. In one of my recent projects, the homeowners had used Axon cladding around their backyard pool house. I extended that same material to the front of the home, linking the two areas and giving the entire property a unified feel.
👇👇Designed by Hotspace👇👇
Extend Flooring Choices Outdoors – Consider taking your interior flooring choices and bringing them outside. Using the same or similar colours for your outdoor spaces, such as a porch or patio, helps create a sense of continuity.
For instance, I worked on an exterior house renovation design where we mirrored the poolside tiles on the front porch. This simple choice made the home feel cohesive and well thought-out.
Carry Accent Colours and Finishes Through – The colours and finishes you’ve chosen for your interior can have a significant impact on your exterior house renovation. If you’ve used black taps or door handles indoors, try incorporating that same finish outside.
Think about black wall lights, hardware, or fencing accents. These details help bridge the gap between your home’s interior and exterior design, making everything feel cohesive and intentional.
The Key to a Stunning Renovation: Consistency – The secret to a beautiful home, inside and out, is consistency. By using the same materials, colours, and finishes from your interior in your exterior renovation, you’ll create a property that feels complete and harmonious.
Whether it’s through cladding, flooring, or accent details, maintaining a consistent design approach can elevate your home’s overall aesthetic.
So, if you’re feeling stuck during your exterior house renovation, take inspiration from what you’ve already done inside. By blending your interior design choices with your exterior, you can create a cohesive, stylish home that you’ll love both inside and out.
Jane
https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Renovating your home’s exterior is an opportunity to take what already exists and elevate it into something truly extraordinary. Not every home reaches its full potential in its original form, but with the right touches, even the most underwhelming properties can be transformed into stunning masterpieces.
One such example is this brick home that aspired to a Georgian architectural style but fell short in execution. It was a ‘wanna-be’—the intentions were there, but the details were lacking. The home had solid bones but missed the mark on the refinement and grandeur that are hallmarks of Georgian architecture. The result was a property that felt incomplete and less than it could have been.
Bringing the Vision to Life – When my client approached me about re-designing this facade, I knew it wasn’t about starting from scratch but about capitalising on what was already there. The existing home had the potential; it just needed the right enhancements to reach its full glory. My approach was simple but powerful: refine and embellish.
I began by focusing on the critical trims and details that define the Georgian architecture. Georgian homes are known for their symmetry, classic proportions, and intricate detailing, and it was essential to introduce these elements while working with the existing structure.
👇👇Designed by Hotspace👇👇
Correcting the Underdone Details – The original exterior lacked the key features that would have made it a stunning piece of Georgian architecture. The windows and doorways were underwhelming, the mouldings were minimal, and the overall structure felt flat. I brought these elements into their proper proportions, adding bold window trims and window headers that framed the windows in a more balanced, eye-catching way.
Adding the Right Embellishments – Beyond just correcting the proportions, I added the embellishments that would make this home shine. The addition of elegant arch mouldings, decorative cornices, and robust columns at the entrance gave the home the grandeur it deserved. These subtle but impactful details transformed the home’s façade from simple brick to a true reflection of Georgian architecture.
Creating a Masterpiece from What’s Already There – This project is a testament to what can be achieved when you work with a home’s existing strengths. Sometimes, the potential is already there—it just needs the right design touches to bring it into its full magnificence. By thoughtfully adding trims, details, and embellishments, I was able to turn a home that missed the mark into a masterpiece that truly shines.
Renovating an exterior isn’t just about adding new materials or colours—it’s about understanding the architectural style you’re working with and bringing out the best in it. Whether it’s Georgian, modern, or a unique blend, the key is in the details. And when those details are done right, the result is nothing short of extraordinary!
Your home’s exterior is more than just a façade—it’s the first impression that sets the tone for your entire property. Whether you’re refreshing a dated design or embarking on a major renovation, enhancing your home’s street appeal can dramatically increase its value, improve functionality, and reflect your personal style. At Hotspace Consultants, we believe in transforming homes with thoughtful design and expert techniques. Here’s how you can overhaul your street appeal in five easy steps.
Start with a Vision: Define Your Design Style – Before jumping into colour choices or materials, it’s crucial to have a clear vision of your desired design style. Do you prefer the clean lines of modern architecture, or are you more drawn to the warmth of traditional designs? Inspiration can come from anywhere—Pinterest boards, magazines, or the street appeal of homes you admire in your neighbourhood. In my exterior design practice, I always encourage clients to send me inspiration images to help define the scope of the project. This helps us pinpoint a style that suits not only the property but also the homeowner’s personal tastes. Whether you’re leaning more towards bold contemporary or a more classic, refined look, having a cohesive vision ensures every design element works in harmony.
👇👇Designed by Hotspace👇👇
Make a Statement with Colour – The colour of your home is the most striking and visible part of its exterior. Bold colours are making a huge comeback in 2024, but you don’t need to overhaul everything to make an impact. Often, a statement feature at your front entrance can create a focal point that elevates the entire street appeal of the house. In my approach, I like to keep the main body of the house neutral, allowing specific materials and texture to stand out and be the hero.
Incorporate Modern Materials – Mixing materials is a key trend in exterior design and street appeal in particular. If you’re stuck with a dated exterior, introducing modern materials like timber cladding, stone, or metal can create contrast and depth. Think about how you can blend materials to give your façade a fresh look without erasing its original character. For example, if your home is brick, consider adding horizontal or vertical cladding somewhere for a modern twist, or update old cladding with sleek, low-maintenance options like aluminium timber-look battens. Not only does this approach add visual interest, but it can also enhance your home’s durability and energy efficiency.
Update Windows and Doors – Windows and doors are often overlooked, but they play a major role in the overall street appeal of your home. Enlarging windows or opting for darker-framed designs can add a contemporary edge, while replacing an old front door with something modern or uniquely designed makes a powerful first impression.
Focus on Landscaping and Lighting – A well-maintained yard and thoughtful lighting can turn your home from basic to beautiful. Whether it’s modern landscape design with native Australian plants or adding stylish outdoor lighting, these finishing touches ensure your home shines, day or night. Outdoor lighting is one of my favourite ways to enhance street appeal. Well-placed lighting can highlight architectural features, create ambiance, and improve safety. Pair this with simple landscaping—like structured garden beds or a new pathway—to create a polished, cohesive look.
At Hotspace, we specialise in creating dream home exteriors that don’t just look amazing but add lasting value. By following these five steps—starting with a clear vision and using the right mix of materials, colours, and accents – you can achieve the ultimate street appeal makeover.
Ready to transform your home’s exterior? Let’s make your vision a reality. For more ideas and inspiration, visit the gallery here… Gallery
Jane
https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
In today’s world of home renovation, the exterior of your home isn’t just about kerb appeal—it’s about creating a welcoming, personalised look that reflects your style while adding value and function. Let’s dive into a few key concepts of modern exterior design to elevate your home and help your property stand out.
Mixing Materials for Visual Interest – One of the most impactful modern exterior design ideas you can use is the blending of materials. For example; combining timber cladding with concrete, stone, or even metal elements creates a striking contrast that immediately modernises a home. Timber (or timber-look) can soften the look of more industrial materials, adding warmth and texture, while materials like concrete or metal give the home a sleek, contemporary edge. The use of horizontal and vertical lines in cladding enhances this look, creating a dynamic façade that feels fresh and modern. When working with my clients, I often recommend starting with the architectural style of the home and introducing modern materials in small but impactful ways. For instance, adding a horizontal cladding like Axon or similar products can instantly lift the look without overwhelming the original structure.
👇👇Designed by Hotspace👇👇
Bold Colour Choices for a Statement Look – Modern exterior design thrives on bold, contrasting colours. While neutrals like white, black, and greys are timeless and continue to dominate, adding a bold pop of colour can transform the look of your home. Deep shades like charcoal or black paired with light trims create a high-contrast, contemporary feel.
Incorporating Large Windows for Natural Light – One of the key elements of modern exterior design is the use of large windows to allow natural light to flood into your living spaces. This not only helps connect the indoors with the outdoors but also gives your home a more open and airy feel. Frameless or minimalistic window designs, often in black or dark trims, provide that sleek, modern aesthetic.
Landscaping to Compliment the Architecture – No modern exterior design is complete without thoughtful landscaping. Clean lines in garden beds, minimalist outdoor spaces, and using natural elements like stone pavers or gravel paths are all great ways to create a cohesive modern look. Don’t forget to integrate lighting into your landscape design—strategically placed lights can highlight architectural features and create ambiance. I often encourage homeowners to view their exterior as an extension of their home. Modern landscaping helps tie everything together. Whether it’s a minimalist garden or a statement outdoor area, the landscaping should complement the house design and create a harmonious flow between indoors and out.
Lighting to Elevate the Design Exterior lighting plays a crucial role in modern design. From recessed lighting that illuminates pathways to statement wall lights that accentuate the home’s architecture, lighting is a tool that can enhance your design even after the sun sets. A modern exterior should consider both form and function when it comes to lighting—ensuring it adds to the overall aesthetic while providing safety and security. Whether it’s for highlighting specific design features or creating a warm glow around your home, well-placed lighting transforms the way the exterior feels at night.
Updating Rooflines for a Contemporary Touch – For those looking to make a bigger impact, altering the roofline can take your home from traditional to contemporary. Clean, flat lines or slightly pitched modern roofs are in vogue, adding to the overall sleekness of a home’s profile. Extending rooflines or integrating overhangs not only offers protection but also enhances the design. If you’re planning a renovation that involves roofline changes, always consult with a builder to explore how extending the roof could impact the overall structure and cost.
Modern exterior design is all about creating a cohesive, functional, and visually striking appearance. Whether you’re focused on minor updates or planning a full-scale renovation, it’s important to take a thoughtful approach to materials, colours, and architectural details. With the right design elements, you can achieve a home exterior that reflects your personality, enhances kerb appeal, and adds lasting value.
Let’s transform your home—starting from the outside!
Jane
https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
The success of contemporary home design is deeply rooted in the careful selection of materials that work harmoniously to create a cohesive, modern aesthetic. Each material choice—from stone cladding to timber battens—plays a crucial role in defining the look and feel of the home, balancing textures, and creating visual interest. In this article, I explore the impact of selecting specific materials and how thoughtful combinations can elevate your exterior design to the next level.
Stone Cladding: Adding Depth and Texture – Stone cladding is often the hero material in contemporary home design, offering a sense of permanence and structure to the facade. Its natural variations and tactile surface contrast beautifully with smoother materials, such as render or sleek horizontal panels. In the featured project, stone cladding was strategically placed around the entryway to create a welcoming focal point, drawing the eye in and grounding the overall look. The use of stone was not only a visual decision but a practical one as well. Stone cladding provides durability and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like front entrances. It’s the perfect choice to inject a touch of luxury without overwhelming the other elements, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the adjacent materials.
👇Designed by Hotspace👇
Timber (or Timber-Look) Battens: Warmth and Contrast – The inclusion of timber battens introduces warmth and texture to a modern facade, contrasting the cool, structured look of stone or concrete. Timber, with its organic patterns and natural hues, creates an inviting atmosphere, softening the sometimes stark appearance of contemporary home design. In this project, vertical timber battens were used to break up large expanses of wall and to add rhythm and visual interest to the facade. Choosing timber was a deliberate decision to complement the natural surroundings while also aligning with the home’s modern aesthetic. Timber’s adaptability allows it to work as a versatile accent, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The subtle variations in timber grain add character and depth, ensuring that the design maintains visual appeal even from a distance.
Rendered Surfaces: Clean Lines and Minimalism – Rendered surfaces provide a smooth, clean backdrop that emphasizes the sleek lines and minimalist approach characteristic of modern exterior design. The simplicity of rendered finishes allows other materials like stone and timber to take centre stage, contributing to a balanced and refined look. The choice of render in muted tones was made to complement the stone’s natural textures and the timber’s rich warmth, ensuring the entire facade felt unified rather than fragmented. The render’s neutral colour palette acts as a bridge between the contrasting materials, creating a cohesive flow that ties the various elements together.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Cladding: Playing with Lines and Proportions – One of the key aspects of achieving a contemporary home design is manipulating lines and proportions through material placement. Vertical timber battens, as used in this project, accentuate the height of the home, making it appear taller and more striking. On the other hand, horizontal cladding on the garage door and other sections elongates the facade, adding width and visual balance. When choosing the orientation of cladding, it’s essential to consider how it will influence the perception of space and structure. For this home, the interplay between vertical and horizontal elements created a dynamic exterior design, guiding the viewer’s eye and adding layers of complexity to an otherwise straightforward silhouette.
Metal Accents: Sleek and Sophisticated Touches – Incorporating metal accents is a subtle yet powerful way to enhance a contemporary home design. The use of sleek black metal framing around windows and doorways in this project added a refined edge to the exterior design. These accents are not only functional, providing structural support and durability, but also aesthetic, offering a striking contrast to the more organic textures of stone and timber. The minimalist appeal of metal complements the project’s other materials, reinforcing the modern, streamlined look without detracting from the facade’s overall warmth. It’s a thoughtful addition that ties all the elements together, ensuring that the facade reads as cohesive and polished.
Landscaping and Surrounding Features: Completing the Picture – No contemporary home design is complete without considering the landscaping and other surrounding elements. In this project, the use of carefully selected plant species and the modern, dark-toned fencing served as a frame for the facade, enhancing its impact. The lush greenery contrasts the darker hues of the fence and garage door, while soft lavender and purple accents in the garden beds echo the subtle tones in the stone cladding. The dark boundary fencing and raised garden beds serve as a base, highlighting the lighter materials of the house and drawing attention upward to the feature stone and timber elements. This interplay between hard and soft landscaping materials reinforces the overall contemporary aesthetic, ensuring the home feels both structured and inviting.
The Impact of Thoughtful Material Selection – A well-designed facade is more than just a collection of attractive materials; it’s a carefully orchestrated composition that balances textures, colours, and forms. Through the thoughtful selection and combination of materials like stone cladding, timber battens, and metal accents, a contemporary facade can achieve a look that is as cohesive as it is captivating. The result is a home that not only looks stunning but also reflects the homeowner’s style and personality, making a lasting impression.
Whether you’re looking to refresh a dated facade or create a new home designed from scratch, material selection is where you lay the groundwork for a striking, contemporary look.
Jane
https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
