Creating a visually appealing and cohesive house involves more than just selecting some nice colours and materials. To make your home’s exterior ‘pop’, it is crucial to consider the composition of these elements and how they work together. Here are 4 key considerations:
How much is too much? Use a ratio of different colours and materials that complement each other to achieve a harmonious design. Carefully consider the proportion of each colour and material used to avoid an unbalanced look. Too much or too little of a particular colour, cladding or product will kill the look.
Consider the texture, finish, and scale of materials. Large-scale materials like a stone feature wall can make a house appear grand, while smaller-scale elements like cladding or lighting can add interest and create a layered look. Use this knowledge to layer small features or make your home’s exterior ‘pop’ with a grand gesture at the entrance.
Select colours with a careful balance of different hues, ensuring that none over-power the others. Using a primary colour and other colours as accents can create a focal point and add interest. Weave the colours together by ‘sprinkling’ them around your exterior – or do what fashion designers do and ‘colour block’ (very trendy right now in exterior design!).
Incorporate five to six different materials and colours for enough variation to create interest and depth while maintaining a cohesive look. Adding more than six can make the design look busy and cluttered, while using fewer than five can result in a flat and uninteresting design.
Click here to see some examples of how using these concepts will give a ‘designer’ look to your home!
Reach out to me at jane@hotspaceconsultants.com or ph 0411705556 to see if your home is suitable for our services.
Jane
Looking to give your home exterior a much-needed glow up without breaking the bank? By focusing on a few key areas and adding small but impactful details, you really can transform your street appeal without having to sell a kidney. Here are some tips to get you started:
Don’t try to change everything! It can be tempting to try and change every single aspect of your home’s exterior, but unless you have a big-ish budget, this strategy is probably best avoided. Instead, focus on three to four key areas or items that will give you maximum impact. By doing less, but making it good quality, you avoid spreading your budget too thinly.
👇Design created for a Facade Design Plan client👇
Select significantly different colours & accessories than the existing. Once you’ve chosen the areas and surfaces to update, select colours and materials that are completely different than what is existing. This could be a different wall, roof and/or trim colour, or a totally different balustrade style. Add plenty of texture with materials such as stone, timber or textured cladding. Updates like this will transform your home like nothing else without the need for a complete overhaul.
Include small but impactful details. In addition to making several significant changes, small but impactful details will add to the drama and interest created on the outside of your home. Exterior wall lighting, garden edging, window mouldings, and a new mailbox are just a few of the small details that can all add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home’s exterior.
Keep it simple. Avoid overcomplicating your home’s exterior with too many details or colours. Focus on clean lines and simple, elegant designs that will stand the test of time. This will not only keep costs down, but it will also ensure that your home’s exterior remains timeless and classic.
Get help! It might sound counter-intuitive to pay for help, but a good designer will save you money AND make your home look amazing.
Find out more about how we can help here.
Send me a photo of your home to jane@hotspaceconsultants.com or text to 0411705556.
Jane
When updating the exterior of your home, it’s important to create a visual flow that complements the interior.
Whether you have a Hamptons theme, Contemporary, or any other style inside, incorporating it outside will help you achieve a cohesive aesthetic throughout your home. However, it can be challenging to figure out where to start – what colours and items to repeat in order to achieve a beautiful consistent look. Here are some ideas to get you going…
1. Stick to a general ‘over-arching’ style: When updating your home’s exterior, it’s crucial to choose a general style and stick with it. This will help you narrow down your options and make choosing your final colours and alterations much more manageable. If you have achieved a certain style on the interior of your home, name it, then use it as inspiration for your exterior.
2. Use Pinterest for inspiration: Pinterest is a fantastic resource for gathering ideas that fit with the style you’re trying to achieve. You can create a board and save images that you like, making it easier to refer back to them when needed.
3. Consider the colours: Choosing the right colours for your home’s exterior is crucial to achieving a cohesive design. I like to use some of the same colours from the interior on the exterior where possible. This might be on the under sides of the eaves, or on a feature tile. There are plenty of ways to bring the same colours through from your interior to your exterior. If you need help with this, consider consulting a professional (such as Hotspace) to ensure your whole design looks cohesive.
4. Upgrade your landscaping: Your landscaping plays a significant role in your home’s exterior design and provides a level of softness like nothing else. Consider upgrading your landscaping by adding new plants, flowers, or trees. You can also add a garden bed or incorporate new hardscaping elements such as a pathway, retaining wall, or patio. Link plant species and even paver colours etc to colours inside your home, for the ultimate in cohesive design!
5. Update your fence: Your fence is an essential part of your home’s exterior, and updating it can significantly enhance your home’s overall look. Consider upgrading your fence style or even just the colour so that it blends in with the house exterior and the interior areas as well.
6. Pay attention to details: The small details can make a big difference in your home’s exterior design. You can match details big and small to ensure you end up with a cohesive and stunning effect – from the lighting, to the mailbox numbers, to the driveway colour!
7. Work with a professional: If you’re worried about choosing your exterior colours and struggling to bring your ideas together in a cohesive design, get in touch with a trained designer. At Hotspace we have several different options to work with us… Facade Design Plan (renovations) and New-Facade Design Plans (new home facades and extensions).
Send me your plans or photos of your home to jane@hotspaceconsultants.com or text 0411705556 to see if your home is suitable for our services.
Jane
Is your home missing the X-Factor? Timber accents are an excellent way to give your home’s exterior a lift, but there are things you should know before taking the leap!
Here are a few of the pro’s and con’s…
Pros of natural Timber:
Aesthetic appeal – Timber is a natural and warm material that can add a touch of charm and character to any home.
Durability – If properly maintained, timber can last for decades, even centuries, making it a great investment.
Energy Efficiency – Timber has natural insulating properties that can help to reduce energy consumption and lower heating and cooling costs.
Versatility – Timber can be used in a wide range of applications, including cladding, decking, and fencing, making it a versatile material choice.
👇Nicholson Facade designed as part of our Facade Design Plan service 👇
Cons of natural Timber:
Maintenance – Timber requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains in good condition. This includes regular cleaning, staining, and sealing to protect against rot, moisture, and pests.
Cost – High-quality timber can be expensive, particularly if you opt for a more exotic wood species.
Environmental Impact – The use of timber can have a significant environmental impact, particularly if it is sourced from unsustainable sources or not managed properly.
Fire Risk – Timber is a flammable material, and in areas prone to wildfires, it may not be the best choice for exterior cladding.
Alternative Materials:
If you still want the look of timber but don’t want the ‘Cons’ that go with it, an aluminium or composite alternative could be a good option.
Here are some pro’s and con’s of these:
Pro’s of timber-look aluminium or composite:
>> Low maintenance
>> Durable
>> Versatile
Con’s of timber-look aluminium or composite:
>> Can be expensive
>> Can look ‘flat’ since there is no natural variation in the colour
If you like the timber look and would like assistance incorporating it into your home (whether real timber or timber-look), check out our Facade Design Plan service (or https://hotspaceconsultants.com/new-build-extensions-facade-design/ for new home facades and extensions).
Let me know if you have any questions!
Jane – jane@hotspaceconsultants.com
Or Phone/text 0411705556.
Do you look at the exterior of your home and feel like something’s missing? Maybe it’s outdated or just plain boring. Whatever the reason, you’re ready for a change. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s my complete guide to a jaw-dropping exterior renovation!
Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Exterior
Before you can begin your renovation, you need to know what you’re working with. Take a close look at your home’s exterior and identify the areas that need improvement. This might include the walls/cladding, roof, windows, or landscaping. Make a list of what needs to be updated, and prioritize the items based on importance and budget.
Step 2: Choose a Colour Scheme
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home’s exterior. Choose a colour scheme that complements your home’s architecture and landscape. Neutral tones like beige, gray, and white are classic choices, but you could also go for bold colours if they suit your style. Don’t forget to consider the colour of your roof, as it will play a significant role in the overall look of your home.
Step 3: Upgrade Your Walls/Cladding
This is one of the most noticeable features of your home’s exterior. If your current walls are damaged, outdated, or just not to your liking, it’s time for an upgrade. There are many different materials to choose from, so be sure to consider durability, maintenance, and cost when selecting your materials.
Step 4: Install New Windows (or paint the existing)
Windows are another crucial element of your home’s exterior. New windows can improve energy efficiency, increase kerb appeal, and enhance the overall look of your home. Consider the style, size, and material of your windows when making your selection. You may also want to add window shutters or window mouldings for extra charm. Painting windows is a possibility, depending on the condition of your existing windows.
Step 5: Update Your Roof
Your roof is an essential component of your home’s exterior. If it’s damaged or outdated, it can detract from your home’s overall appearance. Consider updating your roof with a new material or paint it a colour that complements your walls, trims and landscaping.
Step 6: Add Landscaping and Lighting
Landscaping and lighting can be the finishing touches on your exterior renovation. Plant interesting shrubs, and trees to add life to your yard. You may also want to add lighting to highlight your home’s architecture and landscaping. Solar lights are a great option because they’re energy-efficient and easy to install.
Transforming your dull exterior into a residential masterpiece is achievable with planning and effort. The most important thing is to have a clear plan and avoid a scattergun approach to your renovation.
Remember to take your time, prioritise your budget, and have fun with the process! And if you need help with choosing colours and designing your exterior upgrade, check out our Facade Design Plan service.
Jane Eyles-Bennett
Home extensions are on the rise from what I can tell – and certainly what I am seeing in my work.
If you’re planning to extend your home, whether that’s building up, out or back, blending the old with the new is paramount. Without considering both the existing home (even if it’s also being updated/rendered/new windows etc) and the new extension, you can end up with a detached, incohesive look if you’re not careful.
When your builder asks “What colour do you want for your roof, your gutters, your extension cladding, your existing house cladding, your front steps..etc”, what will you say?
If you have architects plans or drawings from a draughty but no idea about the colours, be careful you don’t end up with a hodge podge of selections. Remember, you’re going to be coming home to this every day for the next however-many-years!
On the other hand, if you want to love it, feel proud of it, and for it to stand out on your street for the right reasons, then bringing in an exterior designer will be money well spent. Considering your extension is going to be in the vicinity of $100k or more, $6k-$8k (for exterior design fees) is a bargain.
While you may be tempted to design the project yourself, there are several reasons why a designer can help make the process easier and ensure the final result is cohesive and aesthetically pleasing.
Create an overall vision to transform your home – First, a designer will help you create a vision for your home’s new look. They’ll work with you to determine your style, preferences, and the specific needs of your family. With their expertise, they can provide you with options that you may not have considered before and help you make decisions that will lead to a cohesive and visually stunning final product.
Blend old and new elements – Secondly, a designer is skilled at blending the old and the new in a way that is seamless. This is especially important when extending an older home, as you want to ensure that the new addition does not look out of place. A designer will help you choose materials, colours, and finishes that complement the existing structure and make the new addition feel like a natural extension of the home.
Save money – It might sound counterintuitive, but using a designer will save you money in the long run. While it may seem like an additional expense to hire a designer up front, their expertise will help you avoid costly mistakes or oversights. Don’t rely solely on the builder for this! A good designer will work with you to determine the most cost-effective solutions for your project, while still ensuring a high-quality result that adds value to your home and lasts the test of time.
If you’re planning to extend your property and blend the old with the new, hiring an exterior designer is a smart choice!
Contact me here to see if we can help you with your home extension and renovation… https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Jane Eyles-Bennett
