Renovating your home’s exterior isn’t just about picking out a nice paint colour or whacking up a bit of cladding. When people talk about an exterior style overhaul, they’re searching for that instant transformation – the kind that sends street appeal through the roof and leaves onlookers guessing if you rebuilt the house entirely. Take a scroll through our gallery and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
1. Why an exterior style overhaul beats rebuilding
Most homeowners dream of a fresh facade, but rebuilding comes with stress, mess, and costs that spiral. An exterior style overhaul? That’s where the real magic happens. You can create maximum impact with strategic exterior changes, not a demolition crew.
- Retain your home’s solid bones
- Completely reimagine its street appeal
- Save yourself the cost and hassle of starting over
- See a transformation that feels brand new
And you get the satisfaction of seeing your old home become the stand-out on your street – without spending years in a building site.
👇👇Designed By Hotspace 👇👇
2. Exterior style overhaul essentials: the key ingredients
Every great exterior style overhaul starts with the right mix. Too many homeowners make the mistake of picking features they like, but forget how important it is to balance materials, colours and form. Want wow-factor? You need cohesion.
- Contrasting textures – think smooth render next to vertical timber battens
- Timeless, sophisticated neutral colours like crisp white, soft greys, charcoal and timber
- Layered facades – add visual interest using cladding, feature sections, and shadow lines
- Statement entryways – oversized doors, simple porticos, and strong lines
- Upgraded windows and frames to modernise the overall look
You don’t need a kaleidoscope of materials or wild colours. Neutral schemes give you maximum flexibility and kerb appeal every time.
3. Facade design: bringing personality to a blank slate
There’s nothing more disappointing than driving through a neighbourhood lined with cookie-cutter homes. They all share the same bland brick, dated windows, and forgotten gardens. But with the right approach to facade design, you can inject personality and sophistication without starting from scratch.
- Integrated lighting for evening drama
- Thoughtfully chosen garage and entry doors
- Sleek eaves or rendered feature fins
- Timber accents for warmth and architectural interest
Facades that make you stop and stare? It’s about contrast, detail, and restraint – not over-the-top ornamentation. Need even more inspiration? Take a look at our recent facade renovation transformations that show exactly what’s possible.
4. Materials and finishes for a stunning exterior style overhaul
Material selection can make or break your exterior style overhaul. It’s crucial to choose options that reflect the architecture of your home, but also stand the test of time.
- Rendered brick surfaces – clean, modern, and long-lasting
- Vertical cladding – adds texture and depth to flat facades
- Timber battens or decking – bring warmth and a natural touch
- Architectural aluminium battens for a sleek, low-maintenance edge
- Modern roofing and gutter profiles
Stay away from anything too fussy or outlandish. Simplicity always wins – especially when set against the complexity of existing homes.
5. Avoiding common exterior style overhaul mistakes
Every homeowner fears making an expensive mistake. I’ve seen it time and again. Bold feature colours that date rapidly, mismatched materials, or poorly conceived additions that clash instead of complimenting. Here’s how to sidestep those pitfalls:
- Stick to a cohesive, neutral colour palette
- Choose no more than 3-4 main materials
- Work with a design expert who understands your vision
- Ask for detailed, done-for-you documentation (so your tradies execute to plan)
- Avoid trends that won’t last and aim for timeless appeal
Curating an exterior style overhaul isn’t about spending the most money; it’s about investing in a clear design direction that boosts value and brings pride of ownership.
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas or worried about making a mess of your facade, get in touch via the link below.
Jane https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Picking the right feature wall products for your home exterior isn’t just about surface finishes. It’s about creating impact, character, and real personality for your street appeal. Veneer Stone Cladding has become a go-to for me for achieving timeless sophistication, but it doesn’t stop there. If you’re looking for ideas on how these materials work in the real world, check out the before-and-afters in my gallery (https://hotspaceconsultants.com/gallery/) for inspiration.
👇👇Designed by Hotspace 👇👇
1. Veneer Stone Cladding for instant wow-factor
Veneer Stone Cladding (https://veneerstone.com.au/) is a great pick for creating a statement feature wall without overwhelming the design. The beauty of this product lies in its flexibility – you can effortlessly wrap feature columns, create feature walls, or even highlight certain sections of your front fence. The end result? Depth, shadow, and authentic architectural detail.
- Mimics the texture and pattern of natural stone – without the logistical headaches
- Brings a sense of luxury and permanence to rendered or weatherboard homes
- Available in a range of earthy, neutral tones to suit any facade
- Can be paired with render, timber, or even face brick for contrast
I’ve specified this many times; from 1960s red brick transformations to new builds needing that touch of grounded elegance. It’s resilient and holds up beautifully in the Australian climate. Veneer Stone Cladding is a must-consider for kerb appeal upgrades.
2. Artisan Exterior Stone: craftsmanship meets durability
Craving something more bespoke? Artisan Exterior Stone (https://artisanexterior.com.au) takes feature wall inspiration up a notch. These products combine traditional skills with contemporary style – perfect for a feature wall demanding individuality. No cookie-cutter, mass-produced feel here; just textural richness and genuine craftsmanship.
- Neutral colour palettes available – greys, charcoals, and weathered stone shades
- Ideal for modern homes needing warmth, or older homes seeking fresh personality
- Can dry stack or mortar in between the stones
- Available in both organic (random) and modular (uniform) formats
If you’ve struggled to find a feature material with real character, this is a direction to explore – especially for those looking for a classic yet contemporary finish.
3. NewTechWood Castellation Cladding for dramatic lines
Want a more modern twist? NewTechWood Castellation Cladding (https://newtechwood.com.au/) is all about clean, architectural lines. It takes feature wall products into the future – think long, pronounced battens that stretch vertically or horizontally for impact. This is how you add visual layers, break up flat surfaces, and get that boutique, custom-built feel.
- Low-maintenance composite timber look
- Range of subtle wood tones from silver ash to deep walnut
- Suitable for entry features, upper-storey details, garage surrounds, fences and anywhere you want to create extra texture
- UV-resistant and built for Australian conditions
Used right, NewTechWood Castellation Cladding introduces depth and rhythm, turning a bland facade into an engaging, architectural statement.
4. 3D Wall Panels – texture and light for visual drama
Surface isn’t just about colour – it’s about the play of shadow and light. That’s where 3D Wall Panels (https://www.3dwallpanels.com.au) come into their own. Feature wall products like these take any plain render or cladding and give it movement and personality.
- Wide range of patterns, from gentle waves to geometric shapes
- Paint in crisp whites, soft greys, or sophisticated charcoals
- Use as a large-format entry statement or to highlight porch walls
- 18mm polymer is waterproof, light weight, self extinguishing, mould and pest resistant
Nothing beats driving by a home where sunlight grazes across a sculpted wall, shifting the look from morning to evening. If you’re after that subtle wow-factor, this is your best friend.
5. Knotwood Battens – timeless timber, minus the maintenance
Finally, if you love the warmth of timber but dread upkeep, Knotwood (https://www.knotwood.com.au/) battens are the answer. They’re feature wall products with classic charm, yet completely practical.
- Aluminium profile finished in luxe timber-look wraps
- Range of widths and depths for bold or fine-line effects
- Perfect for screening, feature gables, and bold entry statements
- Resistant to rot, termites, and fading, without the ongoing hassle
Blending seamlessly with rendered surfaces or stone, Knotwood Battens work for both heritage and modern homes wanting that unmistakable feel of quality.
Need help before starting your new build or facade/exterior renovation? Get in touch with me via the link below.
Jane https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Renovating your outdated brick home can feel overwhelming – but there’s one method that’ll provide serious impact; Rendering brick. Rendering flips the switch from tired and ordinary to fresh, sophisticated street appeal. And the right design choices guarantee you won’t wind up with another cookie-cutter house. If you want to see transformation in action, take a look at our gallery for stunning before-and-after results.
1. Rendering brick for instant street appeal
Driving through the ‘burbs, you’ll notice brick homes everywhere. Some ooze charm. Others fade into the background, stuck in the 70’s or 80’s. But rendering brick dials up the wow-factor, and helps you achieve;
- A sleek, modern finish that covers mismatched or tired bricks
- The option to introduce contemporary colours
- Enhanced, crisp kerb appeal that elevates your neighbourhood presence
Quality render paired with the right paint can completely transform your home’s look.
👇👇Designed by Hotspace 👇👇
2. Choosing the perfect colour scheme when rendering your brick home
Colour makes or breaks any facade transformation. The best results start with a neutral scheme – think whites, off-whites or warm greys. Why?
- Timeless appeal – neutral tones never go out of style
- Provides a blank canvas for other design tweaks (think specialty cladding and feature walls)
- Contrasts beautifully with lush landscaping and architectural details
- Rendering brick instantly modernises your home, whatever its age
Painting over render with bold or dated colours is a common – and costly – mistake. Stay neutral and your home holds its value for years to come.
3. Add real impact with texture and architectural details
Think your facade will look too flat when rendered? It doesn’t have to! The key is layering in texture and subtle contrast. Try;
- Vertical panelling for depth
- Timber features – like battens or posts – for warmth
- Concrete-look cladding for drama
- Subtle changes in render texture around windows or doors
Layering these elements creates visual interest. The home draws you in – never bland or basic.
4. Beyond rendering brick: additional facade upgrades for a cohesive look
Rendering brick is only part of the story. To really stand out, consider these complementary upgrades:
- New front door with a modern statement handle
- Slimline or oversized windows to draw in light
- Upgraded roofing materials
- Sleek garage door in a matching or contrasting finish
- Understated lighting to highlight architectural features
Tie all these threads together and you can redefine your home’s whole personality.
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas or worried about making a mess of your facade, get in touch via the link below. We can help.
Jane https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
You know great exterior house design when you see it. Homes that stop you mid-drive – striking, but not screaming. Balanced, bold, and still welcoming. It’s a fine line between show-off and show-stopper. Achieving that balance isn’t as simple as flicking through a handful of colour charts or swapping out your cladding. It takes a clear vision, proven design techniques, and the confidence to make the right decisions. Take a look through our gallery and you’ll see what I mean – homes that nail wow-factor without tipping into ostentatious (our speciality!).
1. Great exterior house design is bold but elegant
Ever noticed the best houses in a neighbourhood have something extra? Exterior design done right is never accidental. It’s an intentional mix of:
- Contrasting materials
- Layered textures that catch the light and shadow all day
- A colour scheme that delivers presence but feels timeless
There’s nothing cookie-cutter about a home with real street appeal. But going bold takes a plan – otherwise you risk a mish-mash that dates before the paint dries.
👇👇Designed By Hotspace👇👇
2. Exterior design that adds personality and impact
Your home’s exterior sets the entire first impression. Want personality and sophistication? Consider:
- Vertical cladding or timber battens for height and interest
- Rendered brickwork in elegant whites, off-whites, or deep, moody charcoals
- Modern entranceways or porticos that say “welcome” – with a capital W
- Window surrounds or feature panels to break up the facade and create depth
Each of these elements brings impact. Together, with the right design direction (or ‘theme’), they create the wow-factor that draws every eye.
3. Selecting timeless colours for bold, elegant style
Colour choices are where most homeowners stall (or stumble). To keep things elegant, stick with:
- Neutral tones: whites, creams, greys, charcoals, black
- Timber and/or stone accents for warmth and organic contrast
- Subtle variation through different finishes: matte render, smooth or grainy timber, shadow lines from vertical or horizontal panels
No shouty contrasts or gimmicky finishes, just a sophisticated palette that works with your home’s shape and details.
4. Avoiding costly mistakes with exterior house design
You only get one chance at a first impression – and that goes for your home too. Plenty of people think exterior design is just paint and render. They realise, too late, the complexity of tying it all together.
If you want to steer clear of expensive do-overs, you need:
- A holistic vision that guides every material and colour choice
- Confidence that each element works together (not in competition)
- Clear documents and drawings tradies can follow – so your result matches the plan
Quality facade renovations typically start at $70,000 and can climb well above $200,000. Investing in expert guidance up front can save a fortune on corrections.
5. The Hotspace difference: bringing bold, elegant exteriors to life
Most designers either play it too safe – or try to make a statement at the expense of harmony. Our process focuses on:
- Personalised concepts designed for your home’s strengths
- Street appeal and kerb value at the forefront
- Clean, sophisticated layers using timeless materials
- Documentation that takes the stress and guesswork out of renovations
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas or worried about making a mess of your facade, get in touch via the link below.
Jane https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Renovating your house exterior often means putting every detail under the microscope – and balcony planterboxes are one of those details that can really catch your eye. Whether you’re cruising through leafy streets or scrolling our gallery, it’s impossible to ignore the impact well-placed planterboxes on balconies can have on overall facade design. But do they really deliver? Or are they just adding a whole lot of hassle?
1. Balcony Planterboxes – the aesthetics
Balcony planterboxes can bring a dramatic burst of personality to a modern facade. They immediately break up hard lines and inject lush texture where it counts most. It’s why so many high-end homes lean on these features to set themselves apart. They;
- Frame and soften boxy architectural profiles
- Add dynamic green layers against neutral modern materials
- Pull the eye across your facade, drawing attention to beautiful details
- Create a sense of privacy for upper-level rooms
And when matched with clever lighting or architectural elements, the effect can be pure wow-factor.
👇👇Designed By Hotspace👇👇
2. Are they practical?
Now, practicality. Do they just look good, or are balcony planterboxes actually realistic for busy home owners? Here’s where it gets interesting – because modern facade design is about more than a pretty picture. You want your investment to last.
Planterboxes on balconies are practical when:
- Quality waterproofing and drainage have been factored into the design
- The planterbox structure is smartly integrated with your balustrades
- You select hardy, low-maintenance greenery (think architectural plants, not thirsty exotics)
- Regular maintenance won’t become a chore (automate irrigation if possible and make sure yor plants are easily reachable from above)
Neglect these details and you’ll be staring at water stains, dead foliage – or worse, compromised balcony structure!
3. Balcony Planterboxes as part of your house exterior design
The best planterboxes blend seamlessly into your overall house exterior design. They’re not tacked-on afterthoughts. Instead, they elevate the whole street presence by connecting landscaping with architectural form.
Elements that set expertly designed planterboxes apart:
- Materials echoing other facade features (timber, rendered masonry, concrete-look finishes)
- Neutral, sophisticated colours – off-whites, charcoal, black, timber
- Proportions that complement your balcony and balustrades without overpowering them
- Plant choices coordinated to look vibrant year-round (even when everything else goes dormant)
- Safe, council-compliant design that won’t cause drama with neighbours or insurance
4. Alternate facade enhancements
Before you rush to add planterboxes, consider: are they the best way to achieve that wow-factor for your specific facade? Or would textured vertical cladding, architectural screening, or bold balustrades deliver a bigger impact?
Comparing these facade elements:
- Planterboxes add living texture and soften edges
- Vertical cladding brings contrast and interest without ongoing care (also can make your home appear taller)
- Timber accents highlight architectural lines for extra warmth
- Rendered masonry injects a strong aesthetic and a contemporary feel
Sometimes, the magic’s in the mix; layered materials, carefully selected details, and, yes, the right greenery used with purpose.
5. Achieving the perfect modern facade
Planterboxes aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The best facades don’t follow a cookie-cutter formula; they’re crafted with intention. If you’ve ever driven through established neighbourhoods and admired those standout houses, odds are their exterior was designed as a whole – not just a few planterboxes on a whim.
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas or worried about making a mess of your facade, get in touch with me via the link below.
Jane https://hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
A well-designed front fence can completely transform the look and feel of your home. It can add privacy, boost street appeal, improve security, and even help frame your facade. But not all front fences are created equal. To get it right, it’s important to consider how it ties into your house, whether council regulations allow it, and how to blend function with aesthetics.
👇👇Designed by Hotspace👇👇
First, are you even allowed a front fence?
In many parts of Australia, you can’t simply build a fence wherever and however you like. Local councils have rules around height, materials, and whether a fence is even permitted at all. In some areas, especially where a streetscape has an open or garden-style character, councils may prohibit front fences or only allow low, open-style fencing.
As a general guide:
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Fences on corner blocks usually have stricter visibility requirements
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Front fences in residential zones often have a maximum height of 1.2m if solid, or up to 1.8m if at least 50% transparent (e.g., vertical slats or pickets)
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Heritage overlays may restrict materials and styles
Always check with your local council before you start designing.
What’s the purpose of your fence?
Before deciding on the style or materials, ask yourself what you’re trying to achieve.
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Privacy: If you want to shield your home from the street, consider solid or semi-solid materials, but soften the look with planting.
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Security: A taller fence with a lockable gate or electric driveway gate offers more protection.
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Street Appeal: For some homes, a low fence simply provides a charming boundary and adds to the home’s overall visual balance.
Most homeowners want a combination of all three. The trick is getting the balance right so that your fence feels like it belongs with your home – not just an afterthought.
Tie it in with your home’s design
This is where a lot of fences go wrong. If your house is a coastal-style weatherboard home, a black aluminium slat fence probably isn’t the best fit. If your home is modern and sleek, a picket fence may feel too traditional.
To tie the fence in seamlessly:
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Use the same or complementary colours to your home’s facade
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Repeat materials or textures (e.g., timber accents, stone, painted masonry)
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Consider architectural lines and proportions. If your home has horizontal cladding, a vertical slat fence might create a subtle but effective contrast
A fence should feel like a natural extension of the house – not a separate, disconnected feature.
To gate or not to gate?
Driveway gates and pedestrian gates can enhance security and style. If you’re after convenience, an electric gate is highly recommended. It not only adds a layer of protection but also creates a premium, high-end feel.
Think about:
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Access (swing vs sliding gate, remote control, intercom)
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Width and clearance for vehicles
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Whether you want the fence to fully enclose the property or remain open to the driveway
In some cases, going without a gate can work beautifully, especially when security isn’t a major concern and the landscaping is doing a lot of the visual work.
Don’t forget the details
A front fence isn’t complete without a thoughtfully integrated mailbox and house numbers. Too often, these are tacked on later, breaking the clean lines of an otherwise well-designed fence.
Instead:
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Incorporate a built-in mailbox slot or box in the same materials as the fence
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Position your house numbers where they’re visible but subtle, and choose a font that complements your home’s style
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Consider backlighting the numbers for a modern, elegant touch
Soften with landscaping
If you’re building a solid or semi-solid fence, especially a taller one, landscaping becomes even more important. Lush, layered planting at the base of the fence can soften the hard lines and reduce the feeling of enclosure.
Try:
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Ornamental grasses for movement
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Climbers or creepers on vertical structures
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A mix of evergreen and seasonal plants for year-round interest
Landscaping also helps your fence feel like part of the overall garden design, rather than a wall cutting off the property from the street.
A front fence can elevate your home dramatically – but only when it’s done thoughtfully. Consider your goals, check your council rules, tie it into your home’s architecture, and pay attention to the small details like gates, numbers, and landscaping. When all these elements come together, a front fence does far more than define your boundary – it becomes a defining feature of your home.
hotspaceconsultants.com/preliminary-enquiry/
Jane Eyles-Bennett
