Today’s Top Home Exterior Designs

Sure, it’s easy to forget the outside of your home with much of the focus centering on the inside. But don’t fall for that trap! Your outdoor spaces are just as important these days. If you’re looking for some incredible home exterior designs, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to see how to achieve this for yourself!

Photo of two women relaxing in their covered patio
Outdoor living space is becoming more and more important to homeowners. | Photo by Marianne

Start with thinking about how you want to use the space. Are you looking for cozy spaces to relax? Open areas to play? Maybe a mini-kitchen to bring your cooking outdoors? It all begins and ends with you.

Create an Inviting Chillout Area

Every outdoor space should feature a chillout area that encourages people to relax and unwind. Create a more inviting space by building a stylish pergola to cover comfortable chairs or an outdoor dining set, and you could even lay down a colorful outdoor rug. It will encourage your loved ones to venture outside to enjoy the yard during the day or night.

Incorporate Outdoor Lighting

Don’t head indoors once day turns into night. Make more use of your outdoor spaces by installing bright exterior lights. Outdoor string lights are a great way to illuminate your backyard and can create a cozy backdrop. Alternatively, install stylish wall lights, place lanterns along a pathway, or add recessed decking lights.

Add Warmth with a Fire Pit

Today’s hottest home exterior designs will include a fire pit. Get it? Hot?! Ok, I’ll stop. But seriously, a fire pit will literally add warmth to your outdoor space. And there are so many to choose from!

Try to choose one that will complement your home’s exterior. For example, don’t go super modern if that’s not your home’s theme.

The smell of a fire pit alone is enough to make your children venture out of their bedrooms for an evening of making s’mores by the fire. Of course, to enjoy an inviting fire pit with a great smell, you will need to buy kiln dried firewood that will create multi-colored flames and a subtle aroma.

Soften Up Your Outdoor Seating

Once your landscaping is updated and inviting, you’ll need a spot to sit and enjoy it! Soften up uncomfortable seating with padded seating and some scatter cushions. The soft elements will make your outdoor space appear cozy and inviting. Plus, you can add vibrancy and personality into a space by incorporating brightly colored cushions. 

It will prevent you from feeling tempted to flee back inside your home for a more comfortable seat on the sofa. Don’t forget to keep a throw to hand, too, as it will add a burst of color while helping you or a guest warm up when experiencing a chill outdoors.

Decorate with Natural Elements

Natural elements will create a more inviting outdoor space. While a vibrant lawn and beautiful plants are a given, you should incorporate leafy foliage, bamboo accents, and succulent centerpieces. Also, incorporate various aromatic flowers to create a pleasant environment for your guests, such as:

  • Red roses
  • Water Jasmine
  • Hyacinth
  • Freesia
  • Lily of the Valley
  • Gardenia
  • Spider Lily
  • Spice Baby Viburnum

Don’t focus primarily on style when designing a beautiful exterior space. Create a relaxed, inviting, and comfortable space that will encourage you to enjoy the outdoors more often with your loved ones.

Tre Pryor, Realtor

Tre Pryor is the leading real estate expert in the city of Louisville. He is a multi-million dollar producer and consistently ranks in the top 1% of Louisville Realtors for homes sold. Tre Pryor has the highest possible rating—5.0 stars on Google—by his clients and is routinely interviewed by the local NBC news. Tre Pryor is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame.