One of the first things we had to decide when building our dream home (after floor plans, of course) is our exterior colors and materials. G and I had already spent the past year dreaming about our “dream home” exterior so this was actually a relatively easy decision for us – surprisingly we were on the same page! I say “surprisingly” because G tends to lean toward tried and true traditional, whereas I typically operate on a wavelength one or two steps removed from the norm. Luckily, this hasn’t been an issue for us over the past 15 years of living together because #1.) G believes I have great taste and have never steered him wrong, and #2.) He’s colorblind.
As much as G was all “whatever you choose will be great” I really pushed for his input on this part of the process. I had a few opinions on how our new house should look from the outside, but I wasn’t totally married to any of them, so this was an area where G could easily chime in and sway me. I’ve always cared more about how a house looks on the inside, whereas G’s always been more of an outside kind of guy, so I really wanted him to be happy with the exterior.
Our original sketch by Brandon Ripp – our architectural designer extraordinaire with Classic Custom Homes of Waunakee – had the front exterior of our home drawn up to look like the photo below, which was an incredibly helpful starting off point for us.
Front Elevation of the ATG&D Dream Home
I’d been showing exterior inspiration photos to G ever since our first thought that we might build, and here are some of the general looks, colors and materials we considered.
I preferred not to go beige, and I really wasn’t sure what he’d like, so I started off showing him exterior inspiration photos that were more in the gray family:
[Source: Refined LLC]
[Source: Sears Architects]
[Source: F. M. Construction Ltd}
[Source: Timeless Homes]
[Source: Hanson Homes]
G really liked the gray tones, but wasn’t sure about black windows – although we both agreed we really liked more of that bold contrast look – so next I started showing him houses with black siding and white windows.
[Source: Christian Gladu Design]
[Source: DeGraw & DeHaan Architects]
The reverse to that high contrast black and white look was to go with white siding and black windows, so G opened his mind back up to black windows as I showed him these exterior inspiration looks:
[Source: JacksonBuilt Custom Homes]
[Source: Olsen Studios | Photography by Sean Gallagher]
[Source: CertainTeed Living Spaces]
[Source: Whitten Architects | Photography by Rob Karosis]
[Source: Tom Stringer Design Partners | Photo by Werner Straube]
[Source: Blackband Design]
[Source: R. B. Schwarz, Inc.]
[Source: Old Seagrove Homes]
Seriously, you guys – this house belongs on a postcard.
[Source: Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects]
What would YOU choose?
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We built in subdivision where 95% of the homes are what my husband likes to call “retirement beige.” Our first color choice was a deep grey, but then I fell in love with a deep blue color called pacific blue for our siding and was surprised my husband went along with it . We did thick contrasting white trim on the windows and wood front and garage doors. I think it is stunning. We stick out like a sore thumb in our neighborhood, but in a good way:) We constantly get compliments about the bold color choice.
That sounds so beautiful, Carmen! I lol’d at “retirement beige” – I know exactly what you mean! Our last house might’ve qualified for AARP so now I’m ready to steer clear of beiges and go for something new. I love that you went with such a bold choice!
As soon as I opened this post I had my fingers crossed for bold black. It’s brave, but I am still hoping you go for it! If not, white is a no-fail, can’t go wrong classic. If you go that route, I am rooting for black windows.
I am following along, thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Carrie! I love how you sound as excited about our exterior as we are – thank you so much for following along!
I never would have considered a black house, but I really like it in your inspiration pictures!
One piece of advice — we resided our home in 2010 with white siding, black shutters, and a bright red front door. While I love the color combination, the white siding does get d-i-r-t-y. I wasn’t expecting splatter from the rain on the mulch, or what I can only presume is bug poop, or the spiderwebs to show up so much. So if you’re ok with powerwashing your house a few times a year, you’re golden. Otherwise, keep that in mind if you’re considering white.
Thank you so much for your feedback, Julie – I really appreciate it!!
So many great options! My favorite is the first picture- it looks straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie. I’m not a risk taker when it comes to design, so I align with the “safe” choices, but that house with black on top and white on the bottom is so unexpected and unique. I’m not really a fan of the all white, unless that’s what you chose, then I take it back;) Can’t wait to see what you two picked.
LOL at your take-back, Alison! You crack me up. Isn’t that black & white house so gorgeous? I’m obsessed with it!