You should definitely expect your interior designer to have their finger on the pulse when it comes to current home decor trends, but it turns out that pros aren’t just thinking about what goes inside of your house; they’re fully aware of what’s in style with regard to exteriors, too. When it comes to interior (and exterior) design, what’s old often becomes new again, given that trends are cyclical and most looks end up coming back into style eventually.
Today, there are a few specific exterior design styles that were seen as outdated relatively recently but are now having a major moment. You can learn more about five of them, as outlined in further detail by two experts, below.
Lots of Color
There is no reason to shy away from using color on your home’s exterior, explains Peter Miles, principal, at The Drawing Board, Inc.
“After years of whites and neutrals dominating, often with high-contrast black windows, color is making a comeback,” he says. “Whether on trim, accents, or the full façade, it’s a powerful way to show personality.”
Unsure what hues to incorporate? Miles notes that many people are turning back time a bit and embracing shades from the 1970s and ’90s, specifically—he cites warm earth tones, greens, teals, and blues as a few examples. But do not be afraid to artfully mix and match a couple of different shades, if you so desire.
“Done well, a coordinated palette adds individuality and sophistication,” he says. “Imagine a yellow house with robin’s egg blue accents, or earthy brown siding with sage windows.”
Artful Details
Not only is color having a resurgence—on a similar note, but simplicity is no longer in vogue when it comes to today’s exteriors.
“Features once written off as kitsch—shutters, window boxes, exposed rafter tails, even a touch of ‘gingerbread’ trim—are back,” Miles says. “When designed thoughtfully, they add depth, shadow, and richness, transforming curb appeal.”
In some instances, these features are being adjusted a bit to appear more contemporary, explains Dallen Russell, a remodeling advisor with InSite Builders & Remodeling. He agrees that we will be seeing more homes with decorative shutters, but we can expect them to be painted in contemporary shades and have slimmer profiles.
As a result, “they feel intentional and contribute to the home’s overall look rather than just serving a function,” Russell says.
Painted Brick
While traditional red brick will never truly go out of style, you might be seeing less and less of it in the near future.
“Painted brick has returned in softer palettes of whites, creams, and grays, giving homes a clean, timeless look,” says Russell.
If you’re looking to give your home a bit of an overhaul, this is one tactic to consider, no remodeling required!
Wrought Iron
If wrought iron starts to pop up more and more often in your neighborhood, do not be surprised. Russell shares that wrought iron railings, gates, and balconies are all coming back into vogue, just with a bit of a fresher touch.
Think lighter, simplified lines that bring back historic character while still feeling fresh and adaptable to modern living, he says. Talk about the best of both worlds!
Site-Specific Architecture
What Miles refers to as “vernacular and site-sensitive architecture” is having more of a moment today, too.
“After years of importing cool but impractical designs suited only for their particular climates—think of the all-glass houses populating the California coast—there is a renewed interest in vernacular architecture that is better suited to local climates and tastes,” he says.
As a bonus, these homes are often constructed using local materials, Miles adds, citing the positive environmental impact of this trend as key benefit.