Ranging from contemporary, colonial, craftsman to Victorian styles, there is a wide array of home designs in Alberta you can opt for. But regardless of your preferred home style, there are plenty of ways to make it stand out. But how do you do this? Well, first take a good look at your home, and then take note of the things that set it apart from the rest in your neighborhood. And while at it, consider the elements that make your home uniquely yours. These are features that bring a smile to your face when you pull up in the driveway. Here is how to make these elements even more noticeable and therefore make your home’s exteriors exceptional:
Use colors to your advantage
One of the most cost-effective ways to uniquely change the look of your home’s exteriors is through color. While this is not going to be a one-gallon fix, as your living room might be, compared to a complete renovation project, paint is a budget-friendly way to downplay elements in your home that you don’t like, or to even draw attention to those that you like. Think about the features that you like most about your home – maybe it is the gingerbread detailing on your historic Victorian, or the way your front door is offset, and then highlight them by painting them a lighter shade.
Not happy with your dreary, but necessary downspouts and gutters? Why don’t you paint them the same color as your walls to make them disappear from view? But whichever color you decide to opt for, remember that it should be used in threes, for example, three tones of the same shade. Three complementary colors work best for a pleasing palette.
Introduce light and dark lighting
If there are some features you specifically want to highlight on your home’s exteriors, such as that remarkable trim or columns, spotlights are the way to go. If it is that gorgeous stone or brickwork that makes your home a standout, make an effort to wash light it by sending a broad beam of light across the walls to make a dramatic contrast of dark and light. Also remember to keep your green spaces welcoming by using quality landscape lighting.
With your lighting selections, you have the ability to dictate exactly how you want people to view your home. Just as you would your interior lighting, think of your exterior lighting on different levels. For example, inside you might have a mix of table lamps, wall sconces and ceiling lights, with every room being lit from floor to ceiling. Your home’s exteriors should be treated exactly the same way, from the ground cover up to the roofline.
Make use of surrounding spaces
While you reasonably want to focus on your home, ignoring the adjoining areas on your property is a common mistake. The garage, landscaping and the often-forgotten driveway and roof also need to be taken care of. For instance, if you are looking to spice up your garage doors, adding a decorative hardware, but that won’t impede their function, can greatly improve their aesthetics.
Stay true to your home’s style
By working with the style of your home, its architectural features will come to life. For example, if your home has modern lines, adding fussy trim will only detract from its clean, minimalistic look. Your landscaping should also match your home’s style. Conversely, an English garden would not work well with the overall aesthetics of an otherwise contemporary exterior.
Make a statement by adding accessories that fit your home’s style. Things as simple as replacing a pre-fab front door with a solid wood door can have an enormous impact on the exterior of a home, and could highlight a Craftsman flawlessly.
Accenting the exterior architecture of a home doesn’t have to be expensive. By considering lighting, color, and other accents, you can achieve any look you want for your home’s exteriors. But before you get started, make certain to evaluate your home with fresh eyes to see really need to be replaced or added so as to get a distinctive outward appearance.