PART 1: EXTERIOR DESIGN 101 - WINDOWS

You are your home. Your property reflects on you so it is important to not just care for it but to ensure that it looks good as well. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve your home’s exterior design, one of which is through replacing your windows. But, of course, you can’t just get any replacement window. There are some design principles you have to take note of to ensure you get the right ones for your home.

FUNCTION FIRST, FORM FOLLOWS

Wait. Aren’t we talking about window design? Why should function be our first consideration when choosing windows? It’s true that our focus right now is on your home’s exterior design but it is also true that you can’t dissociate functionality from a window. As such, to make sure that the window you choose is truly right for you, it is also to important to take into consideration function. The good thing is, even when you consider window function first, you don’t have to compromise and put form in the backseat. Newer window models have greatly improved in terms of both function and form, ensuring that they address as many needs as possible.

If you’re looking to take advantage of great outdoor views, for instance, get a window with large, unobstructed glass areas like casement or picture windows. Muntins look great but they will impede your view so you should opt out of getting them, if you want your windows to make the most out of an outdoor view.

PART 1: EXTERIOR DESIGN 101 - WINDOWS

CONSIDER THE MATERIAL

Different window materials have different characteristics but one of the most noticeable about them is that different materials can offer a window different appearances. Want old-world charm? Go for wood. Looking for modern allure? Metal can be a good option. You can also take advantage of composite material that can be made to look like other window materials while doing away with those materials’ weaknesses. Whatever window material you choose, always make sure that the finish it comes with complements your home’s overall color scheme.

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Aside from windows, doors also have a lot to offer when it comes to improving a house’s exterior design. Head on over to Part 2 to learn more about how to make the most out of doors for your home.

PART 2: EXTERIOR DESIGN 101 - DOORS

Doors are one of the first things anyone will notice about your home. They also present great opportunities for you to make the right first impressions, but that is only if you have the right one for your home. Like windows, however, your door of choice should provide the functions you’re looking for. To help you find the right one for you, take note of a door’s functional capabilities alongside the following design considerations:

STYLE

This refers to the design of a door itself. Whether you’re looking at patio or entry doors, always keep in mind that your choice should go well with the kind of architectural style your home employs. Typically, traditional door designs go with traditional home styles and modern doors go with modern homes. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. Instead of solely focusing on matching a traditionally designed door with a traditional home style, for instance, focus more on making sure that your door complements the rest of your home’s exterior.

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SIZE

In the same way that a door’s design should complement your home’s style, so should their sizes match as well. If you have a large home, for instance, your door should be proportional to it so as not to get dwarfed by your property. Alternatively, you shouldn’t have a very big door when you have a more quaint-sized dwelling. Go with a contractor who offers custom-sized doors and you should not have a problem finding a proper-sized door for your home.

PART 2: EXTERIOR DESIGN 101 - DOORS

MATERIAL

How material choice affects windows generally applies as well to doors, in that wood exude unparalleled beauty, metallic finishes greatly complement modern homes and composite material can offer the best of both worlds. Again, whatever material you choose, make sure that it comes in a finish that will work well with your home’s general color scheme.

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Siding makes up a huge portion of your home’s exterior. Make sure you cover all the design basics to ensure your siding choice works in your favor by checking out Part 3 of this blog series.

PART 3: EXTERIOR DESIGN 101 - SIDING

Nothing ties together a home’s overall exterior design than a properly chosen siding as it gives a property that much-needed visual impact that ordinary walls cannot quite provide. It’s always a good thing to have a lot of options but sometimes this makes the selection process overwhelming. Don’t worry. Here are a few design tips to help you get started on finding the right siding for you:

MATERIAL AFFECTS APPEARANCE

Several siding material options are available to you, each offering a different look for your home. Feel free to choose any kind of material you want but just make sure that it complements your home’s overall appearance. However, there are certain materials that work well with certain architectural styles. For instance, brick’s traditional look makes it ideal for houses incorporating Tudor, Colonial and English cottage styles, while smooth fiber cement is the go-to choice for contemporary homes. The latter can also work great with Prairie-styled properties when battens are placed over panel joints.

SIDING DESIGN IS ALSO A FACTOR

Horizontal lap siding complements symmetrical compositions and simple, boxy forms so it is a great fit with most traditional homes, like those featuring Cape Cod or Colonial styles. Board and batten, on the other hand, can help in making your home appear taller because of its vertical layout. Want a comfortable, rural-inspired look for your home? You can also combine horizontal lap siding with board and batten to achieve this.

PART 3: EXTERIOR DESIGN 101 - SIDING

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

Taking note of what has typically worked for homeowners for years is a great way to narrow down your siding options. However, the truth is, some non-traditional choices can surprise you in a good way. This is why it’s important to explore all of the options available to you. Even when you have your heart set a on a certain siding, do ask your contractor about alternatives they can present to you. Wooden siding is, for instance, but fiber cement may be able to allow you to play around more with your siding, while still retaining the charming appearance of wood. Available options will also mostly be guided by what a contractor offers so working with a reputable one will ensure that you are only considering top-notch choices for your home.

Southwest Exteriors

2430 Freedom Drive San Antonio,TX 78217

(210) 757-4224(210) 828-5555

SouthwestExteriors.com