Understanding Different Types of Exterior Home Aesthetics

Your home's exterior shapes the first impression people have of your property. From sleek modern style homes with clean lines to ornate Victorian homes inspired by the 19th century, different styles of home aesthetics help homeowners express personality while improving curb appeal.

13 Popular Exterior Design Styles

1. Ranch House Style

 

Also called:

• Rambler
• California Ranch
• Rancher

Ranch homes became extremely popular during the 20th century because of their simple layouts and practical functionality. These homes usually feature long, low silhouettes, attached garages, open yards, and wide front porches. Ranch homes embrace a "less is more" philosophy with minimal ornamentation and easy indoor-outdoor flow.

Most ranch homes use neutral tones (think black and white or wood tones) and brick color combinations. Landscaping often emphasizes spacious lawns and well-maintained flower beds.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Add curved paver walkways
• Plant native species
• Use low-profile shrubs and boxwoods to frame the home
• Add a fire pit for an outdoor living room feel

2. Scandinavian Design

Also called:

• Nordic Design
• Nordic Minimalism
• Scandinavian Modern

Scandinavian-style designs emphasize minimalism, with clean lines, functionality, wood siding, neutral color palettes, and geometric silhouettes dominating Scandinavian exteriors.

Natural materials like wood and plenty of natural light play a major role in Scandinavian design to create a calm, welcoming vibe.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Incorporate evergreen trees
• Install simple wood fencing
• Add outdoor furniture pieces with neutral tones
• Use subtle landscape lighting

3. Mid-century Modern Design

Also called:

• MCM
• Atomic
• Retro
• Midmod

Mid-century modern homes feature large windows, flat or low-pitched roofs, and natural materials. Notably, interiors feature bold colors, while exteriors favor earthy tones.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Use geometric concrete pavers
• Add drought-tolerant plants
• Use terracotta planters on patios
• Install minimalist water features
• Frame the yard with ornamental grasses

4. Minimalist Style

Also called:

• Modern Minimalism
• Contemporary Minimalism
• Simple Modern

Like ranch-style designs, the minimalist aesthetic strongly follows the idea that "less is more." Minimalist exteriors often feature smooth surfaces, large windows, and a neutral color palette.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Add sleek concrete or stone walkways
• Use sculptural greenery like boxwoods
• Install modern outdoor lighting

5. Art Deco Style

Also called:

• Deco
• Streamline Moderne
• Jazz Age Design

Art Deco style is known for dramatic silhouettes, geometric motifs, bold colors, and decorative ornamentation. Black-and-white contrasts, metallic accents, and symmetrical details are common.

Art Deco homes balance glamour with functionality while embracing a strong architectural personality, making them look distinct.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Use geometric hardscape patterns
• Add dramatic lighting features
• Incorporate symmetrical hedges
• Use high-contrast plant combinations

6. Coastal Style

Also called:

• Beach House Style
• Nautical Design
• Seaside Cottage

Coastal homes create an airy vibe inspired by waterfront living. These homes often use pastel shades, white trim, and weathered wood to mimic the saltwater-worn cottages by the Atlantic. Large porches and outdoor living areas are staples that help maximize natural light and ocean-inspired aesthetics.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Plant breezy ornamental grasses
• Invest in rattan seating with soft-colored upholstery
• Install pergolas for shade
• Use light-colored pavers and stone

7. Modern Farmhouse Style

Also called:

• Contemporary Farmhouse
• Rustic Modern
• Country Modern

Modern farmhouse homes combine traditional-style architecture with updated modern-style features; white siding, black accents, wood tones, and metal roofing are common design elements.

These homes balance rustic charm with clean lines and contemporary functionality. As such, large porches and outdoor gathering areas are key components of the aesthetic.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Add galvanized-steel raised garden beds
• Throw wool textiles, like a rug, on the back patio
• Install outdoor lighting with industrial design influences
• Create gathering spaces around outdoor fireplaces

8. Victorian Design

Also called:

• Queen Anne
• Gothic Revival
• Victorian Revival

Victorian homes are known for their excess. They sport elaborate ornamentation, decorative trim, and other intricate woodwork, steep roofs, and colorful facades.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Add lush flower beds
• Use curved brick walkways
• Install decorative fencing
• Incorporate climbing vines and trellises
• Add vintage-inspired garden lighting

9. Colonial Revival Style

Also called:

• Neo-Colonial
• Traditional Colonial
• American Colonial

Colonial Revival homes gained popularity during the late 19th century and early 20th century. These homes focus on symmetry, traditional-style architecture, and timeless curb appeal. Brick facades, shutters, and centered front doors are signature features.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Add symmetrical shrubs and hedges
• Use brick or stone walkways
• Install traditional lantern lighting

10. Tudor Style

Also called:

• Tudor Revival
• English Tudor
• Medieval Revival

Tudor homes often use stone, brick, and stucco materials. Paired with steep rooflines and decorative half-timbering, Tudor-style homes create dramatic silhouettes full of Old World charm.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Add stone pathways
• Incorporate lush greenery and ivy
• Use wrought iron accents
• Install cottage-style gardens
• Add warm landscape lighting

11. Mediterranean Style

Mediterranean homes draw inspiration from the Mediterranean region, specifically areas like Spain, Italy, and Greece. These homes often feature stucco exteriors, terracotta roofs, arches, warm earth tones, and courtyards.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Use terracotta planters
• Plant olive trees
• Incorporate fountains or other water features
• Use warm-toned pavers and gravel

12. Industrial Style

Also called:

• Industrial chic
• Urban industrial

Industrial-style homes combine raw materials, modern style architecture, and practical functionality with exposed metal, concrete, brick, and high-contrast design elements.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Use concrete pavers, steel edging, and gravel walkways.
• Incorporate black-and-white planters.
• Create an outdoor living room with modern furniture pieces.

13. Maximalist Style

Also called:

• Eclectic
• Bohemian

Maximalist homes embrace bold colors, layered design ideas, decorative motifs, and over-the-top ornamentation to create an expressive décor style.

Landscaping Ideas for Homeowners:

• Combine colorful flower beds and textured greenery.
• Add chandeliers to covered patios.
• Design entertaining spaces with oversized planters and mixed textiles.

No matter which exterior aesthetic homeowners prefer, thoughtful landscaping and hardscape design help bring the vision together. At Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction, we design outdoor spaces that complement a home's architecture.