Breathing new life into a home’s exterior is an exciting journey. However, from siding, roofs, windows and doors to budgeting, permitting, Homeowner Association (HOA) restrictions and planning, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Thankfully, there are no shortage of modern and trendy options to explore, as well as plenty of home improvement experts with whom to collaborate.

Regardless of the vision homeowners wish to bring to life, there are key elements to remain conscious of to facilitate the process. With the proper research, ever-evolving product, brand, color and material selections can allow for any desired result without compromising budget so you can enjoy experimenting with these varied options to arrive at the exterior of one’s dreams—or even find a new, better vision during the process. After all, with modern technology, fixtures can be compared efficiently, and virtual models can demonstrate how elements will actually look in a specific space, so there’s no harm in weighing all of the choices to find the absolute best fit.

Interestingly, the homes of the future are not what past generations once envisioned. Rather than all-white, sharply-defined edges and irregular shapes, 2025 home exterior style trends consist of hues that embody warmth, bold colors, and design contrasts and individuality. 

Earth tones are an optimal way to achieve a serene look and feel, and many combine these natural-inspired colors with stone and wood materials. Within these naturally occurring resources are color variations that can inspire finishes and details, but these mediums will also pair well with any color, natural or otherwise. One might be surprised how effectively completely different patterns can harmonize with one another. Mike Chapman, president of Chapman Windows Doors and Siding, describes dynamic exterior design choices that incorporate a mixture of materials, textures and perceptible direction. 

“One of the standout trends we’ve seen is combining different siding orientations, such as pairing horizontal and vertical siding elements together, which adds visual interest and depth. This is often complemented with stone accents, bringing a natural, earthy touch that contrasts beautifully with the sleekness of modern siding,” says Chapman. “Bold hues combined with creative design elements always result in a finished product that leaves a lasting impression and truly transforms the home. It’s always rewarding to see clients’ visions come to life with these daring and distinctive design choices.”

In addition to nature, regional architecture can play a major role in igniting inspiration for creative decisions. Regional architecture for residences and businesses alike often encompass a more classic, colonial style, and many homeowners like to align their design decisions with these established styles. Still, taking inspiration from another region’s popularized architecture is a great way to make a property truly stand out: Although this may diminish resale value, it may be the best choice for a homeowner who prioritizes personalization and uniqueness—especially if they intend to stay in that home. 

“Home exterior styles vary by region, like Colonial in the Northeast, Mediterranean in the Southwest, and Craftsman in the Pacific Northwest. Clients often match their remodels to these styles for a cohesive look and better resale value,” affirms Chris Morrell, general manager of Kirkin Exteriors.

Chapman describes how West Coast aesthetics are more aligned with the aforementioned conventional image of futuristic architecture, with a focus on a sleek look, open spaces and clean lines. He explains that extracting even one element from these models—such as the incorporation of large areas of clear glass—can be an impactful personal touch. An especially innovative option for glass is CLiC switchable privacy glass, which allows for a privacy layer when electricity is off and a completely clear view when electricity is activated. 

“In this region, we often see bold, modern elements being combined with more traditional colonial styles, creating an exciting blend of the past and present. This combination allows homeowners to preserve the charm and history of colonial architecture while embracing modern, cutting-edge design,” says Chapman. “Clients often choose to reflect these regional trends in their remodels, but many also enjoy experimenting with blending different styles. Whether they lean into the minimalist, modern aesthetic of the West Coast or embrace a more eclectic fusion of old and new, it’s about finding a balance that suits their personal tastes and lifestyle.”

One should keep in mind, though, that regional styles are often related to the local climate. There is no better way to adapt to a climate by incorporating energy-efficient technology, which is perhaps one of the trendiest and era-defining implementations. Glass glazing and window solar technology are in the process of becoming more widespread: Rooftop solar systems in particular have also gained traction because they are cost-effective and kind to the earth by converting sunlight into electrical energy.

“We are super excited about GAF Timberline Solar Shingles. Not only do they save energy, but the tax credits and savings are an awesome additional benefit,” says Morrell.

Functionality, of course, is even more important than aesthetics. A home may look amazing, but an eye-catching aesthetic doesn’t matter if it makes living in that space more difficult. Finding the perfect blend of artistic vision and practical utilization is an essential part of the planning process. 

“With garage doors, there's a lot more to them in terms of: How much insulation do you want? Do you care about noise? Do you care about the spring technology, for example? Because the standard is for us to install the newest type of technology, which is the overhead storage that goes above the door,” says Fadi Baaklini, owner of ProLift Garage Doors Lansdale. “And then it comes in different colors, shapes, sizes. We can make a match for siding. We can make it pop, have contrast. So, the sky's the limit really, in terms of what you want from your door. And I think that's the most important thing, because you can get something just off the rack, or you can get as detailed as you want.”

Considering each element can drastically affect the look and feel of the entire home between each component. Color blocking can add dimension to a home with contrasting colors running horizontally between sections of siding or vertically between siding and the roof, such as pairing a neutral color with a bold color or even pairing black and white. Contrast is a long-established method of achieving and maintaining a modern look, especially since the standards of contemporary style change from year to year. 

Reflecting upon the longevity of different styles allows one to realize that while some trends are fleeting, many are timeless or cyclical; therefore, both old and new concepts can be classified as the pinnacle of haut decor.

“The trendiest right now I would say are [garage] doors with windows on the side that go up the side. Most garage doors, when you look at them, are just windows up top—the modern look, I would say,” says Baaklini. “And it doesn't really work with all houses when you have the windows going down the side in a vertical way, [but] depending on the color, you can even get it at a premium in a wood-plank style. So if you're going for that mid-century modern look, it could work really well.”

Whether a project involves a partial exterior redesign or a full remodel, continued education, paying attention to details and accommodating expectations go a long way. Consulting an expert will ensure a smoother process and allow for the homeowner to focus on less technical considerations, which can make or break a project if they aren’t exact. With continually expanding options and opportunities, there is a perfect match to every vision to make the home exterior of one’s dreams a reality. 

Resources
Chapman Windows Doors & Siding
West Chester, Pa.
(610) 601-2480
ChapmanWindowsDoors.com

Kirkin Exteriors
New Castle, DE
(302) 832-ROOF
KirkinExteriors.com

ProLift Garage Doors
Lansdale, Pa.
(267) 490-3718
ProLiftDoors.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 25, Issue 2 (January/February 2025)
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