outdoor

Regular home remodeling projects are necessary to ensure the functionality of your home and keep it up-to-date with the contemporary market, both factors that are critical in solidifying its resale value. To this effect, while interior projects such as kitchen expansions and master bathroom makeovers are exciting, it is the exterior projects that will create the stunning first impression.

While interior projects such as kitchen expansions and master bathroom makeovers are exciting, it is the exterior projects that will create the stunning first impression.

From enhancing curb appeal to insulating the home from the forces of nature, the following 5 exterior home remodeling trends are set to grow throughout the remainder of 2021, making for great places to start if you are searching for a place to invest your renovation budget.

1. Contrasting colors

Homeowners are moving away from the notion of one solid color being the classiest option for home exteriors. In 2021, homeowners are getting a bit more creative in their quest to create stunning curb appeal, using innovative siding materials and robust color contrasts to create a home that truly stands out. These contrasts can be achieved in a number of ways, such as dark navy with off-white accents or a creamy white with black elevations for an exceptionally bold appearance.

In order to make a contrasting color scheme work, it is essential to use high-quality siding that will maintain its color and shape in the face of the various forces of nature.

Products such as wood planks look nice when new, but need assiduous maintenance to prevent cracking and peeling from UV-exposure, while vinyl siding is known to loosen or detach when exposed to heavy wind gusts.

This makes metal lap siding a strong choice, as it is extremely durable and will maintain its color throughout the life of the house with little maintenance, keeping the contrasts in your exterior just as pronounced as the day you made the renovation.

2. Pergola additions

The COVID-19 pandemic created the need for more functional space in homes. With nowhere to go, people quickly realized the need for diversity in their property to keep from going stir crazy. This has led to the continued rise of functional exterior living areas in 2021.

To ensure the livability of exterior spaces, a popular trend is to add an architectural pergola to decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens. This is especially relevant as summer quickly approaches and the need for shade intensifies. In addition to the functional protective aspect of pergolas, they can also help improve curb appeal when carefully selected to match your siding choice.

3. Extra windows

Bright, well-lit interiors have been a trend for a number of years and are set to remain en vogue throughout 2021. As homeowners continue to make environmental friendliness a top priority, those homes that are able to passively use the sun to light and heat their spaces are all of the rage. This puts windows on center stage for passively designed homes, as they are the essential element for letting the sun go to work.

If you are concerned that a window-heavy exterior will have a negative impact on your curb appeal, it may be worthwhile to consider composite wood shutter options. These innovative shutters allow you to maintain the bright and airy benefits of extra windows while also providing the touch of contrast that is popular in exterior color schemes for 2021.

4. Front porches

Building on the idea of functional exterior living spaces, the backyard and deck are no longer the only places to turn if you want to step outside and enjoy a change of scenery. Homeowners are increasingly adding larger front porches as one of their exterior renovation projects in 2021, creating the opportunity for more diverse furniture choices and accessories to spend increased time on the street side of the home. Another trend that took root as a result of social isolation from the pandemic, the bustle outside the front porch creates a favorable alternative to the classic tranquility of backyard privacy.

Another trend that took root as a result of social isolation from the pandemic, the bustle outside the front porch creates a favorable alternative to the classic tranquility of backyard privacy.

5. Innovative garages

The garage has come a long way over the years. No longer just a storage unit with bikes hanging from the walls and rake handles poking out of every crevice, the garage must have the potential to serve as space for the home offices and workout areas that have proliferated across the country. As noted by Houston Home Remodeling Pros, modern garages need to be welcoming, luxurious spaces that enhance a home’s comfort. 

In order to make this a reality, the garage doors replacements must look the part and mesh with the home’s exterior decor. Functional windows, decorative hardware, and contrasting colors to match the rest of the house are great ways to make sure the comfort of your garage is evoked from an outside perspective.