Switching up the exterior adds both curb appeal and value to your home
There’s nothing wrong with a monochromatic home exterior design. But like clothing, the matchy-matchy look can sometimes turn your siding into a bit of a snooze fest. You can liven up the neighborhood—in a good way—when you mix and match siding for your home’s facade. Here’s how to do it:
When it comes to pairing different siding materials, think about texture first. Some materials, like stone, will offer more depth and shape, while others create a sleek, elongated look. Combining two materials can give your home visual intrigue and allow you to highlight certain parts of the architecture.
Stucco is a timeless, sought-after option, as is the look of stone—when used together, you can have a simpler material paired with something more textural and striking.
Both brick and wood are made from organic materials but have completely opposite textures and colors that complement each other. Try this look with brick used in the central sections of your home paired with horizontal wood laps on the sides.
For a contemporary look, pair the wide panels of fiber cement with the industrial look of metal siding. The metal adds some flair, while the fiber cement will create a sense of depth with its long lines.
Another option that feels very modern is the organic texture of wood that complements shiny metal well. Consider wood siding on the main walls with metal installed on the side for optimal contrast.
When you combine different types of siding, you add a modern texture to your home. Depending on the materials and colors you choose, mixed siding can look good even on homes with more traditional architecture.
For example, you could choose gray vinyl siding for the majority of the house and install a light-colored stone veneer on key focal points of the exterior, like the entryway. If you have an attached garage, you might want to install cedar shake siding to it for a pleasing effect.
Another way to mix up siding is to vary the direction of the slats. For example, you might have the vinyl siding installed horizontally on broad portions of the house, but you can turn the slats vertically for the surface of any dormers or gables. Even though you’re using the same color material throughout, the different directions will allow for a textured look that is very attractive.
Mixing materials for the exterior is not only easier on the eyes, but it can be easier on your wallet. For example, doing the entire home in brick will set you back quite a bit, but using the brick as an accent to vinyl or wood siding is more cost-effective.
When it comes to choosing vinyl siding colors, neutral colors are always a good choice for home exteriors, particularly if you are thinking of selling your home in the near future. Dark or bright colors can be a turnoff for home buyers. Remember, if you like color, you can always add it by way of your landscaping with vibrant flowers and shrubs. It’s better to experiment with bolder color trends indoors, like painting an accent wall in your living room.
By mixing up the exterior look of your home, you’re not only adding curb appeal, you’re adding value. Potential home buyers will be excited to see that large home improvement projects are already finished, and they’ll typically show their appreciation with higher-priced offers.
Homeowners can recoup up to 92.1% of the cost when they replace the bottom third portion of the front-facing siding with manufactured stone veneer, according to Remodeling’s 2021 Cost vs. Value report.
Keep in mind that you want your home to stand out— just not like a sore thumb. Take your neighbors’ homes into consideration when choosing colors, as you don’t want to choose colors that will clash with theirs. Unless you have a strict HOA that limits your home improvement projects, you don’t need to completely match the other homes on your block in color or style.
Choosing colors and materials for the exterior of your home is a big decision. If you choose the wrong combination, it could turn out to be a big mistake, not to mention an expensive one. There’s good news for indecisive homeowners: Many contractors use software to create digital renderings of your home’s exterior so you can test out a variety of color and texture combos before making a final decision.
Whether you plan to stay in your home for years to come or are sprucing it up to attract potential buyers, changing up the siding will make your home stand out.
