14 Modern House Exterior Ideas to Inspire Your Next Makeover

Bold, geometric shapes blend with concrete and sleek windows to create a brutalist-style that feels modern. Paired with a contrasting wood door, this home exterior has a striking look that’s sure to make a statement in the neighborhood.

The style of your house isn’t just about the materials you use or the colors you choose—you can also use different lighting techniques to enhance certain areas of the home or the front yard, and make it look more contemporary. With sleek, bold lanterns, spotlights, or sconces, you can add a modern touch to any style house.

Now this house is a show-stopper! At first glance, it might look simple, but its simplicity is actually what makes it stand out. The clean lines and crisp white exterior contrast the light wooden accents beautifully. Alongside the big windows and the tall grass, this modern facade hits all the right notes.

We know, we know—dark colors can be intimidating. But trust us when we say that when done correctly, dark shades can be sleek and chic. Take this modern graphite exterior, for example: It’s paired with dark trim and wooden accent siding to create a combo that looks straight out of a magazine.

We always appreciate a well-done contrast! Not only is it stunning in spots like the kitchen cabinets or shelving, it looks great outside, too. We love the boldness of the black trim against the stark white facade.

Yeah, our jaws dropped too! This modern home is making beautiful use of natural light by swapping your everyday home windows for floor-to-ceiling stunners. Talk about a statement.

We’re no strangers to pops of color around here—in fact, we embrace them! And in this home, the reason this muted green color works so well on the siding is because it’s not too gaudy or hungry for attention. It complements the rest of the home’s colors and textures, so it feels cohesive with the overall style.

Most often, we see porches made of wood or vinyl decking. This can be gorgeous, especially when done well. But if your deck is close to or on the ground, you have it within the budget, and a licensed contractor says it’s safe, then consider replacing your wood slats with concrete. It’s sleek, modern, and super durable.

When it comes to subtle ways to make your home look more modern and fresh, lighting is one of the most under-utilized. But look at how much of an impact it can make on your whole house! Staggering the lighting thoughtfully to highlight corners on both the bottom and top floors makes an expected style statement. Plus, it shows off all the interesting shadows and shapes of the home’s build.

Corner windows will always make a big, bold style statement. We can’t stop staring! They look ultra chic and contemporary, especially against a concrete facade. The black trim here visually connects the window to the front door seamlessly. One thing we may recommend, though? Smart shades for privacy. 

The combination of shape, color, and texture makes this home look modern and interesting. The wood, brick, and bright front door lend a playful energy that’s perfect for someone who’s looking for modern house exterior ideas that are far from cookie cutter. 

Upscale and homey, this striking all-white house make the contrasting tones and colors really pop. Even the grass in the yard looks greener! This is a great example of a modern exterior done simply but effectively. It just goes to show, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of paint to take your home to the next level.

Not only can you use contrast with color—you can make use of contrast with texture, too. Take this doorway, for example: The neutral, smooth exterior gets interrupted by the striking wood slats surrounding the front door. This creative choice makes the entryway stand out, and highlights it as the focal point of the entire home exterior.

Our front door says a lot about us. Do you go for the timeless dark oak door? Maybe a pair of grand double doors? A unique arched front door? A brightly-colored door for a bold look? Whatever you decide, make your front door a unique nod to your personal design style. It’s a subtle but effective way to show off your individuality.