What’s Next in Exterior Design: 2021 Trends to Watch For

A new year is right around the corner, and along with new beginnings and new opportunities comes a wave of exciting new home design trends! Of course, those of us in the exterior design and construction industry get particularly thrilled about new design trends — but you should too!

Think about it: when you’re looking to decorate your living room, dining room or office space, you likely get inspiration from the latest interior designer’s Instagram or Pinterest posts. Likewise, when you’re putting your thoughts, time and money into a new exterior design for your home, the perfect design could very well come from the latest exterior construction trends.

While some homeowners refresh their spaces annually with the latest home decor trends, others want a timeless look that will please for years to come. This takes delicate balance, but the exterior home design team at Synapse Construction can show you how to make it happen. We’ve put together the ultimate guide of architecture trends coming in 2021 that we think could inspire your new home exterior.

A Fresh Perspective and a Fresh Coat of Paint

Sometimes, all it takes is a new color to completely transform the look and feel of your home exterior. Let’s dive into some color palettes that 2021 is welcoming in.

White and Clean

Yep, you heard that right! White colors are one of those classic house paint colors that will never go out of style when it comes to real estate. It can be tricky with all of the undertones, but the right shade will give your home exterior a classic and timeless, yet trendy and minimalist look. White paint can quickly turn a fixer-upper into a modern farmhouse exterior in a flash.

Dark and Bold

Maybe white and bright isn’t your thing —  and that’s okay! Especially because we expect there will be an uptick in darker paint for home exteriors too. Dark paint is dramatic, eye-catching, can be used in asymmetrical forms, adds industrial style, and it’s trending. After all, Sherwin Williams named Urbane Bronze the 2021 Color of the Year. So if you’re considering going bold with a black, dark gray or blue on your exterior remodel — we say go for it!

A Pop of Color 

If you like a bit of color to add some vibrance, there’s great news! We’re seeing mild tones appear more often, and they look stunning on a home’s exterior. Both light and dark blue-grey hues are likely going to be a popular color scheme next year. Sage green is also on an upward trend to being on the list for unique exterior paint trends for 2021. It is rapidly growing in popularity for construction projects due to its soothing and sophisticated tone and ability to add curb appeal. 

While we’re talking about exterior paint colors, don’t forget about your front door! A painted front door is considered one of the most creative trends for 2021 and is an easy DIY project. While some people prefer neutral or muted colors, statement doors painted in vibrant, eye-catching colors like yellow, turquoise blue (like Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Teal), and mint green are a great way to create an inspiring yet welcoming focal point while still maintaining functionality.

Likewise, you might want to consider sprucing up your garage doors. The color palette you choose for your home’s exterior, including doors and garage doors, can, and should, be eye-catching. Contrasting and bold colors can help accomplish that. A good exterior construction company with experienced designers can help you decide what doors, colors and options would work best with your design ideas.

Make a Statement With Materials

One of the things we’re going to see in 2021 is siding being swapped out for natural or composite wood building materials. Wood accents are beautiful on all architectural styles, from contemporary and farmhouse residential buildings to smart buildings and modular construction spaces. Whether you put it on a front porch column, front door, siding, soffit, garage door or even your fence, find a place to embrace this beautiful wood trend.

The exterior of your modern home is an invaluable part of its curb appeal. So when it comes to siding, think outside the box in 2021 with these alternative siding options:

• • Lap Siding – This type of siding isn’t necessarily out of the box, but it is popular, trendy and available in a variety of styles. You can purchase it smooth or cedar textured, and it is long-lasting and reliable.
  • Reclaimed Barn Siding – The National Institute of Standards and Technology rated cedar as one of the top environmentally-friendly, sustainable architecture siding materials. Adding some barn siding touches to your home’s exterior can add a beautifully distinct, antique appearance while reducing the impact on the environment.
  • Scrap Metal Siding – This recycled siding choice is also environmentally friendly because it doesn’t need to be manufactured, making it a reliable material for sustainable development. It can add a rustic, trendy touch that is eye-catching while being great for the earth.
  • Stone Facing Siding – This option is becoming increasingly popular and is often used on the lower level or entryway of a home as an accent. It can be used to make separate multipurpose spaces distinct.
  • Fiber Cement Siding – Very few siding materials match the flexibility and strength of fiber cement siding. Plus, it can be made to resemble nearly any type of siding you want.
  • Brick Siding – Real brick siding comes in various textures and sizes and is most common in Tudor, cottage, and colonial-style homes. New veneer coverings and spray-on materials that create the appearance of brick make this easier than ever before. If you already have a brick exterior, painted brick is becoming popular too.

Windows Into the Future 

Bright interiors are almost always in style, so it makes sense that adding new or larger exterior windows is trendy for both exterior and interior design. The key when adding new windows is to make sure they blend in with the home’s original architecture. By doing this, you will enhance the look of the home, so it’s updated yet timeless. As an added bonus, most modern window styles, even black windows, allow in a lot of natural light while still being energy efficient. Natural light is part of the Scandinavian home interior trend, as well as something the whole family will love.

So, what windows should you choose when considering different design ideas? Double-hung and casement windows are two of the most popular window styles. Casement windows are side-hinged and provide open sightlines to allow natural light to shine through. Sliding windows are also popular, especially if you are looking for a vinyl or fiberglass window that lets in ventilation and light while giving your home a modern feel.

Bow or bay windows are another way to open up a room and let light in while keeping up with interior design trends. They extend from the wall to offer exceptional sightlines and increase the perceived size of a room. If you are working from a home office, these windows can be a great way to let in light and open up the size of the room. Another up-and-coming trend is large, modern windows that span the entirety of a wall, or floor-to-ceiling windows with minimalist frames that offer wide-open views. This modern window style allows in maximum natural light and blurs the lines between outdoor spaces and indoors. Wide-open windows also mean more glass, so be sure to think about adding a low e-glass coating to minimize infrared and ultraviolet light from the sun.

From Gutters to Shutters

While you might not think about gutters and shutters when pulling together your home’s exterior, these little details are what tie your look together in a consistent way while protecting your home. At Synapse Construction, we offer installation and maintenance to keep these details in check.

When choosing gutters, many people choose to blend the color with that of the trim of the house. However, one new trend in gutters is black. Black gutters tend to look better in wet and rainy weather, but are much more pronounced.

Shutters are another exterior feature that continue to stand the test of time. While they were originally used as a form of security for open windows, today, there are dozens of styles available, and most are used for decorative purposes. They are available in various house colors and styles, including louvered (overlapping slats), shaker style, raised panel, board and batten, and plantation.

It’s Time to Give Your Home the Look You Want

Whether you are adding a few trendy touches or updating your home’s entire exterior, remodeling your home exterior can make you feel like you’ve transported into a totally different place. And we can help you do it.

From siding and shutters to windows and doors, Synapse Construction’s team of expert designers and builders can help deliver the look you’ve dreamt up for years. Contact us today to find out more about our collaborative, all-in-one design and construction service.