Classic vs. Modern Exterior Design: Which One Is Right for You?

Exterior design is an important decision you have to make. As the exteriors speak for the entire homescape, they are the first to greet all visitors and set a tone for the entire home. However, if you are stuck between going classic or modern, so are many. Each style has its charm; the choice depends largely on your taste, the type of architecture of your house, and even the neighborhood in which you are living.

So, how do you choose? Let’s go through the main differences, advantages, and considerations that will help you choose the exterior style most fitting for your home.

A Definition of Classic and Modern Exterior Design

Before discussing the specifics, let’s make a quick note about the definitions of ‘classic’ and ‘modern’ in external design. 

Classic exterior design denotes a style characterized by historical reference, elegance, or grandeur. Keep in mind colonial, Victorian, or Craftsman-style homes; ornamentally trimmed with symmetrical windows and rich, traditional color; pitched roofs; and wall cladding generally in brick or wood with additional decorative details like shutters or columns.

Modern exterior design means that simplicity, clean lines, and minimalism define the entire style. Picture flat or low-pitched roofs, large windows, with the use of materials in contrast to metal, glass, and concrete. In terms of color palettes, it is often neutral with bold accents to break the monotony.

Now, let us explore the differences that make each style stand on its own.

Classic Exterior Design: Timeless and Elegant

Warm, inviting homes filled with deep and exquisite detailing appeal to one who loves the classic exterior. It relies on the historic styles and rich textures that are products of classical craftsmanship.

Key Features of Classic Exterior Design:

• Symmetry – Indeed balanced in appearance, with relatively spaced windows and doors.

• Trims and Molding Clarified – Beautiful details include all aspects of architecture in the classical manner.

• Traditional Materials – Offers classic overtones, such as brick, wood siding, and stone.

• Pitched Roofness – High roofs with gables and dormers.

• Earthy Colors – Typical colors would be cream, beige, midnight blue, and forest green.

• Welcoming Entrances – Large porches, columns, and decorative doors make quite a statement.

That makes classic houses feel so cozy and inviting; they generally fit into fully established neighborhoods. But they always demand loads of maintenance, such as painting and caring for wood siding.

Modern Exterior Design: Sleek and Minimalist

So, if functionality is your mantra, modern exterior design speaks to you. It focuses on simplicity, almost always using industrial materials for that modern-day touch.

Key Features of Modern Exterior Design:

• Minimalist Aesthetic – Less is more-fit, no extraneous detailing or ornamentation.

• Flat, or Low-pitched-roofed Structures – place maximum emphasis on the possible characteristics of today’s home.

• Large Windows – Floor-to-ceiling for maximum access to natural light.

• Materials Mixed – Concrete, metal, and wood all contrast with one another, adding glass to the mix.

• Neutral, with Bold Accents – White, gray, and black with dashes of red, orange, and other intense colors.

• Open and Asymmetrical Design – Unusual and often ugly in arrangement.

They feel fresh and modern, conditions often reciprocated by energy efficiency, achieved via large windows and state-of-the-art building materials. The sleeker design, however, may not always be accepted into older and traditional communities.

Classic vs. Modern Exterior Design: A Side-by-Side Comparison

To make things even clearer, here’s a quick comparison of both styles:

Which One Is Right for You?

Now that you understand the differences, the big question is: which one fits your home and lifestyle better?

Go Classic If:

• You adore historic homes, which exude allure thanks to intricate details and craftsmanship.
• You want to fit into a neighborhood dominantly comprising traditional houses.
• You are committed to a little extra maintenance to keep the looked-how classic.
• You expect an exterior envelope that is warm and welcoming and which never goes out of style.

Go Modern If:

• You appreciate an uncluttered contemporary look with thoughtful lines.
• You love big light and windows.
• You are drawn to minimalism and simplicity.
• You want low-maintenance cladding that will last a long time.

Or you can choose to go with a mix of both styles. Many homeowners mix elements of both, like adding modern windows to a classic home or using traditional materials in a modern design.

Not Sure? Let brick&batten Help!

If you stand at an unmarked point between classic and modern exterior design, you aren’t alone. It could be very intimidating to choose what kind of look your house should have, and that is precisely the reason why brick&batten exists.

We offer virtual exterior design services to assist homeowners in visualizing different styles before actually breaking ground for any major decision. That photorealistic rendering shows you precisely how your home will look under classic, modern, or blend design styles before you ever commit to any alterations. 

Final Thoughts

The exterior design of your home greatly reflects your personal sense of style, so it really comes down to choosing what feels good to you between the classic and the modern. Classics have the allure of being timeless, while moderns really exude a sense of style and low maintenance. Irrespective of any option you choose, all that really matters is that every time you turn into your driveway, it makes you smile.

Stuck in translating your vision into reality? Let brick&batten show you exactly how your home would look like with an entirely new exterior. Get going to make your dream house a reality!