Your home's exterior is the first impression you give to guests and passersby, making it essential to ensure it reflects your style and personality. From the roof to the landscaping, every detail contributes to the overall aesthetic and curb appeal. Read on to explore the latest options in roofing, siding, paint, lighting and other ways to liven up the look of your exterior with advice from some of the region's leading professionals.

Unveiling the Beauty of Stone and Brick Veneer
In the realm of home design, few elements evoke a sense of timeless beauty and sophistication quite like stone and brick veneer. These versatile materials have long been cherished for their ability to enhance the aesthetic appeal of any structure, whether it's a cozy cottage nestled in the countryside or a sleek modern residence in the heart of the city.

"You can transform your home with the timeless elegance of stone and brick veneer. Thin stone and thin brick veneer can add that earthy, yet elegant allure that full-thickness stone and brick provide at a cost savings," shares Michael Chadwick from Riverside Supply Company.

Crafted to mimic the natural beauty of authentic stone and brick, these veneers offer a stunning facade that enhances any architectural style.

"Thin stone and brick are made from extremely light and durable materials that do not add significant weight to your home while still offering the look of refined sophistication," Chadwick continues. "The versatility of the products allows for the material being used on the outside of the house to be introduced on some focal points in the interior of the home as well."

Once stone and brick veneers are installed, there is little to no maintenance. So whether you're looking to add rustic charm or contemporary flair, stone and brick veneers provide durability and versatility, creating a lasting impression for your home.

Roofing: The Crowning Glory
The roof is not only a functional component of your home but also a significant architectural feature. Advances in roofing materials offer homeowners myriad options to enhance curb appeal while providing durability and energy efficiency. Traditional asphalt shingles remain a popular choice, but metal roofing, with its sleek appearance and longevity, is gaining tremendous traction.

"A roof is one of the most integral parts of a home, as it is one of the most critical lines of defense against protecting it from the elements," says Isaac Huyard, owner of Silverline Exteriors. "Metal roofing not only looks impressive from a design aspect, but is also very eco-friendly and incredibly durable."

Though metal roofing costs more than other materials, it offers better roof insulation, providing energy savings and a return on your investment, and can last for several decades.

"Metal roofing can last up to 75 years when installing a standing seam metal roof. It's worth the initial investment if a homeowner has the budget for it," says Huyard.

Global Home Improvement has also had great success over the years with the installation of metal roofs and recommends that option of its durability and aesthetic appeal.

"Asphalt roofing can show its age quickly," says Adam Parnes, marketing manager for Global Home Improvement. "It may last 15-plus years, but typically after five it will show discoloration and staining. Metal roofing has no discoloration issues and will last longer and look better on your home. Metal slate roofing turns your boring asphalt roof into a dynamic and aesthetically pleasing focal point of your home."

Siding: Style and Substance
Siding also plays a crucial role in protecting your home from the elements while also defining its exterior style. Engineered wood siding is an option Huyard highly recommends, specifically LP siding– or LP SmartSide – a type of engineered wood siding that mimics the look of natural wood but is more durable and resistant to weather, rot and pests. It's made by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and consists of wood strands or fibers bonded with resin and zinc borate.

"The core material is wood. However, it has undergone an extensive treatment process to enhance strength and resistance to some fungal elements and moisture," explains Huyard.

Another emerging trend is the use of board and batten style, which combines the natural beauty of a more traditional farmhouse look with the low maintenance of engineered materials, providing a timeless style with modern convenience.

"Wood siding that consists of narrow vertical strips or battens installed over a flat base or board is known, logically enough, as board and batten, or batten board. It has been popular for centuries on the exterior of houses, and has since become a trendy way to add visual interest to the exterior of the home," says Vic Fiore of Magnolia Home Remodeling Group.

Paint: Adding Personality
A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform the appearance of your home, breathing new life into tired exteriors. When selecting exterior paint colors, consider the architectural style of your home and the surrounding landscape. Neutral tones like beige, gray and taupe are timeless choices that complement a variety of architectural styles, while bold hues like navy blue or forest green can make a striking statement.

"The industry is still seeing clients opt for lighter color homes – whites, creams and neutral tones – whether when painting or selecting siding materials," Fiore says.

Fiore also points out how certain details can add further visual interest to your home's façade. "You can also add stone veneer to the trim areas of the home for an extra pop of character. It really adds an upscale look to the home."

Lighting: Illuminating Your Home's Beauty
Outdoor lighting not only enhances the safety and security of your home, but also adds both ambiance and drama to your exterior space. From sleek wall sconces to dramatic uplighting, the options for outdoor lighting are virtually endless. Consider installing pathway lighting to guide guests to your front door or highlighting architectural features with strategically placed spotlights. For a touch of elegance, add string lights or lanterns to your porch or patio, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.

"We will never lose the trend of homeowners wanting to spend more time outdoors when the weather gets warmer, hence the continued popularity of decks, porches, patios and pergolas," says Fiore. "Adding ambient lighting to those areas creates a more inviting feel and allows the homeowner to enjoy the space after dusk."

Landscaping: Adding the Finishing Touches
No exterior transformation is complete without attention to landscaping. Thoughtfully designed landscaping can enhance the overall curb appeal of your home, framing it like a work of art. Start by assessing your yard's layout and consider incorporating a mix of trees, shrubs and flowers to add color and texture. Define your outdoor spaces with hardscaping elements like pavers or stone walls, creating visual interest and adding functionality to your landscape. Don't forget to maintain your landscaping regularly to keep it looking its best year-round.

Your home's exterior is a reflection of your style and taste, making it essential to invest in upgrades that enhance its curb appeal and overall aesthetic. From roofing and siding to paint, lighting and landscaping, there are countless ways to elevate the look of your home's exterior and create a stunning showcase that you'll be proud to call your own. By incorporating these latest options and trends, you can transform your home into a welcoming retreat that leaves a lasting impression.

RESOURCES

Global Home Improvement
Serving Pa. and N.J.
(866) 735-1121
GlobalHomeInc.com

Magnolia Home Remodeling Group
Union, N.J.
(855) 624-6655
MagnoliaHomeRemodeling.com

Riverside Supply Company
Sayerville, N.J.
(732) 257-3434
RSC-NJ.com

Silverline Exteriors
Narvon, Pa.
(717) 769-4484
SilverlineExteriorsLLC.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 24, Issue 3 (January/February 2024)
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