Build It, And They Will Come: 10 Exterior Design Trends That Guests Will Love

While interior home design is what many homeowners often focus on when dreaming up home improvement projects, exterior home design is worth investing time and resources into.

The right exterior designs can enhance curb appeal, elevate a home’s aesthetic, and create an inviting outdoor hosting space that will impress guests. From experimenting with bold colors to setting a scene with ambient lighting, here are 10 exterior design trends that transform a house into a charming and inviting home.

1. Clean Lines and Sleek Silhouettes

An outdoor lounge area with a minimalist style, featuring comfortable seating with clean lines and neutral colors.

To embrace a minimalist look, choose outdoor furniture with clean lines and sleek silhouettes. Opt for sofas, chairs and tables with minimalist frames and geometric shapes while avoiding ornate detailing or embellishments. This will create a cohesive and harmonious look that complements the simplicity of modern design.

2. Open and Airy Layouts

To embrace a minimalist look, choose outdoor furniture with clean lines and sleek silhouettes. Opt for sofas, chairs and tables with minimalist frames and geometric shapes while avoiding ornate detailing or embellishments. This will create a cohesive and harmonious look that complements the simplicity of modern design. 2. Open and Airy Layouts

Whether a space is designed for hosting or outdoor relaxation, arranging outdoor furniture in a way that creates an open and airy layout can create a sense of balance and harmony. Avoid overcrowding the space with too many pieces, and leave ample room for movement and circulation. Incorporate negative space, allowing pieces to pop against the backdrop of the outdoor environment.

3. Earthy Tones and Textured Finishes

A relaxing outdoor deck with woven hanging chairs and plush, terracotta-toned cushions

For a more rustic look, embrace earthy hues such as terracotta, olive green and beige. These colors evoke a sense of warmth and harmony with the natural surroundings, creating an inviting atmosphere. At the same time, pair smooth wooden surfaces with textured materials like stone, rattan or woven textiles to add depth and dimension.

4. Soft Lighting Accents

A deck with a grill, comfortable outdoor seating, and a pergola overlooking a lush landscape. The pergola features warm hanging lights, creating an inviting and well-lit space.

Soft lighting accents that highlight a space's warmth can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Incorporate ambient lighting such as string lights, lanterns or torches to illuminate pathways, seating areas and architectural features while adding a magical touch to an outdoor space.

5. Bold Pops of Color

A sleek house featuring geometric designs, floor-to-ceiling windows, and bold pops of black throughout its design scheme.

Eye-catching pops of color instantly inject personality into a space. Consider painting doors, window frames, shutters or pergolas in striking colors that complement the home’s color scheme while adding a touch of drama. In addition, colorful mosaic tiles, decorative panels or stained glass accents add visual interest and texture to outdoor walls, fences or privacy screens.

6. Mediterranean-Inspired Landscaping

A mature olive tree sprouting olives in a backyard. The tree features thin, pointy leaves, adding a Mediterranean touch to the property.

Even when aiming for a low-maintenance space, it’s still possible to impress guests with state-of-the-art landscaping. Olive trees, with their silvery-gray foliage, twisted trunks and delicate flowers, are relatively low-maintenance. Before purchasing olive trees, be sure to check if they are suitable for your climate, as these plants thrive in warmer temperatures.

Another option is using decor elements like terracotta pots, Mediterranean-inspired tiles or drought-tolerant plants like lavender and rosemary. Place the plants and decor pieces strategically to create focal points and enhance the Mediterranean ambiance.

7. Nautical Details

A coastal-inspired lounge area with a pergola, airy curtains, and blue cushions. The space features a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

For a coastal vibe, use natural sisal or hemp rope to create decorative elements such as railings, borders or handrails. Wrap rope around posts or pillars to add texture and visual interest — or use it to create hanging planters, hammock swings or decorative knots that evoke the maritime spirit.

At the same time, natural wood finishes like cedar or cypress add an authentic nautical feel, while classic coastal colors such as crisp white, navy blue or seafoam green can complement your overall design scheme.

8. Black Trim Coil

The exterior view of a home with black trim coil around the windows and exterior doors, creating a cozy and inviting space that requires minimal maintenance.

For a low-maintenance trim, try black trim coil. Black trim coil exudes timeless elegance that can enhance a home’s curb appeal. The deep, rich color of black trim creates a striking contrast against lighter-colored siding while creating a sense of symmetry and balance.

9. Built-In Seating

For a low-maintenance trim, try black trim coil. Black trim coil exudes timeless elegance that can enhance a home’s curb appeal. The deep, rich color of black trim creates a striking contrast against lighter-colored siding while creating a sense of symmetry and balance.  9. Built-In Seating

To create the ultimate hosting space, try incorporating built-in seating. This maximizes space efficiency and seamlessly transitions between indoor and outdoor living areas.

Built-in benches or banquettes with plush cushions and throw pillows offer a comfortable spot for relaxation, conversation or enjoying the scenery. These seating arrangements can be tailored to fit the dimensions of a deck and complement the architectural style of a home, whether it's a cozy cottage or a modern farmhouse.

10. Low-Sloped Rooflines

A minimalist exterior featuring flat rooflines and black trim. The outdoor space features an open backyard with lounge seating.

Flat or low-sloped rooflines create a streamlined silhouette that contributes to a home's overall minimalist design. Unlike traditional pitched roofs with multiple angles and peaks, flat roofs offer a clean, uncluttered look, emphasizing simplicity and modernity.

This silhouette lends a sense of elegance to a home's exterior, making it stand out subtly yet impactfully.

Elevate Your Home's Exterior With Alsco®

When you’re ready to upgrade the beauty and functionality of your home's exterior, make Alsco your trusted partner. With a legacy dating back to 1947, we’ve stood at the forefront of high-quality, low-maintenance aluminum building products that meet the needs of every homeowner, builder and remodeler.

From soffit panels to trim coils, we offer a comprehensive range of products designed to create stunning curb appeal and lasting value for your home. Explore our selection for reliable solutions that stand the test of time.