Exterior designing is as important as interior designing when it comes to ensuring that your house looks beautiful. Exterior designs are the perfect way to show your personality to the world! However, we understand that there are so many designs that it is easy to be confused. To help you select the perfect exterior design, we have compiled a list of the most popular kinds of architecture and styles that people all over the world prefer.

Victorian

One of the most famous kinds of exterior designs in the UK, the Victorian exterior design has multiple eras which signify different styles. One of the most famous among these is the gothic era styles. However, all these eras have something or the other in common. When it comes to Victorian houses, all of them can be seen with ornamentation, which often includes exterior wall mouldings. The idea during this time was to make everything look bigger and grander, hence why the Victorian era is often related to maximalism (a kind of interior and exterior design where more is more). Colourful exteriors were another common trait, except for the gothic eras where darker colours were given more importance. However, colourful exteriors in Victorian design are the best way to go about it- think pastels, earthy tones and neutrals. You can also feature a monochromatic theme with stained glass to make it look balanced and cohesive. The structures of Victorian homes are usually not as simple as the contemporary exterior design structures. Rather, they were considered quite complicated. Most feature steeped roofs, bay windows and wrap around process. Bay windows are perfect for those who are looking to bring in more natural daylight as well.

Tudor

If your childhood dream was to have a house like those in the fairytale books you read, Tudor is the perfect choice for you. These houses, when built smaller, resemble the houses in fairy tales. On a larger scale, they make for the perfect country homes. If you are looking to make your house feel distinct and unique, this design style is what you should be going for. Their ‘distinct’ features include steeply pitched roofs, multiple, often overlapping, front-facing gables, and exposed bricks. These exterior design styles bid a nod to the medieval houses, giving them a history of more than 500 years. Windows, therefore, are usually narrower and taller and can sometimes be diamond-shaped rather than the normal rectangular shaped windows. One of the most notable elements though is the chimneys. This is because they often have notable chimney pots that are usually decorative. Chimney pots are stone or metal extensions that are put up on top of the chimneys. If you are looking to get these kinds of home exteriors, make sure that you get a proper gutter system installed to avoid any kind of problems later on as these houses need better rainwater removal systems. For free advice, click here.

Cape Cod

With their steep roofs and symmetrical façade, Cape cod design started in the United Kingdom back in the 17th century. Now one of the most famous kinds of home exteriors, Cape cod can be divided into three categories: Full cape, three-quarters cape and half cape. The full cape style is known for its symmetry and the perfect chimney in the middle. On the other hand, the three-quarter cape and half cape are a bit smaller and their doors and chimneys are a little offset, removing the symmetrical façade these houses are known for. This style is also free of any kind of ornamentation or complicated structural designs that can cost quite a lot. It is simple and pretty inexpensive to build when compared to other design styles- making it the most popular. It is, however, important to remember that this kind of home exterior often ends up making your house look, well, pretty common. Cape cod is the most famous kind of exterior design styles in the suburbs and cities and if you want to stand out, you might have to make colour decisions that are unique- like earthy tones rather than the usually exposed brick.

Edwardian

If you have watched every period drama there ever was and are obsessed with their beautiful house exteriors that make the whole place sing, the Edwardian house styles are perfect for you. These mock-Tudor designs usually have red brickwork exteriors with bay windows and extended chimney sacks. It is important to remember that the Edwardian era coincides with the arts and craft movement. This means that there are a lot of features that are derived from the artistic movement- namely, the materials that were used. These style homes are made with good quality material to ensure that they do not need maintenance very often. The construction and house design require a lot of planning as Edwardian houses can look different even with the same features. Most have neutral coloured walls with darker accents at the windows.

Being on a budget should not mean that you need to compromise on having a classic interior design. While you may think that a classic design requires a lot of high-quality pieces and design techniques, there are ways to do so by not spending a lot of money- simple solutions can make your home look elegant and more put together. No matter the tips and tricks you go for, make sure that you install a burglar alarm. This will keep your home safe and will be an investment that can save you from bigger losses. To get an alarm installed by professionals, click here.

We have compiled a list of techniques that can change the way you design for the better.

Details bring it together

The secret to an elegant house lies in its details. Classic design, especially, focuses heavily on making the details bring the house together. One of the details that can make your room look better is crown mouldings. They can be a great way to add texture and character to your house and make the design look finished and well done. Traditionally made of wood or plaster, wall mouldings are essentially decorative elements added where your ceiling meets the walls. They are cheap to get installed and you can experiment with the designs, choosing one that brings your personality into the house.

Another detail to consider is adding elegant fabrics around your place. Velvet and fake silk are the perfect way to ensure your home looks timeless on a budget. You can upcycle an old couch by covering it with the fabric of your choice to get the perfect, on budget, classic furnishing.

Choose the correct colour palette

Colour is one of the most difficult things to decide on, no matter the kind of design. Your colour palette can make the difference when it comes to classic interior design. Some colours, like neutrals and nature-inspired neutrals, are specific to the classic palette. This does not mean that you cannot use bright colours. However, neutrals open the space for higher creativity with the décor of the rooms. You can use the three-colour theory to decide on your colours as it brings forward a more put-together room that makes the room look elegant. According to this theory, you choose one colour for the walls, one for the bigger accents like the furniture and one colour for the décor like the rugs, pillows etc.

If you choose neutrals on the walls, it’s a good idea to go bold on the furniture and neutral-dramatic on the décor. On the other hand, if you are going for bold wall colour, make your furniture more neutral. This will create a balance that is the trademark of classic interior design.

Window Treatments

One of the most budget-friendly ways to make your house look elegant, window treatments make for perfect additions in your classic home. However, you should avoid unlined flimsy materials as they will only make your room look unfinished and cheap. Another thing to avoid is see-through treatments as they can compromise your privacy. Instead, go for draped materials and heavy linen as it will not only provide you with proper privacy but will also act as an element of décor in your home.

If you do not like curtains and want to go for a cleaner look, choose bamboo shades or wooden blinds. Wooden features are used often in classic designs as they add an element of nature-inspired neutrality.

Lightning can make all the difference ccli

Lightning is extremely important when it comes to designing your home. It decides the vibe of the room and determines its purpose. For example, warm lighting is good for rooms where you wish to relax and unwind whereas cold light is good for places where conversations take place. Either way, your priority should be to expand the amount of natural sunlight your place is getting. Add mirrors opposite to windows as it allows the light to bounce off and cover the entire room.

Light fixtures are also an extremely important designing element as they can add character to the room. Artistic fixtures will make your room look more put together. Chandeliers are big in classic designs as they can be in different sizes and shapes. Choosing cheaper chandeliers does not mean giving up on the quality. Go for smaller, but good quality fixtures.

Pay attention to your flooring

Hardwood floors are always preferred over carpeted floors as they provide an air of elegance and add to the nature-inspired theme that most classic homes are based around. If you are planning to spend money on anything, choose to do it on flooring. Hardware will last longer than carpets and they are also easier to clean. Hardware is also better for when you want to resell the house as they are valued more than carpeted floors. You can choose cheaper woods like oak or birch if you want to save money. A darker wood will make for a more classic feel whereas a lighter wood will go well with bolder colours.

Do you feel bad about putting off all of your home’s regular maintenance? Well, good news this article should make you feel at ease with plenty of top tips that are sure to make your home as good as new! Whether it is how to fix gutters, getting a new doorbell or re-caulking bathroom features.

Water damage results from blocked gutters. Wood rot occurs when paint chips. Your furnace’s lifespan is shortened by dirty filters. Small issues are easy to solve now, but they’ll become more complicated (or even disastrous) later, essentially lowering your resale value.

Change your doorbell

If the doorbell does not operate, it should be replaced.

What better way to greet potential buyers than with a working doorbell? It’s a minor detail, but it matters to potential purchasers.

Restore power to any outlets that have gone dark.

Annually inspect the outlets in your home. Are they effective? If you discover that some of your power sources are out of commission, we recommend that you contact a professional electrician to repair them. Check for GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles near any plumbing fixtures with the “Test” and “Reset” buttons now. If you don’t, it will almost certainly be discovered during a home inspection if you decide to sell your home.

Orient your ceiling fans in a different direction.

Ceiling fans should be rotated twice a year to improve energy efficiency and reduce the load on your heating and cooling systems. In the winter, properly operating a ceiling fan can help you save up to 10% on your heating expense. When you adjust the direction of the fan, you vary the way the air moves, which allows you to heat or cool a space more efficiently.

In the summer, you want your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise, pushing cool air down. Most fans have a directional switch on the motor that allows you to vary the rotation by turning it down. In the winter, simply reverse the switch to receive the clockwise rotation.

Re-caulk or regrout your tub, shower, and bathroom fittings.

In the bathroom, whether you use grout or caulk as a filler, it will show indications of wear and tear over time. It’s usually time for a touch-up if there’s any cracking, peeling, or mildew.

A bleach solution can be used to treat mouldy grout or caulk as a temporary repair.

Drains must be cleared.

Take care of any sluggish drains in your house before they clog. Instead of using drain cleaner, which may be harsh on your pipes, snake the drain using a wire hanger or clog removal tool.

Gutter cleaning

Gutter cleaning should be done at least twice a year, or whenever the seasons change. Gutters that are clogged will not do their job and will cause considerably more expensive water damage. Every spring and autumn, inspect and clean your gutters, cleaning any muck, sealing any leaks, and replacing damaged gutters as needed. If you don’t keep up with this you may need to fix gutters which can be costly if you try to do it alone. Click here for a trained professional to do this for you.

Maintain your roof’s condition.

Roof replacement is dreaded by homeowners, but keeping the one you have may extend its life. Taking care of roof problems will also help the home’s heating and cooling systems run more efficiently, as well as avoid roof leaks that cause water damage.

Having your roof properly examined by a roofer twice a year is advised.

Repaint the exterior

Let’s face it, most of us evaluate a book by its cover when it comes to housing. Touching up the paint on the outside of your house not only provides curb appeal, but it also prevents moisture and wood damage.

Fill up cracks on the driveway.

When the weather begins to warm up, inspect your driveway, patio, or sidewalk for concrete cracks. Small cracks begin to become unsightly, and resurfacing cracks as soon as they are discovered implies less expensive repairs on outdoor surfaces down the road.

During a house inspection, deep fissures might also trigger questions. Consider mudjacking, or slabjacking, if your concrete is damaged beyond what a simple resurfacing can fix. This method, which involves injecting grout under your concrete slabs to lift them, is often half the price of installing a new slab.

Scuff marks on interior walls may be repaired with a little paint.

In a lived-in home, scuffs and markings on the walls are inevitable, but touching up the paint once a year will keep these blemishes from becoming out of hand. If and when you decide to sell your house, one of the first things you’ll need to do is touch up the paint—so why put it off?