You’ll agree when I say that exterior design for small houses is more than just picking the right paint color or choosing a stylish front door. After all, you want to make a bold statement reflecting your taste and do so in a limited space.
This is especially true for smaller houses where the design should be both functional and visually striking.
As an expert in home exterior makeover on Long Island, NY, I’ve re-designed homes into space-maximizing spaces that fuse modern aesthetics with traditional hues. And I’ve brought together small house exterior ideas that will completely transform how your home looks and feels.
So, read on and get inspired by these latest exterior home trends.
Exterior design for small houses: The top trending ideas
1. Mix and match materials
When it comes to exterior design for small houses, one of the best things you can do is have mixed materials a part of your design blueprint and execution.
Here, you can go for a combination of wood, stone, metal, or even glass to make your home stand out.
You see, I always tell homeowners that contrast is key to a home design. And to that end, pairing sleek metal elements with a wooden exterior strikes the perfect balance between contemporary and rustic.
Similarly, mix textures like stone cladding with a smooth siding and you’ll double the visual appeal and create a high-end look.
And that’s not it.
Think beyond a single material and you might create pairings that highlight unique architectural features on your home.
Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?
2. Take color inspirations from nature
Color makes all the difference to the curb appeal of your home. And while whites and grays were considered essential to this appeal for a long time, that’s not the case anymore.
For instance, I’ve noticed a growing trend of warm and earthy exterior color tones among homeowners. And this is similar to Behr’s 2025 exterior color forecast that named Cedar as the exterior stain color of the year.
But why’s this shift happening and what’s in store for you?
Well, these rich natural hues help you blend your home with the surroundings and do so in an aesthetically pleasing way.
As a result, your home complements your landscape and feels cohesive and inviting.
Pro tip: I suggest you sample a few shades on different areas of your home’s exterior before finalizing one. This will help you see how they look in various lighting conditions.
3. Use sustainable and reclaimed materials
Being a general construction contractor myself, I can tell you that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a movement reshaping how we design homes.
Personally speaking, reclaimed wood, recycled metal, and locally sourced stones are my go-to materials for exterior renovations. That’s because not only do these materials reduce waste but they also add a unique character to homes that brand-new materials simply can’t replicate.
Yet another creative way you can go sustainable with a small home exterior is urban mining.
This trend is super popular in the Belgian city of Leuven where old buildings are carefully dismantled and materials like bricks, wood, and metal repurposed. And it has a huge potential for standalone family homes on Long Island and elsewhere in the country.
Amazing, right?
4. Let natural light flood in through windows
Natural light creates a space maximizing effect in smaller homes. And to do so, my favorite design strategy is installing large windows or glass doors that blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
This floods your interior space with sunlight and makes rooms feel larger and more open. Also, it makes for a beautiful homes exterior with a modern aesthetic design.
Now, as you install big glass windows, I suggest you factor in the sightlines. Here, you will position the windows in a way that they capture scenic views or frame landscaping elements.
Further, you can go for clerestory windows or corner windows to bring in even more natural light without compromising your privacy.
5. Make the outdoor space more inviting
The outdoor area is an invaluable extension of your home and is especially critical to the overall exterior design for small houses.
So why not go creative and make this space more inviting?
This is possible and doesn’t take a lot of effort. All you’ve got to do is build personally curated patios, decks, or garden nooks, among others.
I always tell my clients that outdoor spaces should be just as comfortable and functional as indoor rooms. And to that end, this space should include everything from weather-resistant furniture to cushions and rugs to mood lighting, and more.
Moreover, garden expert Emma Cottrell suggests going all out with outdoor sofas, teak chairs, etc., to make spending time outside more appealing. Pair this with greenery using built-in planters or hanging baskets and you will instantly take the ambiance one notch up.
6. Install vertical gardens and green facades
If you’re short on yard space but still want lush greenery, vertical gardens and green facades are for you.
You see, I’ve worked with homeowners who wanted more nature integrated into their home’s design but lacked the square footage.
So, I worked out a solution via vertical living walls, climbing vines, and even modular planter systems. And not only did these additions add a touch of nature but they also provided practical benefits like improved air quality and natural insulation.
My personal favorite here are climbing plants like jasmine or ivy on trellises as they create a classic European-inspired look.
7. Highlight architectural details
Outdoor lighting is one of the most underrated elements in exterior design for small houses. And it plays a huge role in defining your home’s outdoors.
But how exactly do you illuminate the space?
Well, you can start with path lighting for safety and then add accent lighting to highlight architectural details.
For instance, you can install up lights for dramatic shadows on stonework. At the same time, you can have downlights under eaves for a soft and welcoming glow.
Talking about lighting materials, there are energy-efficient LED options and solar-powered fixtures on the market. And these are available as lanterns, string lights, or even recessed step lighting.
Small home exterior design: Things to consider
1. Local climate
It is always practical for small house exterior ideas to be guided by the local climate.
For instance, if you’ve got a cold and moist environment like on Long Island, I suggest you opt for moisture-resistant wood and vinyl to prevent decay and damage.
Similarly, if your region has a hot climate, light colors and reflective materials will help keep your home cool.
2. Neighborhood aesthetics
While expressing your personal style is important, I suggest you follow a design that also complements your neighborhood’s overall aesthetic.
This will help blend in with surrounding homes, maintain visual harmony, and increase curb appeal.
3. Maintenance
I always suggest my clients to use low-maintenance materials like composite decking or vinyl siding. These require little upkeep and ensure your home stays beautiful without demanding too much of your time for repairs or cleaning.
4. Your budget
Factor in your budget and allocate the initial funds to prioritize high-impact elements.
You see, the cost to remodel a mobile home or conventional house can stretch between $5,000 and upward of $50,000. So, you should first have a clear idea about how much you’re willing to spend in this range.
You can invest in features like landscaping or a bold front door and create a lasting impression while still staying within your budget.
You might also want to read: The 12 Best Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends.
Exterior design for small houses: FAQs
How can you make a small house appear larger from the outside?
To make your small house appear larger from the outside, I suggest you focus on creating visual tricks that create a sense of space.
You can go for light neutral colors that can make your home look more expansive. Also, consider using vertical lines like tall windows or long slender columns to create an illusion of height.
What are some cost-effective ways to enhance your home’s exterior?
There are many budget-friendly ways to update and enhance your home’s exterior without spending a lot.
One of the simplest and most impactful upgrades you can do is paint the front door with a bold yet inviting color. This will transform the entrance area and make your home stand out.
Also, you can replace old hardware like doorknobs, house numbers, and mailboxes to refresh the look.
How do you choose the right exterior color?
The right exterior color is one that makes your space look cohesive and aesthetically pleasing. And to that end, you can start by looking at the architectural style of your home.
For instance, traditional styles often work best with classic muted tones. Similarly, modern homes bode well with bolder and more vibrant colors.
Your surrounding environment also plays an essential role. So, if your home is in a wooded area, earthy tones like greens and browns might blend well.
Are there any eco-friendly exterior design options?
Yes, there are several eco-friendly exterior design options that can help reduce your home’s environmental impact.
For instance, materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, etc., for decking, siding, or fencing can reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Also, you can have green roofs or living walls covered with vegetation to improve insulation and air quality.
Can you mix different architectural styles?
Yes, you can.
Mixing different architectural styles can result in a personalized look for your home. However, it’s important that you do so thoughtfully and find common ground that ties them together.
For instance, you can fuse modern architecture with traditional elements to maintain a balance between sleek lines and more ornate details. But, as you do this, I suggest you be cautious to not mix too many conflicting styles.
The best thing you can do is choose a contractor who knows how to remodel a small manufactured home and is experienced in fusing designs without overdoing it. That’s because they’ll focus on integrating small harmonious elements from different styles rather than overwhelming the space with contrasting features.
To sum up
As you can see, there are endless creative ways to go about exterior design for small houses. So, it all depends on what suits your budget, taste, and local architectural trends.
Got more questions or need a full home remodeling instead?
You can get in touch with us!
At Creative Design Ceramic & Tile, we are seasoned home renovation experts with 38+ years of expertise renovating homes on Long Island. And from materials to permits to top-notch workmanship, we’ve got all your renovation needs covered on a budget.