3 Ways to Make a Statement With Your Home's Exterior

258 Pine Street, Listed By Rayna Bishop

One of the first things people notice about your home is its exterior. The materials and colors you have on and around your house can showcase its history while bringing out your personality. New Orleans is full of remarkable homes, so here’s how to make a statement with yours.

A Note on Color

Reds, blues, yellows and greens are prominent features of both traditional and modern styles around Crescent City. When adding to your home’s exterior, consider incorporating unique shades that stay colorful while standing out from the residences around you.

1. Siding

When looking to make a statement with your house’s exterior, siding is one of the most prominent things to consider. You can stand out by having clean, colorful siding that catches the eye and makes your home pop. There are a few different types of siding to consider when updating your house.

Fiber cement is an excellent choice for siding in New Orleans as it’s low maintenance and can withstand the elements. It also has many color and style options. 

If you have an older home, maintaining original wood siding gives your home a rustic look while honoring its history. Having wood siding is a labor of love, but it’s both durable and eco-friendly when adequately cared for.

Vinyl siding also has many color and style options, though it’s not as environmentally friendly as the previous options. But it does come in many different shapes and styles to get the look you desire.

Brick is another classic option for new builders or those who want to refurbish their original siding. It’s a classic look you can stain in your preferred color, making it as traditional or modern as you see fit.

2. Exterior Doors 

The color and style of your exterior doors can also help your house make a statement. You want to choose a color that complements the exterior of your home while still giving you the insulation and security you need.

For your front door, consider choosing a color that accents your siding. Greens, browns and reds work well with warmer tones and blues, grays and purples compliment cooler tones. Your siding’s undertone also makes a difference in how colors work together.

Having windows on your door impacts your house’s appearance, as well. Different types of glass absorb and reflect light differently. Frosted or rain glass maintains your privacy while letting light in and giving your home an excellent effect. Stained glass provides a classic, ornate look that can make your house sparkle. Clear glass allows you to add and remove different decorations, shades and effects from inside your home for neighbors to view as they pass by.

Wood, fiberglass and steel are all excellent exterior door options. Wrought iron works well as an accent material, especially between glass panels. 

Many garage door styles are out there to add to your home’s attractiveness. You want to choose a style that complements your siding and type of house. You also want a color that doesn’t take away from your home’s primary accent color. While there are a few different materials for garage doors, steel and fiberglass are low-maintenance options that handle the New Orleans weather well.

3. Landscaping 

How you landscape your yard can also make it stand out from the rest. New Orleans landscaping styles are the envy of other locations, thanks to how greenery helps bring out the city’s big personality. From ferns in cracks to courtyard gardens, the landscaping in the Big Easy never disappoints.

To add plants to your house, use mulch or stones to guard your soil against heat and weather. Consider adding the following plants to accent your home:

• Jasmine: The gorgeous start jasmine vine makes an excellent addition to a wall, fence or arch. Meanwhile, Asiatic jasmine covers the ground in bare spots or just adds an exciting touch.
• Iron fences: Ornate iron fences add a classic touch that makes your landscaping even more attention-grabbing while adding a layer of security to your house.
• Southern live oaks: If you plan on staying in your home for a while, southern live oaks are a worthy investment. These unique trees add personality and shade.
• Tropical plants: Palms and other tropical plants thrive in New Orleans and can add beauty and shade to your yard.
• Water features: A pond or fountain can make your yard a beautiful oasis in heat and humidity.

The features you use for your yard accent your house’s personality, making it stand out.

1712 Joliet Street, Listed By Kim Rafferty

Making a Statement with Your Home

Your house is where you and your family rest, relax, and make memories together, so you want it to reflect the love shared inside with the neighbors and visitors who may pass by. The materials and items you put on your home’s exterior can help your house stand out, making it uniquely yours.

*Written By Rose Morrison of renovated.com