Investing in your home’s exterior isn’t just about curb appeal; it’s about increasing the value of your property and maximizing your return on investment. But let’s be honest, not all exterior design choices scream “wow.” There are plenty of aspects that feel more “meh” than magnificent – yet they play crucial roles in both aesthetics and functionality. In this list, I tackle 13 design mistakes that result in a boring home exterior. Please note that in order to get excellent examples of boring design elements, I used A.I. to assist with creating some of the images.
13. Tiny Roof Overhangs Fail to Make an Impression
Short overhangs make your house look stunted, like it’s wearing a hat that’s too small. Extending the eaves adds visual weight, protects the exterior, and provides shade. It’s a simple change with a big impact to your enjoyment of your home but also your investment in your home.
In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.
12. Narrow Columns Look More Like Twigs Than Supports
Skinny columns don’t just look flimsy – they make your house seem underdressed. Beef up those supports with wider columns or decorative wraps. Instantly adds structure and makes your entrance more inviting.
11. Flat Facade Offers Zero Visual Interest
If your house has a pancake-flat front, it’s missing texture. A facade lacking depth is unmemorable. Invest in dimensions with bump-outs, bay windows, or even a decorative front porch. Breaks up the flatness and gives your home some personality.
10. Lack of Roof Variation Turns Your Home into a Box
A single, flat roofline without any variation is the calling card of boring exteriors. Adding gables, dormers, or a hip roof can shake things up and introduce some architectural interest. These days with computer aided design, building a home with more interesting roof lines is much easier and won’t require as much investment as it did decades ago.
9. Windowless Walls or Windows that Are Too Small Are Lifeless Blanks
Solid walls without windows are like blank pages – dull. Not every space can have a window, but faux windows, decorative shutters, or even trellises with climbing plants can trick the eye and add character. The same applies with windows that are too small relative to the other exterior design dimensions of your home.
8. Plain Garage Door Steals the Show in the Worst Way
Garage doors often dominate the front view. If it’s plain white and featureless, it’s an eyesore. Upgrade to a garage door with windows, panels, or decorative hardware. A carriage-style door adds character and makes it look intentional, not like a boring afterthought. If you have a curb-facing garage, investing in an attractive garage can make a huge difference, not only on the aesthetics but the perceived value of your home.
7. Lack of Trim Work Leaves the House Looking Bare
Trim acts like a picture frame for your home. Without it, your windows and doors blend into the walls. Wider, decorative trim around doors, windows, and eaves gives definition and makes the overall design pop. The above example is interesting in that in some ways the lack of trim works for it.
6. Symmetrical Everything Makes the Exterior Predictable
This is a highlly debatable point. I like symmetry BUT, some peoople don’t and consider it boring and so it’s included. Sy yes, symmetry can be beautiful, but if everything is mirror-image identical, your home risks looking like a copy-paste job. Mix up window sizes, add a side porch, or change up your facade materials to break the monotony and make your home more dynamic.
5. No Contrast in Siding and Roof Color Creates a Bland Palette
If your siding and roof color are too similar, the house just blends into itself. Choose a contrasting roof color to make your house stand out. Light siding with a dark roof (or vice versa) can do wonders for visual appeal.
4. Boring Entryway Feels Like an Afterthought
A front door that doesn’t stand out is a wasted opportunity. If it’s the same color as the siding, it blends right in. Try painting the door a bold color or adding a decorative surround. Make that entryway the focal point it’s supposed to be. It’s hardly much of an investment to slap up some paint on your front door.
3. Small or No Porch Leaves a Dull First Impression
A home without a porch looks unwelcoming and flat. Even a small front stoop or awning can add dimension. A larger porch with room for seating not only provides functionality but also gives your exterior depth and interest.
2. No Architectural Features Means No Personality
If your home lacks features like gables, corbels, or brackets, it’s missing visual drama. These details aren’t just for show – they’re the jewelry of your exterior. Pick features that fit your home’s style, and suddenly, it’s got character.
1. Uninspiring Color Choices Suck the Life Out of the Exterior
If your home is one uniform shade, you’re making it hard for anyone to notice the details. The cure is a three-color palette: a base color, a trim color for windows and doors, and an accent for the front door or shutters. Choose colors that contrast and complement, and watch your home go from dull to dazzling. At the end of the day, anything to do with color that you can do to make your home more attractive, is totally worth the investment because relative to what a home costs, paint is very inexpensive.
