8 Elegant Exterior Design Ideas for Your Custom Home

March 15, 2016

Talk of elegant architectural styles and you might think of ornate Antebellum homes of the old south or the noble Tudor mansions of New England. Here in the Pacific Northwest, however, elegant architectural design is a bit less self-conscious. Elegance is much more about what we take away from design than what we add to it. It’s design that is beautiful but functional, quality that is exceptional but not ostentatious. It’s about space and simplicity that allows nature to take center stage. Here are eight examples of exterior design elements that are both useful and elegant. Each one is from a home currently under construction or recently completed for an Estes Builders customer. Add these ideas to your Pinterest board or Houzz Ideabook for inspiration. image04There are few things that make an ordinary day feel more elegant than a cup of morning coffee or evening glass of wine on your deck as you enjoy majestic Pacific Northwest views. A generously-sized porch like this one is large enough to accomodate a porch swing – perfect for curling up with a good book. image03 Exterior gas fireplaces on rear decks and patios are extremely popular with our customers who want to get more use out of their outdoor spaces, even when the weather turns chilly. The best part? There’s nothing to clean up. When the wine glass is empty, simply turn off the fireplace and retire for the evening (preferably after a long, hot bath in your soaking tub).   image06 You don’t need to blow the budget on custom windows to create an exterior design that looks like a million. Cluster standard and transom windows – and multiple French doors – for a rich look that opens up your interior to light and views. image01 Who says you can’t plan an outdoor soiree in the Pacific Northwest? A covered patio like this one makes elegant indoor/outdoor entertaining easy, even when Mother Nature crashes the party. image05 Designing an elegant exterior space is all about access. Which rooms will open up to your outdoor space? Create a beautiful transition from your kitchen, master suite, or den with French doors or a wall of retracting windows.   image07 They say that they key to enjoying the Pacific Northwest climate is layers. We agree. Exterior design that incorporates different layers of outdoor living can extend both the beauty and enjoyment of your home. Design a charming front porch, a private patio off your master suite, and a deck that is the full width of the back of your home for panoramic sunset views. Each outdoor space serves a unique purpose for a specific time of day. image08 Sometimes creating elegant exterior design is all about small details. Custom stonework, carriage lights, hardware and garage door design are simple and affordable ways to create curb appeal that’s sure to turn a few heads. image02 Of course, there is no better exterior design feature than a jaw-dropping Pacific Northwest view. Our team can work with you to design your plan and the placement of your home on your lot to maximize outdoor space, sun exposure, and views. Ready to start planning your own dream home? Download our free design guide to get started or subscribe to the blog for more great design ideas. Estes Builders is an award-winning design build firm that specializes in custom homes in Western Washington. We have earned more than 130 customer testimonials and a reputation as Western Washington’s most trusted custom home builder. We build custom homes in Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Silverdale, Port Orchard and surrounding areas. Contact us for a FREE Project Analysis to discuss your project.]]>