A direction for your next space
Contemporary Exterior with Stone Accents
About this design
This two-story home presents a symmetrical facade organized around a central entry arch. The entrance surround is built from gray-brown brick laid in a running bond pattern, forming both the archway and flanking columns that extend to the second floor. White horizontal siding covers most of the exterior, while the lower third of the first floor features olive-toned vertical board and batten panels. Large windows flank the entry on both levels, and a shallow barrel roof tops the projecting entry volume.
Design this look with your photo ↗Your room photo + this reference. Review the studio allowance before generating.
What stands out
- The arched brick entry surround provides a strong vertical anchor, drawing the eye upward while creating a traditional detail within an otherwise contemporary composition.
- Olive board and batten wainscoting wraps the lower portion of the facade, adding texture and visual weight that grounds the lighter siding above.
- The symmetrical window placement on both floors creates balance, with each opening sized to admit generous natural light while maintaining consistent proportions across the facade.
- Continuous concrete walkway slabs lead directly to the entrance, bordered by low planted beds that soften the hardscape without obscuring the architectural features.
Make it work in your space
For a smaller single-story home, retain the arched brick entry as the focal point but reduce its height to match the lower roofline. Use the board and batten wainscoting only around the entrance zone rather than across the entire facade to keep costs down. Substitute the brick arch with a simpler rectangular brick surround if masonry arches exceed your budget. Maintain the white siding as the primary material and keep the symmetrical window arrangement on a reduced scale. Even a modest entry portico with these material contrasts will create the same balanced effect.
Compare stone and siding samples outdoors before choosing the final combination.
Materials and finishes
- Gray brick masonry
- Look for bricks with slight color variation from piece to piece. This creates depth and prevents the surface from reading as flat, particularly important in large vertical applications like entry surrounds.
- White horizontal siding
- Choose a siding profile with clean, shallow reveals between boards. The minimal shadow lines maintain a contemporary appearance while providing more interest than completely smooth panels.
- Olive painted wood panels
- Board and batten wainscoting requires tight seams between vertical boards. Select paint with good adhesion and flexibility, as the panels will expand and contract with seasonal humidity changes.
- Dark bronze window frames
- Darker frames create crisp boundaries around glass openings. Consider the sightlines when choosing frame width, as thinner profiles maximize daylight while thicker ones add more visual presence.
- Poured concrete walkway
- Smooth-troweled concrete offers a clean approach but shows stains easily. Plan control joints carefully to manage cracking, and consider a slight broom finish for better traction when wet.
More Contemporary Exterior Ideas
Your questions, answered
How do you integrate a brick arch into a contemporary exterior without it looking traditional?
Keep the arch simple without decorative keystones or corbeling, and use brick in a neutral gray or brown tone rather than red. Pair it with clean-lined materials like smooth siding and minimal trim. The contrast between the textured masonry and flat surrounding surfaces creates interest while the restrained color palette and lack of ornament maintain a contemporary character. Symmetrical placement also helps the arch read as an intentional design element rather than a historical reference.
How do I try this look in my own space?
Choose Design this look and upload your own photo in the studio. This concept is loaded separately as a reference, and its design direction is included in the editable brief. Review your options before generating.
Can I buy the exact furniture and materials shown?
This is an AI-generated concept, not a catalog of real products. Use the image to compare shapes, colors, and materials, then verify dimensions and finishes with actual suppliers.