by Bridget Kulla
3/1/2018
From a design standpoint, stacking elements on top of one another adds texture and interest to your entire exterior look. From your landscape choices, to home siding styles, to the fabric on your porch swing cushion — adding layers can incorporate a multidimensional-yet-unified aesthetic that will make neighbors do a double take.
Here are a five effective ways to add layers to your exterior.
Landscape in levels.
When designing your front and backyard, add a variety of landscaping elements—a curved garden path, varying heights of plants, a raised garden bed, and a simple water element. Laying on a variety of landscaping adds dimension, making your yard feel anything but flat. The levels add interest and tend to lead the eye to other interesting exterior elements of your home.
Materials matter.
When selecting your home siding, know that you have style options that look great when paired together, especially if you opt for Hardie® siding and trim. You may want to incorporate staggered-edge HardieShingle® siding in the gables, paired with the natural wood texture of HardiePlank® lap siding cladding the body of the home. Or you can choose the more modern look of vertical siding and choose from a variety of trim options to polish off your siding style. Incorporating a few siding styles is a simple way to add dimension to your home’s shape.
Texture it up.
When it comes to design, adding in a few fabrics and patterns can add a tactile quality that ups the richness of a space. Think an outdoor pillow in bold geometric pattern, or a bright chenille Southwestern pillow with a matching throw. Whatever your style, adding prints and different textures, makes the space seem touchable.
Pop and unify colors.
A funky chartreuse or golden mustard door color can boost curb appeal tenfold, but you do want to be sure you don’t go overboard with pops of color. Instead, you’ll want to select a handful that you repeat. Have fun with your choices while staying balanced, too. When it comes to Hardie® siding and trim with ColorPlus® Technology, all of the colors are curated, hand selected by color experts so that they each complement one another—you can’t go wrong with your non-fading choices.
Focus on Fencing.
Fences are an ideal way to add privacy, offer additional dog-roaming space, or pump up security. When working with your fence, think about the area you want to section off. Then zone in on style, be it picket, a taller privacy fence, or wrought iron. You want your fencing to work with your other exterior layers, including your landscape design, and your home’s architecture, siding and style.
