Design & Style
These dark, moody exteriors are so good it’s scary
Posted on Sep 19, 2024 by dreeshomes
Posted on Sep 19, 2024 by dreeshomes
Black brick, dark siding and gray stonework provide the perfect moody exterior for your home. Although bold, no doubt, homeowners are increasingly selecting black accents, embracing black cladding in both masonry and siding materials. This is truly curb appeal with an edge!
Just in time for spooky season, we’ve rounded up our most popular dark and moody exteriors that truly embrace this inky aesthetic and prove that adventurous selections aren’t just reserved for the inside of homes.
If the idea of black on your exterior terrifies you, have no fear! Director of Midwest Design Centers Alexa Drees Walker explains how you can make a lasting statement with your selections.
Dark bricks add a nice base when creating your palate. You could paint your brick black, of course, but if you don’t want to commit to a color that dark, all natural brick colors will have a warmer undertone.
The Wilshire, available in our Nashville market, features a dark brick combined with black board and batten, offset with a rich cedar trim.
Wilshire selections:
Some bricks may incorporate a dark color wash on the face of the stone, and others may be baked into the stone. In both cases, some of the brown clay will show through, which makes your exterior feel more inviting.
“When choosing a stone, whether paired with a brick or on its own, you can add depth to your palate by choosing a color that offers a variety of light and darker shades, or for a more contemporary monochromatic look with a color that is all one shade,” Alexa said.
When choosing your siding and accent colors, consider that natural daylight will make colors appear lighter and cooler. If you really want that bold, striking look for the front of your home, choose darker shades that have warmer undertones.
“If your façade incorporates brick or stone elements, you can emphasize some of the shade variations by utilizing similar shades of paint and siding, or a color that naturally compliments them like a deep green,” Alexa said.
The Belleville at Trescott in Plainfield, Indiana, perfectly displays how to mix and match warm undertones in brick with cool gray siding. Light brown porch posts and gables pop against these darker selections.
Belleville selections:
Keep in mind that you don’t have to go straight to black - there are many shade variations and options to choose from.
“Our expert design consultants can help you choose the right blend of drama to fit your style,” Alexa said.
And if committing to the dark side still gives you the spooks, know you can always paint exterior materials in the future.
From Pantone’s Color of the Year, Instagram inspiration and Pinterest pins all the way to your final floor plan, Drees makes it easy to bring it all together. We know your home is more than a dwelling; it’s an expression of who you are and what you value. Designing a custom home is a very personal endeavor, and we want to be here to help you every step of the way. To learn more about building your dream home, visit dreeshomes.com.