Small home exterior ideas open doors to boundless creativity and inspiration. Tiny Houses on Wheels have transformed the idea of curb appeal in a big way.
They draw countless double-takes and amazed looks from people on the freeway. Sometimes, folks even follow us until we stop somewhere just to get a better look at these unique homes.
According to Supreme Finishes, a company specializing in painting and decorating services, small houses are becoming increasingly popular as both a trend and a lifestyle choice, offering a cool and unique living option.
Luckily, there are plenty of exciting designs for tiny house exteriors to explore, including the Danish Tiny House Design, Minimalist Japanese Tiny House, and Brilliant Tiny House from Brisbane, among others.
For those seeking inspiration for small home exterior ideas, these designs offer a plethora of creative solutions. Living in a tiny home allows you to achieve your dream home design affordably.
It’s common to face questions and be labeled as “One of Those Tiny Home People” when you reveal your tiny home lifestyle. What could be more satisfying than surprising them with a picture of the exterior and witnessing their amazement at its remarkable appearance? Here are a couple of tips for creating the exterior you want.
Consider Your Window Placement
When you’re designing your tiny house, remember to think about both the inside and the outside. Your window placement should match up with how you’ve planned the layout inside, so your house looks balanced.
Think about the size and position of your windows, what kind of roof you want, the materials for the siding, and the colors you’ll use.
Keep your overall style in mind as you work on these details to make sure your tiny house looks just right. Exploring small home exterior ideas can provide inspiration for your design journey.
We strongly recommend doing some research before you paint your windows. We’re big fans of this extra touch because it can really make a difference in how your home looks.
But be aware that painting them could cause problems like warping from too much heat. If you’re thinking about doing the painting yourself, we’ve figured out a really effective way to do it.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your windows. Some of the best-looking homes we’ve seen have windows painted black, or in unique shapes like triangles or arches.
Which Type of Siding is the Best Choice?
The exterior siding and cladding of your home have a big impact on how long it lasts and how much maintenance it needs, as well as its appearance. Below, we’ve listed our favorite options.
Real Wood Siding
Certainly, when considering small home exterior ideas, Cedar emerges as one of the most popular choices for siding on tiny homes. It’s durable against weather, lightweight, and looks great whether painted or stained. Depending on your style preference, you can opt for different profiles including:
- Tongue and Groove (TnG)
- Board and Batten
- Shiplap (perfect for Fixer Upper fans)
- Shingle
Metal Siding
There are many different shapes of metal siding, but let’s focus on the main types.
Standing seam is the one that looks the cleanest, but it’s also the hardest to install. The taller the standing seam, the tougher the installation. I wouldn’t recommend trying it unless you’re really skilled with metalwork and waterproofing.
But if you’re determined, it’s best to get expert advice or even schedule an appointment with us. We’ve installed standing seam siding on houses countless times, so we know where the challenges lie and how to properly handle the key areas, which can be valuable for your small home exterior ideas.
Corrugated siding is a common option for outbuildings. When installed properly, it can enhance the appearance with a nice touch.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is a decent option for siding because it’s reasonably priced, durable, and can withstand different weather conditions well.
However, it’s important to know that it can get scratched or dented easily. Also, make sure you choose a high wind-resistant siding or installation method.
LP Smartside Siding
Honestly, given their past history, I wouldn’t blame you if you found this amusing right now. But they’ve really turned things around and now offer a product that’s definitely worth considering seriously. I highly recommend checking it out it’s truly amazing, and we recommend it for all our builds.
Their patented engineered designs come with four components of protection, which adds strength and helps their products withstand impacts, freeze/thaw cycles, high humidity, fungal decay, and termites.
Their warranty covers hail damage up to 1.75 inches in diameter, fungal degradation, buckling, cracking, chipping, peeling, and other surface issues, backed by a 5/50 year warranty. To put it in perspective, this is twice as long as the warranty for classic James Hardie cement fiber siding.
Plus, their products have a very sleek, smooth finish that looks absolutely incredible for small home exterior ideas.
Hardie Cement Board Siding
This siding is great for homes that stay in one place, like permanent houses or manufactured homes. However, it’s too heavy and can be pricey for Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOWs).
Is it Better to Stain or Paint my House?
If your siding isn’t real wood, staining might not be an option. In that case, choosing a paint color that suits your taste is your best bet for small home exterior ideas.
Staining real wood siding is a great way to maintain its natural look, whether you prefer a modern or craftsman style. Just remember, staining requires some upkeep, so use a good-quality stain and follow the instructions carefully.
You can mix paint and stain, but be careful not to overdo it. If not done right, it could end up looking tacky.
To Trim or Not to Trim?
What exactly is an exterior trim? Well, it’s essentially the final touch on the outer surface of a building. This includes things like moldings (the decorative strips around windows and doors), exterior doors, siding, attic vents, shutters, and crawl space vents.
These trims, such as belly bands, are often used to add visual interest to buildings, especially in larger homes or apartment complexes.
While some places insist on trim boards being completely waterproof, it really comes down to personal preference in most cases. Generally, for more modern-style buildings, less or no trim is recommended. However, for homes with a craftsman-style aesthetic, more trim tends to be favored.
Consider these aspects when deciding where to position your trim:
Around windows and doors: Installing trim around windows and doors fills in the gaps between the wall and the frame. This not only covers any rough edges but also enhances your home’s exterior, complementing its architectural style.
Corners: Trims can also be used on the outer corners of walls. Look for trims that are easy to work with for a clean finish. Choose a durable timber brand to ensure longevity and resistance to damage.
Belly Band for siding transitions: A belly band helps transition between different siding types, creating a cohesive look. It also hides any exposed wiring or beams in exterior ceilings.
If you’re unsure about the best trim options for your property, consider consulting professionals like Hardie Boys. They specialize in trim and soffit installation and can offer tailored advice to meet your needs.
What’s the Best Kind of Front Door?
In essence, your exterior design should draw attention to your front door. It’s odd when a front door seems like it was added as an afterthought or blends into the background. Your front door should be noticeable, inviting, and perhaps even make a statement.
Coverings, along with strategic placement of outdoor lighting fixtures, can enhance this effect. The type and color of the door you select play a significant role in achieving the desired impact.
Consider the Your Roofing Material
Many homeowners often overlook the impact of their rooflines on the exterior curb appeal, especially when considering small home exterior ideas. However, your roofline can actually have one of the most significant effects on your home’s overall appearance.
You have a wide range of options to choose from, ranging from unique choices like a butterfly roofline to more traditional ones like a gable end. Dormers can also add extra height and space to your loft area, but depending on your design preferences, there are alternative ways to achieve this while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
It’s essential to consider that your roofline doesn’t just affect the outside appearance of your home; it also has implications for the interior. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your roofline is adequately supported structurally.
Additionally, the type of roofing material you select plays a crucial role in shaping the overall look and feel of your home’s exterior.
Metal Roofing
This roofing option is perfect for Tiny Homes on Wheels. It looks great, requires little maintenance, and lasts a long time – usually with a 50-year warranty.
You can choose from different styles like standing seam or corrugated. And you have the option to get it with a factory-painted finish or leave it galvanized.
Tile or Slate
It might be a good choice for a cabin, ADU, or guest house, but it’s not recommended for a tiny home on wheels because it’s heavy and fragile.
Asphalt Shingles
This type of roofing is very common, but it still comes in a wide variety of colors to choose from. If you decide to use this on a tiny home on wheels, remember to seal the bottom edge of each asphalt shingle with silicone. This will help prevent them from flapping or blowing off in windy conditions.
Pictures of Small Home Exterior Ideas
Discover modern exterior design for small houses to elevate their aesthetic appeal and maximize space efficiency. Check out simple home exterior design pictures for ideas on creating a sleek and stylish look.
Unique Tiny Home Exterior Design
You’ve likely realized that when it comes to your tiny home’s exterior, the options for customization are endless.
With so many choices available, sticking to basic products, installation methods, and styles while adding your own unique touches will ensure your satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Some Small Home Exterior Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal?
To enhance curb appeal for small homes, consider small home exterior ideas like refreshing paint, adding stylish lighting, landscaping creatively, updating the front door, and incorporating decorative elements such as shutters. Regular maintenance is also crucial.
How Can you Achieve a Stunning Small House Exterior Makeover?
To achieve a stunning small house exterior makeover, update the paint, landscaping, front door, lighting, and add decorative elements like shutters or window boxes. Also, ensure the exterior is well-maintained and clutter-free.