5 Exterior Trends to Embrace in 2018

So, you might have finally turned the inside of your house into your dream home. But what about the outside? We hear a lot of talk about interior décor, but sometimes we tend to forget that exterior design is just as important for the perfect home. You might even be surprised to hear that exterior design is subject to trends. So, let’s delve into some of the hottest exterior design trends right now.

Image source: realestate.com.au

Take a stylish dip

Pools are an amazing addition to any house for several reasons. First, they look great. Second, they are a wonderful way to keep cool and fit during the warm months. And third, a pool will raise the value of your property, should you ever wish to sell. Pools are becoming prettier and prettier. One of the latest popular trends are the luxurious-looking infinity pools. There are some really exciting styles trending in Australia and New Zealand.

Looking at some of the Christchurch swimming pools, we have noticed a rise in popularity for added water features, like cascades, swim jets, and air beds. Intricate underwater lights create a sight to behold, and extend the time for swimming well into warm summer nights.

Image: Ihdnux.com

Play with textures

Different textures can add a whole layer of depth to the aesthetics of your yard. You could choose to create dynamics using clashing textures, or just by contrasting slight differences in texture and finish of the same materials. Experiment with natural materials, such as stone, reclaimed wood, tiles, ceramics, clay, steel and brick. Materials with interesting texture can go a long way and create a beautiful effect with little effort and a relatively low budget.

Image source: improvenet.com

Sustainable is the way to go

Green is good! Sustainability has been a prevailing trend when it comes to homes for a few years now. Your yard is the perfect place to really embrace nature. An orchard or an organic vegetable and herb garden is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself and your family. Wouldn’t you love to enjoy sun-drenched tomatoes for an al fresco lunch? Or pick a fruit and eat it straight off the tree? When it comes to waste, try composting to create your own mulch and fertilizer while simultaneously reducing the amount of rubbish.

source: pinimig.com

Add a unique touch

Whatever you do, try to breathe in a little bit of life into your yard with an imaginative personal touch. That could be anything that speaks to you aesthetically. If you have been blessed with a green thumb, you could invest a bit of time and effort into gardening and landscaping. Intricate garden designs are always an impressive feat. If you can barely manage a neat lawn, there are other ways to make your yard pop.

Consider adding a small fish pond or a fountain. A sculpture made from common objects and materials is also an always welcome addition. Finally, pretty bird feeders can add an idyllic touch to the scene, and will fill your garden with the wonderful sound of birds chirping.

Source Image : pinimg.com

Ditch classic looks for doors and fences

When it comes to doors and fences, the classic look is out. Forget about inconspicuous choices – current trends are all about flair! Homeowners these days are all about taking pride in their beautiful houses, and showing it big time. Ornate facades around the main entrance are one way to achieve this. The front door itself is a flashy affair too. Intricate wrought iron doors are one option. A pop of bold color, like red, is another way to grab attention. The practical and unusual-looking Dutch doors have also been gaining popularity. Fences this season are expected to be unique, with interesting patterns.

The window trends are changing too. The usual white window frames have been replaced with bolder colors.   The garden is just as important as the home itself, as a place where your family can spend time together and enjoy themselves. It’s your own private space where you can spend some quality time outdoors – something we could all use more of. If you have an underutilized yard, now is the time to work on turning it into a veritable outdoor oasis.

Author’s Bio: Lana Hawkins is an architecture student and the editor-in-chief on Smooth Decorator.  She enjoys writing about interior decoration and landscaping. Lana is interested in sustainability and green building, and that’s where she gets most of her inspiration.