10 Homes That Dare to Be Different

Stripes, murals, mosaic tile, even plaid. The sky’s the limit when you want to get creative with your exterior walls

Laura Gaskill May 25, 2017

Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers

Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More

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There’s a time for playing it safe with a tastefully neutral exterior — when you plan to sell your home in the near future or when you belong to a homeowners association, for instance. But what if you didn’t have to worry about those things? If part of you longs to have the boldest house on the block, get inspired by these 10 homes that pull out all the stops, from bold color schemes and unusual materials to unexpected patterns. Wallflowers need not apply.

Henrik Schipper Photography

1. Floral motif. A large-scale abstract floral motif graces the exterior of this innovative contemporary home in Switzerland. While there’s no doubt this home will turn heads, the minimal color scheme keeps the overall effect light.

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2. Bold stripes. The red-and-white-striped pattern on this Barcelona home takes its cue from classic poolside cabanas, giving the entire structure a breezy seaside vibe. Just add a floating lounge chair and the icy drink of your choice.

OOF! Architecture

3. Message. Replacing what was once a plain wall, these homeowners decided to share a message with their neighbors (and passers-by) by working a greeting right into the brickwork. Project architect Fooi-Ling Khoo of Oof Architecture says, “They understood that their house wasn’t just a private house. It was, in a way, talking to the neighbors as well.”

See the rest of this creative home

DMVF Architects

4. Mural. A playful mural on the side of this home in Dublin brings artsy interest to a plain exterior wall. When you commission an artist to create a mural for your home, you get a unique feature and support your local creative economy — it’s a win-win.

ROBERT KERR architecture design

5. Mosaic tile. Creative tilework of all kinds has been gaining in popularity indoors; why not bring the color and pattern of tile outdoors too? This Southern California beach house takes an artful approach to exterior tile, using multicolored glass mosaic tiles on the lower half of the structure and continuing indoors to enhance the indoor-outdoor connection.

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Jensen Architects

6. Salvaged signage. When it comes to working with salvaged materials, it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to improvise. Case in point: this green demonstration home in San Francisco, which was built entirely of salvaged materials — including the school crossing and street signs used as part of the siding, shown here.

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Bella Bnb Design Company

7. Geometric pattern. The geometric mural on the side of this midcentury home wouldn’t have been original to the house, but it is still very much in keeping with the spirit of the period. If you’re an experienced DIY-er (and have a lot of patience), you could even attempt a project like this on your own. But the larger and more complex the design, the more important it is to hire a professional painter.

Buchmann Design

8. Living wall. Like a painting made from plants, the living wall installed on this Southern California home wraps around a corner for maximum impact. Living walls should be professionally installed to prevent damage to your home’s exterior and to ensure that the plants chosen will do well in your climate with minimal upkeep.

andreas schneider architekten

9. Grid. These townhouses in Germany sport plaid-like patterns, each with a different color palette. There would certainly be no mistaking which one was yours — and giving directions to a cab driver would be a snap.

Arts & Crafts Homes

10. Artistic roof. Like something pulled from The Lord of the Rings, this home features twisting chimneys and shingles forming an artful sky scene — for when you want to feel you’ve traveled into another realm when you arrive home.

Tell us: If what the neighbors thought (and resale concerns) were not an issue, would you ever consider doing something really bold and unexpected with your home’s exterior? Share your ideas (and inspiration photos) in the Comments.

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