16 Homes That Defined "Curb Appeal" in Every Decade
Proof that some details (like contrasting trim!) never go out of style.
What constitutes a "classic" home certainly has changed over the years.
1910s: White Trim
Contrasting white trim around windows and doors pop against the darker-hued clapboard siding that was popular in regions like New England in the early 20th century. It's also totally timeless and continues to look just right today, as seen in this Dallas guest house.
1910s: The Beginning of Craftsman Style
Triangular columns, gabled roofs, muted colors and wide porches defined the Craftsman home, another popular style of the decade. This house uses HardiePanel® vertical siding with HardieTrim® batten boards under gables, which add charm and the illusion of height.
1920s: Mixed Materials
An exterior mix of stone and clapboard was quintessentially 1920s (though the bones of this gorgeous Connecticut cottage date back to the 1850s). Designer Maureen Rivard carefully updated this historic home to suit modern life, while preserving the integrity of the original details.
1930s: Farmhouse Fun
Vertical cladding in classic "barn red" and a white dutch door lends authenticity to this 1930s farmhouse in Connecticut.
1930s: Red, Revisited
This modern-day home has farmhouse charm and a color scheme to match. Unlike the old days, there's no need to repaint, thanks to advanced James Hardie ColorPlus® Technology finishes, shown here in Countrylane Red.
1940s: Subtle Details
Classic Cape Cod-style homes and cozy cottages reigned supreme just before the middle of the century. Reflecting the economy of the World War II era, exterior details were understated, as seen here, while simple white shutters offered a fresh touch.
1950s: Kitschy Color
The mid-century era brought groundbreaking silhouettes, sleek lines, large windows and an optimistic color palette, like this sunny yellow home. Flat, rectangular stone was used as a "modern" accent on exteriors.
1960s: All-American Details
The Americana and Colonial interior trends of the 60s were often reflected on the exteriors, as well. Here, classic shutters, white clapboard siding, and cupolas highlight the typical look of the decade.
1970s: Brick and Earthtones
Sure, brick can be seen in virtually any era, but in the 1970s, the material was commonly paired with natural, earthy tones on the exterior. This color combo was popular in both home and fashion at the time.
1980s: Contemporary Details
As disco faded into history, houses tended to get bigger and exteriors got more eclectic. The 1980s ushered in the "contemporary" style, which often used neutral stucco instead of traditional siding. A mix of windows (including arched and hexagonal shapes) also helped define this look.
1990s: Streamlined Columns
Contrasting with the bolder homes of the 80s, exteriors in the 1990s returned to simpler forms like columns which, thanks to a more streamlined feel, didn't distract from the rest of the home. It's a vibe that's still in today and can be seen in this Florida home by Allison Caccoma.
2000s: Neutral Exteriors
Soft hues of gray, beige, and muted brown were ever-present at the turn of the Millennium (and they've stuck around since). HardieTrim® boards, for example, offer a wide array of textures, widths and colors housed in curated collections, so accentuating your home's most inviting features is a no-brainer.
2000s: Bold Doors
Of the elements that were meant to look striking against neutral siding, homeowners turned to color to add curb appeal to their homes in the early 2000s. The most popular place for an unexpected hue? The front door, like this bold blue stunner that graces a New Jersey beachfront home designed by Susana Simonpietri and Josh Kay.
2010s: Statement Shingles
Today's emphasis on timelessness has brought back traditional materials like cedar shingles. HardieShingle® siding, which comes in staggered edge and straight edge designs, achieves the look of classic cedar without the continual upkeep of wood.
2010s: Subtle Details
Cool-hued shingles are the trend of today. But another fashionable detail is one that's (occasionally) invisible: Retractable doors and windows, like the glass panels that open up the dining room to the pool area in this beach house designed by Becky Owens.
2010s: The New Cottage
While neutrals reign, interesting color is making a creeping comeback. Particularly popular are deep hues that emphasize deserving architecture, as in this sage cottage accented with sunflower yellow. But it's not just color that can define a house: Here, HardiePanel® vertical siding and HardieTrim® batten boards help draw the eye to features (hello, cute front porch), that make this home so sweet.
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