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Be Inspired by Moody Modern Exteriors

Take a walk on the dark side. We’re gravitating toward the dramatic, the bold and the blackest of blacks for our modern exteriors.

Photo: Departure Films. From: The Jennie Garth Project
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Deliver a Moody Moment

Bright white shiplap and picket fences certainly have a place in our hearts, but we may be swayed over to the dark side with these moody modern homes. From all black to deep navy blues, these home exteriors know how to make a statement.

Talk about a mood. This midcentury modern Hollywood home is a stylish composite of chic black, reclaimed woods and swanky glass.

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Photo: David A. Land. From: Brian Patrick Flynn
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Dressed in Black

HGTV Dream Home 2018 boasts a stylish black exterior. Located on the coast of Gig Harbor, Wash., the rustic siding is painted black and trimmed in charcoal gray. Large porcelain pavers lead up to the grand entryway, where glass doors give a glimpse of the stunning interior design. To soften the angular exterior, flower beds are full of sweeping grasses, hydrangeas and perennials.

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Photo: Roehner + Ryan, Studio V Interiors. From: The Ranch Mine
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Play With the Dramatic

Set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, this contemporary home makes a striking statement with its steep pitched roofs and black exterior. For a twist on traditional board-and-batten, the architect of this Flagstaff, Ariz., home spaced the battens out in varying widths. Additionally, the typically hidden concrete slab becomes a part of the design to juxtapose against the sleek black.

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Photo: Design by GSA Architects; Photo by Nate Grant
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Try All One Shade

Take a cue from fashion stylists, and go monochromatic. When you opt for a monochromatic outfit, the look becomes all about the simplicity, the silhouette and the timeless quality. This all-black exterior uses the same trick to evoke an effortlessly chic design that’s focused on line, shape and form. Blending beautifully into the dark, forested surroundings, the home is also a polished contrast to the full-of-green landscaping.

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Photo: KuDa Photography 2015. From: Jordan Iverson
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Mix and Match Materials

All angles and lines are a good thing for this Eugene, Ore., home, where a mishmash of materials combine for a stylishly cohesive design. Wide plank shiplap and traditional siding are finished in the same charcoal gray and meet in the middle at the entryway, which hosts hand-selected knotty exotic wood for the perfect juxtaposition.

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Photo: Jennifer Boomer/Verbatim Photo A. From: Fixer Upper
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Start Off Small

Even on a tiny house, a black exterior makes a big impact. The renovated ultra-steep roof allowed for the addition of a loft, and an expanded porch with serving bar extended the living and entertaining space. Natural wood accents are the ideal counterparts to the matte black board-and-batten.

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Photo: Matti Gresham Photography. From: Urbanology Designs
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Dive Into the Deep Blues

When Urbanology Designs took on the renovation of this 100-year-old Texas home, they set out to preserve all the historic details they could, and the exterior was no exception. They transformed the cottage with dark navy paint and contrasting white trim.

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Photo: Kerry Kirk, Staging: Walker Wright, Builder: Toll Brothers. From: Diana Lombard Interiors
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Experiment With Materials

Not every moody exterior is all black. Soft gray stonework, matte black siding and rustic dark wood blend together for a welcoming entry — of course, the flower beds bursting with pink blooms doesn’t hurt either. The tin roof is not only long-lasting and durable but also adds a decidedly farmhouse vibe to the house.

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Photo: Christopher Barr. From: Eric Spry
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Lean Into Simplicity

Driving up to the stunner in the desert is giving major oasis vibes. Sleek and streamlined, the dark charcoal stucco exterior pairs with rustic copper detailing and an utterly minimalist landscape. Clever planning and low-maintenance plantings guarantee the curb appeal stays on point all year round.

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Photo: Cameron Carothers. From: Deasy Penner Podley
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Follow Us Home

Darkness doesn’t have to be foreboding. This home is clad in shadowy shades, but has an understated and welcoming aesthetic. The clever arrangement of windows and blinds let the interior lighting really set a mood for a cozy arrival. For an unexpected design choice, the roof shingles are laid in a zigzag pattern — bringing chic texture to the monochromatic palette.

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Photo: Dylan Chandler. From: HGTV Magazine
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Create Curb Appeal

Designer Tiffany Brooks took this traditional home from past-right-by to stop-and-stare. Using Sherwin-Williams’ Tricorn Black paint, she repainted the brick exterior and finished it off with crisp white trim.

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From: Ben Herzog
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Double Up Your Facade

When these homeowners want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, they simply step out their back door. A privacy fence wraps around the brick terrace, providing a quaint getaway or elegant entertaining space. Designer Ben Herzog merges modern and traditional with exposed original brick and a glossy black exterior.

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Photo: Anthony Tahlier. From: Brianne Bishop
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Take a Slower Approach

One benefit of a darker exterior is its ability to blend seamlessly — almost disappearing — into natural surroundings. This three-story lake retreat is perfectly situated among the trees to take in the view while also hiding away from the busyness of day-to-day life.

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Photo: Dionel Fisher- The Mittentog. From: Susannah Watts
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Renovate to Stand Out

An extensive overhaul, including relocating the front door and adding a garage, brought this midcentury modern home into the present day. Once drab and forgettable, the now polished opaque exterior pairs with warm, natural woods for major curb appeal.

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Photo: Robert Peterson
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Stay Inside the Box

Sticking with straight lines and 90-degree angles may seem like a boring plan but for this Nashville home, it makes an impressive display. A mix of shiplap and wide board-and-batten add interest and keep the simple design from looking too plain. Picturesque windows ensure that plenty of natural light floods the interior.