Deriving its origins from a French word that literally translates to ‘the face’, façade of any building plays a key role in establishing its identity. While interior design is integral to any residential or housing project, it is the elements used for façade exterior designing that define the personality of the house.
And this is the reason why interior designers of India and all over the world give utmost attention and importance to designing residential building facades. Read on to know more. As you will observe below, balance is the key factor underlying all design choices.
-
Determine the purpose that will be served by your home
First and foremost, it is imperative to understand the needs or purpose of your home, and your family members. For instance, a joint family that has both old and young people, would do really well by having an exterior that incorporates large windows which make room for ample natural light to enter the house.
Light is a great way to build healthy and positive energy around the house, and keep all members in good shape.
Likewise, for someone who is into the mechanics of automobiles, a façade that consists of a single or dual garage set-up would be a great fit. Once you have defined the purpose, it becomes very easy to go for a façade design which perfectly synchronizes with the interiors of the house.
-
Symmetry is the key
After the purpose has been defined, the next step in façade exterior designing is ensuring the symmetry of design. So wherever the main door is will become the focal point of the exterior, and windows can be incorporated on either side so as to give a symmetrical look. Square or rectangular shapes work best to achieve this objective.
-
Opt for conventional materials
When it comes to choosing materials for façade exterior designing, we recommend the traditional ones such as wood or steel. These materials are not only evergreen when it comes to visual appeal, but also subtle and sturdy to stand the test of time- the perfect recipe for a design that has a long life.
-
Go for a balanced colour scheme
Colours have a key role to play here. Ideally, a combination of two colours, a dark and a light, works best for façade exteriors. To add an extra wow element, you could go for a third hue for the window trims may be, but that is pretty much about it.
Ansa’s team of interior designers has years of expertise and knowledge in helping clients make colour choices that take care of all major considerations- something that will not wear off with the passage of time; something that will cover up seasonal flaws (if any) perfectly; and is aesthetically pleasing to look at as well.
The colours chosen can be anywhere on the spectrum, ranging from subtle and simple to bright and bold. The idea is to choose the ones that match the personality of the homeowner. A dark colour for the roof lines and ventilation outlets, and a lighter one for the rest of the body is the optimum way to go about it.
-
Choose an entry door that inspires
Perhaps the most vital element of façade exterior designing is the main door or entrance. It serves as a bridge between the outside world and your personal haven, your home. No wonder it has to be something unique and inviting, warm and welcoming, so that your guests will remember it for a long time. Majestic custom-made doors are a huge rage these days, and we can help you build one as per your personal taste and preferences.
As already mentioned, the positioning of the door has to be central to the overall design. Everything else can be built around it in a symmetrical fashion. First impression is the last impression, and your entry door is the first thing any visitor would notice.
-
Experiment with windows
Talking about the windows, the market today has a host of options. The variety in terms of design and functionality is just beyond imagination.
If you want to incorporate more natural light, big glass windows work best. For having intermittent periods of lighting with shade in between, blinds or shutter window treatments can be used.
In many modern homes, sliding windows are becoming the norm as they give out a more ‘open’ vibe and of course have room for better ventilation. As with all other factors in façade exterior designing, windows should be chosen with symmetry of the overall structure in mind.
-
Make a difference with lighting fixtures
Next in line are the lighting fixtures that you will use for your outdoor facades. It is important to understand here that lighting will serve the dual purposes of security and aesthetic appeal at night times for your residential exterior. Read more about importance of lighting here.
Depending on the theme of your interior, contemporary or traditional, choose outdoor fixtures that make the entire house look well connected. A modern home will do well with decorative accent lights, while a more conventional one would look amazing with vintage lamp posts and chandeliers. The idea is to have a well-illuminated exterior that will shine in pristine glory even after the sun has set.
All said and done, there are still few more areas that need to be addressed while conceptualizing the façade design. Driveways and walkways have to be planned such that they are not only comfortable to stand or walk on, but also warm and inviting for guests. Interlocking or a fresh coat of paint can do wonders to the overall appeal. Having small plants or flowers neatly lined up along the edges is a great add on too. Landscaping is another area that needs to be looked into. Here’s a YouTube video discussing landscape design tips!
With so many elements that go into designing the exterior of your home, it can be very stressful to manage everything. To take away all your stress and make it a hassle-free experience, Ansa Interiors is here to assist you. Call now for luxury architectural & interior designing consultation!