As the end of 2020 nears, we're working to close out a handful of projects before taking a break to spend time as a family and really enjoy our first Christmas Season living in our home full time (you may remember this time last year, when we were living in a hotel as our windows, floors, and dining room were all ripped apart). And even though we aren't quite ready to show full before/afters of the exterior of our home, we are excited to share what it looks like today, in all her snowy, holiday glory. But, let's remember where it started.
And what it looks like today, mold and rot-free:
Though finding the mold all over our exterior was an unexpected twist in this already twisted year, it pushed us to remove all of our mental barriers and really create an exterior that we felt was unique, but also classic. After pulling together our inspiration and getting some help from Shea McGee and her incredibly talented team, we had a clear direction that guided us through the entire 7 month project.
Going so dark on our exterior has been somewhat polarizing among those in our online community. But the contrast of the dark siding with the stone - and altering the placement of some of the elements (stone, windows, lights, etc) - we could not love it more.
We've also recognized from the beginning that the old exterior of our home was not bad. But it wasn't us, and this is the first time we feel that the outside of our home represents us just as well as the things we've done on the inside.
The back patio in the snow is beautiful, and dramatic, and almost haunting (in a good way). But as good as it is now, we also know it's going to be a sight to behold with the greenery in full bloom. We just love how different the home feels through the seasons. Not just the landscape around it, but the home itself.
The garage-side of our home was one of our biggest pain points. It's the side of our home most visible from a main road that runs along the side of our property, and it was pretty bland. Now, we have cars stopping daily and parking across the road to examine the details closer.
And how could you not. The copper gutters and light fixtures; the black windows and paint; the custom garage doors; the cedar-look composite roof. It all just works so well together.
And though we feel like we've rounded a corner and can take a few minutes to breathe, we're also excited to hopefully have the remaining projects for this home in our own hands; being able to really dive deep into each room and take them just a little further. So even though we're celebrating and are so in love with our home, we're planning and dreaming and can't wait to take you along for everything that is yet to come.
POSTS ABOUT THE EXTERIOR OF OUR HOME:
- Studio McGee's Design Plan
- "What's up with the mold?"
- 8 Options We're Deciding Between
- 12 Dark Paint Colors We're Loving
- Siding
- Roof
- Stone
- Exterior Video Tour
- Gas Lanterns
- Garage
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I’m so in love with this, just put the same exact roofing on our new build and got the inspiration from your pictures. Brava shake in colors weathered.
I’m also dying to know what stone and color you used??
Thanks !
You can read all about the stone in this post!
What a transformation! It is simply gorgeous and I love it.
Your house is very amazing i love the exterior and everything this is my dream house it's really beautiful
I love everything about this exterior! The stone is to die for and I love the contrast with the dark siding. What color paint did you end up going with? I’ve searched the blog and can’t seem to find it. Absolutely stunning!
It's Benjamin Moore Graphite
Absolutely beautiful. What a transformation!!
Few homes have looked as pretty in the snow.
That final shot where you can see both of the stone sections together is my favorite thing ever. Such a gorgeous angle with balance, contrast, and interesting architectural details (the window, the balcony).
SO incredibly beautiful!!
Absolutely stunning. I know that my style evolves with yours because I love everything you guys do so much. I recently invested in a large wood Pottery Barn bowl that you recommended because I knew how much it would elevate the function and style in my kitchen and I hung my first gallery wall yesterday with mixed(!) frames and vintage art that I'm so smitten with all inspired by you. Love it all. Merry Christmas to your family and your team!
I absolutely adore every choice you have made on the exterior. Your design choices are usually the opposite of what I would choose but that is exactly why I follow you. You are not afraid to make a bold choice.
Your home is gorgeous! I do think the front is off balance somehow...the beautiful stone clad wall on the left but then just darkness on the right with the entrance. It feels just off to me.
It looks fabulous (especially in the snow)! I can so relate to how it feels driving up to a home that feels like you, we got out home painted last week and it is SO much more us. I wanted to tell you I love and appreciate your moody cottage style and that everything isn't white or the same- it is so much more unique!! Thank you for sharing different inspiration.
It turned out great and looks beautiful covered in snow!
Thanks for the update on exterior images. Your home's exterior is breathtaking. I'd stop to ponder, too.
Here's to an enjoyable 2021 where you may celebrate all year long and benefit from your work!
I loooooove the dark paint, light stone, and copper gutters! Makes me wish I could afford to pull the vinyl off my house and properly clad it, paint it back, and put stone on my chimney! I never would have guessed how much I would love a black house but here we are! Thanks for the inspiration.
Julia, this dark house is simply stunning against the snow! I can't wait to see it in the Spring, when you're able to create a front garden which bespeaks that cottage ambiance. I can just see large pots laden with bright colored flowers. Perhaps a batch of white rhododendrons replacing the "traditional" hedge along the front porch. Maybe a small trellis or pergola with leafy vines and scented blooms in front of the girl's study...That dark porch will serve as a brilliant backdrop!
It’s amazing and absolutely stunning. Well done. I’d stop, too, if I were driving by.
It's absolutely so so gorgeous. Congratulations.
Forgive me if this is has been answered, or is too intrusive. But were you able to recoup any costs through your homeowner's policy due to the mold? I ask because I know this was a legated issue with the type of stucco that was on your home previously and was wondering if was something that you explored?
We tried, but weren't able to unfortunately.
This whole house is such a dream! Honestly I’m totally IN LOVE with the dark exterior and the way the copper accents it all. Maybe finding the mold was a good thing? ???? so inspired by all the work you and Chris do, I get so excited when I see you post something new on here, Instagram or even Pinterest!
Continuing to live vicariously through you ????
Thank you so much!!
It is a dream! we so badly need to redo our siding and roof and you have me all inspired! I love the shingle roof and copper gutters so much!!! Want to do the same on ours for sure! ONE DAY SOON I HOPE!
The back view has to be my favorite--those copper cutters just really seal the deal!
Gosh, it's a winter dream of a house. Can't wait to see it in the spring/summer, too!
So beautiful! Thank you. And have you done a post about the Christmas lights that trim your roofline?? Those are the only lights I’ve ever seen that I love!
Thank you! We actually hired them out so I don't know details!
Like they say...”Design is in the details.”
Well done. What a beautiful result from your collaboration with Studio McGee! ❤️ Enjoy!
Wishing your family a Happy and Healthy Holiday season!
I lurrrrrrrve this! I have a dark home myself (deep navy) and the way the landscaping “pops” off of it was one of the most surprising aspects after we painted. What a year!! Enjoy your Christmas season and jib well done!!!
“Job” sigh.
Stunning pictures! May not be the right look for everyone’s home, but for yours, it just works.
It's beautiful. Love all the different angles in these pics. And the fact that it feels like you guys has to be the best feeling. I've enjoyed following along so much!
Interesting look! I think a large wreath on the dark siding over the single window on that little wing just out to the left of the front door (what is that room? ) would be great to try. Would be more visible than all of the small window wreaths, which draw the eye to too many places at once and add to the busy feeling of the windows. A single large wreath and the lights would be perfect and better fit the scale of the house! I know the scale thing is hard to get with this house! :)
The double wreaths are one of my favorite parts. :)
I agree! The double wreaths is my fave part too! Just so beautiful- well done!!
I'm sorry, whoever said they liked it better before is crazy! It looks so good and looks so your style! I am obsessed.
Gorgeous.
It really is a showstopper. ENJOY it!
Okay very lovely to see it all the way around! From the front it looks all black and all the way to the left a big patch of stone. But then if you see it from behind the stone is distributed throughout more evenly. I love seeing it from the different sides and only you guys could make GUTTERS look a wow factor!
Wow. That last photo. Congratulations. You inspire me daily to ask myself what I really want from my home.