There’s nothing like a home makeover to show just how much a little creativity—and a lot of effort—can completely change the way a place looks and feels. When it comes to home improvement, one of the biggest boosts you can give your property is through an exterior house remodel. Whether you’re fixing up an old Victorian in downtown Toronto or adding charm to a ranch-style house in the suburbs of Vancouver, updating your home’s outside can turn tired into timeless.
To demonstrate how strong an outside remodel can be, we have compiled 20 incredible before-and-after changes. Whether you’re ready for a complete remodel or just want to start small with a new door or fresh paint, these projects are organized into themes to motivate you.
Historic Home Transformations
Example 1: A 1920s Craftsman Receives a Facelift
Before: It was once a beautiful house with peeling paintwork, a crumbling porch, and windows that were far from being energy-efficient.
After: With reclaimed wood, new siding, and a newly renovated architectural design that employs a traditional color scheme, the home resembles a house seen on a show like Fixer Upper. New window designs blend with the original look but with energy-saving building materials.
Example 2: Victorian Beauty Reimagined
Before: Faded trim, a wild card, and broken shutters took away the charm of this historic house.
After: A bold color palette, restored gables, and fresh landscaping brought this terraced house back to life. It’s a reminder that small touches—like lighting and clean lines—can honor the past while making a home feel brand new.
Dated to Contemporary Facelifts
Example 3: From 1970s Brick to Modern Farmhouse
Before: This suburban home had flat walls, old brick, and no personality.
After: Now dressed in board-and-batten siding, with black-trimmed windows and sleek metal roof features, it fits right into the modern farmhouse style. A few architectural elements—like vertical lines and neutral paint—make a huge difference.
Example 4: 1980s Gets a Minimalist Twist
Before: Heavy stonework and small windows made this house feel closed off and dated.
After: Smooth surfaces, large glass doors, and calming earth tones helped turn this into a chic retreat that channels minimalism. It feels light, clean, and open, like something from a design-focused American television series.
Landscaping-Driven Overhauls
Example 5: Overgrown Yard to Outdoor Haven
Before: A sad, patchy lawn and no clear walkway made this home blend into the background.
After: With new stone paths, native plants, and warm outdoor lighting, the yard now welcomes visitors with style. Landscaping is often overlooked in home improvement, but it’s one of the best ways to boost curb appeal.
Example 6: Sloped Driveway Meets Garden Magic
Before: A steep hill made this front yard hard to use.
After: Now, the area features terraced gardens, retaining walls, and blooming shrubs that add beauty and structure. It’s a great example of using civil engineering and environmental design to solve problems and add value.
Color & Material Makeovers
Example 7: Dull Brick Gets a Clean, Bright Look
Before: The brick was faded, and the shutters were falling off.
After: A coat of crisp white paint, bold black window shutters, and some tasteful planters gave this house a magazine-ready makeover.
Example 8: From Vinyl Siding to Natural Stone
Before: Worn-out vinyl siding made this place feel generic.
After: Now wrapped in stone veneer with warm cedar trim, the house has texture and warmth. Natural materials can bring a ton of aesthetic charm, especially when mixed for contrast.
Porch & Entryway Revamps
Example 9: Tiny Stoop to Grand Porch
Before: The entrance was barely big enough for a welcome mat.
After: A full wraparound porch now creates a cozy spot for relaxing. It’s complete with a classic awning, rocking chairs, and hanging plants—true domestic life goals.
Example 10: Entryway With Style
Before: The front door was plain and lacked personality.
After: A covered entryway with statement lighting and bold trim makes this home stand out. Updating your door, house numbers, and porch light is a quick way to modernize your exterior without major construction.
Rustic to Chic Conversions
Example 11: From Log Cabin to Sleek Getaway
Before: It resembled a camp in the wilderness rather than a house.
After: The log cabin ambiance was retained with modern finishes, new roofing, and modern features, including a new garage door and a black stripe of trim, Rustic doesn’t necessarily imply rough.
Example 12: Barn Home With Modern Flair
Before: This barn-style home had charm but looked a little lost in time.
After: Adding glass garage doors, a steel roof, and some industrial-style lighting turned it into a modern masterpiece. A blend of building technology and original components made it both functional and beautiful.
Expanding Outdoor Living Spaces
Example 13: Kitchen Goes Outdoors
Before: The backyard was just grass.
After: A pergola, outdoor kitchen, and seating area made it a hub for family BBQs and quiet evenings. These days, expanding the living room outside is one of the top trends in home economics.
Example 14: Front Yard to Lounge Zone
Before: Nothing but patchy grass and a mailbox.
After: It now features a stone deck, cozy seating, and soft lighting. With a little planning, even your front yard can be your favorite room in the house.
Mid-Century Modern Updates
Example 15: Bringing Back the ’50s With Flair
Before: Plain walls, no personality.
After: A pop of color, angled roof lines, and eye-catching trim gave this home mid-century modern appeal, think television shows like those set in retro California—cool but cozy.
Example 16: Making the Most of Angles
Before: A boring yard with no design.
After: Angular landscaping, a gravel path, and slim shrubs now echo the shape of the roof. Smart architectural styles can tie everything together for a cohesive look.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Example 17: Simple Front Door Fix
Before: Basic builder-grade door and dull paint.
After: A bold-colored door, modern mailbox, and sleek house numbers make the whole front feel fresh.
Example 18: Easy Upgrades with Big Results
Before: Old shutters and a rusty mailbox.
After: New shutters, bold trim, and updated lighting transformed the space—proof that you don’t always need to go big to get big results.
Complete Overhauls
Example 19: From Tear-Down to Dream Home
Before: The house was falling apart.
After: A full rebuild gave way to a mansion-style home with every modern structural system and innovation you can think of. This kind of job takes building engineering, vision, and usually, professional help.
Example 20: Cottage Becomes Coastal Retreat
Before: Old cottage, tiny rooms, no views.
After: Bigger windows, open layout, light colors, and beach-style finishes turned it into a coastal hideaway. It’s a dreamy blend of interior design, architecture, and visual arts.
Key Takeaways
- Paint & Color: Neutral shades with bold accents are still the go-to for making homes look newer and cleaner.
- Landscaping: From the street, simple improvements like paths, native plants, and lighting can completely alter how a house feels.
- Architectural Details: Shutters, porches, and unusual doors all have the great ability to improve curb appeal.
- Material Mixes: Blend wood, stone, and metal for texture and modern charm.
Conclusion
There is no incorrect starting point, whether your dreams are of a complete house exterior renovation or simply of changing your front door. The excitement of a wonderful change doesn’t require you to be on a TV show like Fixer Upper. Start small or go big—but always plan intelligently.
Working with professionals like architects, landscapers, and contractors can help to speed up and simplify the process. Every action you take toward improving the exterior of your property brings you closer to creating the home you have always desired.
