So, you’ve put countless hours, lots of rupees and plenty of creativity into your bungalow’s interior. That’s great! But what about the outside of your home?
Decorating the interior of your bungalow can be easy. Just choose your theme, and some complementary furniture and your room will start to look great. The exterior, however, can be a little harder to work with, and the process should certainly not be taken lightly.
You’ll need to examine the exterior of your bungalow and work out what exactly would make it appealing. What would cause passers-by to stop in their tracks and think ‘Hey, that’s a beautiful house!’? It’s not as simple as choosing a new colour. Your exterior update will be complicated, requiring you to select colours and materials as well as working with shapes, lines and landscaping.
Luckily, there are a few general ‘rules’ that may help you out.
1. Focus on symmetry and balance.
Balance and symmetry are vital to any aesthetic, from art to deécor. By taking them into account, you’ll be able to create an efficiently designed space that’s easy on the eye.
This doesn’t mean your home should be perfectly symmetrical. However, it’s important to ensure the shapes and designs you’ve used complement each other throughout the exterior.
2. Functionality is just as important as form.
You may have been advised not to follow ‘form over function’, and most people will agree – it’s important to focus on both. Ideally, your designs will be influenced by the practicalities of your home.
Think about what your bungalow is used for. Consider the activities that take place there, and how the building – both inside and outside – is used by your family.
Avoid any decor choices that may be impractical for your lifestyle, for example, if you have kids or elderly relatives, complicated landscaping or gravel may be a hazard. Similarly, if you’re usually busy with a complicated work life, it’s unlikely you’ll have the time to manage high-maintenance materials or plant life.
3. Take textures into account.
There are so many options for exterior materials, such as brick, wood, stucco and metal, as well as endless finishes. You may be overwhelmed by the choices on offer and find it difficult to choose between them. While aesthetics and important, your best bet is to choose something that’s durable, especially if you don’t have the budget to spend on a full replacement or repair sooner than expected.
Your choice should also reflect your personal style. If you’re into the contemporary look, try brushed steel or wooden panelling. If you prefer things a little more rustic, you may prefer stone or wooden shingles.
If you’re finding the process a bit too complicated, it’s worth consulting an experienced architect. They’ll be able to advise you on the designs and materials that will suit the size and shape of your bungalow, as well as fitting your budget and style.
4. Place the perfect colour.
Colour is just as important outside as it is inside. First, you’ll need to design whether you’re going to make a bold statement or go for something more classic.
It’s also important to ensure your paint job is well done. If done correctly, paint can cover flaws or blemishes on your home. However, if done poorly, it may draw attention to them – the opposite of what you’re hoping to achieve.
When choosing a colour, don’t be afraid to try out a few samples. Try selecting two shades from the colour family you’re leaning towards – one lighter and one a few shades darker. These will complement each other when used in combination and may serve as ideal tones for the main shade of your house and the additional trim.
5. Work the landscape.
There’s more to your landscape than a few flower pots and paving slabs. It’s a complicated process, best attempted by a professional who is used to creating unique, creative designs around their clients’ homes.
The perfect landscape will consist of lush plant life, rockeries and pathways that intertwine and draw focus to the area, making your bungalow stand out amongst others on your street.
While you may not be familiar with plants, a professional garden landscaper will know exactly which kinds will work on your property and will advise you on which plants or flowers will look great.
They will even, in most cases, offer a high-quality sketch of how the finished project will look, allowing you to visualise it and make changes where necessary.
6. Find the ideal windows.
Windows do more than let in a little air. They shine light into the home, adding radiance and natural elements to each and every room. The type of windows you choose should depend on the character of your bungalow. If you have a modern, contemporary property, try large windows that let in unlimited light.
For more traditional styles, you may prefer original rectangular, wooden framed windows or simple yet versatile white framed double glazing.
7. Add a little light.
Finally, light can work wonders for an exterior, as well as improving the safety of your home. Light can draw the eyes of visitors to your home’s focal points after dark, illuminating any creative elements you’ve chosen during the design process. Spotlights can also be added to brighten up any pathways and ensure you’re able to walk safely from the driveway to your front door.
Although these rules may make the process of decorating an exterior seem slightly more difficult and complicated than decorating your bedroom or kitchen, your effort and hard work will show in the final design.
How will you be implementing these ideas into your exterior? Have you already tried them in your bungalow? Do you have any great advice on decorating a home’s exterior? Share your thoughts in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!
