5 Exterior Trends That Are in Right Now

With the weather starting to get a bit warmer and a lot of us starting to think about entertaining now that spring has sprung, we thought it would be a good time to highlight 5 exterior trends that are in right now. 

So often we focus on what’s trending for interiors and homewares without considering what is trending on the outside of the home. And anyone who has built or renovated before knows just how important getting the exterior of your home right (it is after all; the thing gives the first impression of your entire home). 

So, whether you’re currently building or renovating and are making your all-important facade design decisions or you’re simply here because you love to keep up with the latest House & Garden trends, you’ve come to the right place. 

With the help of Brickworks, below you’ll find 5 exterior trends that we think you need to know about right now.

Project: Gladstone - The Cycad House. Architect: RAD Studio. Builder: Cavallaro Building Services. Photography: David Slevers

1. Pattern brickwork

It’s time to get creative and have fun by laying your bricks in different patterns. Gone are the days when your only option was to lay your bricks in the traditional bricklay pattern. Nowadays there are much more creative and inspiring ways to lay your bricks that can really make a visual impact and statement for your home. Some of the trending brickwork patterns we’re loving right now are stack bond (suited for more of a contemporary, modern facade), stacked horizontal, stacked variation, basketweave and herringbone. Also, don’t be afraid to mix it up and include different brickwork patterns throughout your home. For example, if there are different areas of your facade where you are laying bricks then you might like to do a stack bond for one wall and then a stacked variation look on the other. Want to know a little designer tip? Have a play around with different brickwork patterns before your bricklayer lays your bricks. This way you’ll know which pattern you like before laying your bricks and making an expensive mistake if you don’t like it once the bricks are laid. 

Project: Northside House. Architect: Wellard Architects. Photography: Derek Swalwell. 

Project: Northside House. Architect: Wellard Architects. Photography: Derek Swalwell.

Project: Casa Mia. Architects: Caroline Di Costa Architects & Iredale Pedersen Hook. Landscape Architect: CAPA. Builder: Limitless Building. Photographer: Robert Frith. Product featured: Austral Bricks Indulgence in Praline

2. Breeze Block features

Breeze blocks are the exterior gift that keeps on giving. Although we are focusing on exterior trends and while breeze block features certainly are trending right now, they are a timeless look and feature for your facade that won’t date. Breeze blocks are a great material option if you’re wanting to screen off a certain area, such as a pool or alfresco area, but aren’t wanting to completely block it off. They come in a range of different shapes that suit almost any home style. Although breeze blocks are commonly seen in Palm Springs or Coastal style homes, we are definitely seeing more and more breeze blocks being used in a more modern and contemporary way and absolutely love it. Brickworks add, "Whether you’re renovating or embarking on a new-build, incorporating breeze blocks for feature walls indoor or outdoor will add architectural interest and achieve the look and feel of a Palm Springs abode". 

Project: Brighton East 3. Architect: InForm in collaboration with Pleysier Perkins. Styling: Bek Sheppard. Photography: Timothy Kaye. 

Project: Brighton East 3. Architect: InForm in collaboarion with Pleysier Perkins. Styling: Bek Sheppard. Photography: Timothy Kaye.

Simon Perkins, Principal at Pleysier Perkins says, “We decided we wanted to do something non-homogenous when it came to the façade, and so, breeze blocks were used as a veil-like component, creating a statement from the outside and an impactful, dynamic relief within the interior.”

Project: Palm Springs. Builder: Webb & Brown-Neaves. Photography: D Max Photography. Product featured: GB Masonry Wedge Breeze Block in Porcelain 

3. Statement roof tiles

If there is one exterior trend we’re loving right now, it has to be statement roof tiles. Making us feel like we are on a European holiday, statement roof tiles offer an enchanting and charismatic look to any home. A popular choice of roof tile if you’re looking for something that is a statement is the Medio Curva – Galia roof tile from Brickworks. Traditionally used in Europe and Spain, this roof tile comes in two tile pieces and has a beautiful and timeless appearance. A popular roof tile choice for new builds and also house restorations, statement roof tiles are great if you’re looking to add a sense of charm and grandeur to your home.

Project: Applegum House. Builder: Grand Designed Homes. Photographer: Black Bee Studio. Product featured: Medio Curva - Galia tile

Project: The Esplanade Peppermint Grove. Photography: Dion Robeson. Builder: Clarke Builders. 

4. Concrete blocks

We are loving seeing the inclusion of concrete blocks on a lot of facades as of late. A trend that seems to withstand the test of time, concrete (or masonry) blocks are a popular choice for backyards and facades. Perfectly suited to those seeking a contemporary style home, concrete blocks offer a modern aesthetic and are much-loved for their sturdy, block-like and raw characteristics and are a relatively cost-effective building material option. If it’s a modern style home you’re seeking, we’d certainly recommend considering including concrete blocks into your design. Brickworks elaborates, "A key element of the design conception was to ensure the house was as low-maintenance as possible, guaranteeing minimal intervention in the future. To facilitate this, the project has no external paint or render. Concrete blocks are used as a key feature, running from the outside in, creating design continuity and durability. As a feature, the blocks are sleek and neutral, assimilating into the surrounding environment. With no need to paint or treat the facade, the blocks will develop a natural patina over time, minimising both future costs and hassle".

Project: Gladstone - The Cycad House. Architect: RAD Studio. Builder: Cavallaro Building Services. Photography: David Sievers. Product featured: GB Masonry GB Smooth - Porcelain

Chris Rowlands, Director at RAD Studio says, “The detail and placement of such a robust material allowed us to have a heap of fun playing with shadows and filtering light, which also gives way for the vibrancy of the planting to work in harmonious contrast to the geometric strength of the home.”

5. Curves

If you’ve followed us for any time now, you’d know we’re massive lovers of curves - and we all know curves are having a moment right now. The curve trend is extending beyond the interior walls and is carrying through to the exterior. Incorporating a curve into your exterior adds a soft and interesting design feature and will give your home lasting personality and character. Whether you’re building your home from scratch and can incorporate a curve into your facade design, or you already have an existing home and can incorporate a curved feature in your backyard, we are all about the curves and think they are an exterior trend that is here to stay. 

Project: D_Residence. Architecture: CAPA (Carrier and Postmus Architects). Builder: Alita Constructions. Photography: Douglas Mark Black

Project: D_Residence. Architecture: CAPA (Carrier and Postmus Architects). Builder: Alita Constructions. Photography: Douglas Mark Black

So, there you have it, our top 5 exterior trends we think you need to know about right now. And while we do consider these to be trends, we believe each of these trends will withstand the test of time and be an enduring feature in any home. 

To discover more exterior products from Brickworks and to be inspired for your next facade or exterior project, see their full range here.