Today I’m looking at a Warm Modern Cottage design! With lots of ideas, sources, and an exterior materials scheme for your home.
Also, check out my previous Cottage study here.
Table of contents
Where to start with your exterior design
To get started, I always like to pull together images to inspire and guide me as I select the final materials. Then, I pick three words that describe how I want the finished project to feel.
Today’s keywords are ‘Warm,’ ‘Modern’ and ‘Cottage,’ and these three photos are our guidance:
The first image is for the color palette and maybe some textures – I love that wall the baskets are hanging on.
The second image helps with textures but also warmth and gives us a casual yet modern feeling.
The final image guides the metal finishes, like the mailbox, the light, and the other hardware parts.
Overall, it gives me a rustic but modern cottage feeling!
Warm Modern Cottage Exterior Materials
Here are the materials and pieces I would pull together to get this feeling on your house:
STONE VENEER | SIDING | ROOFING | LIGHT PAINT | DARK PAINT | LANTERN | HOUSE NUMBER | MAILBOX | PLANTER
How to design your Warm Modern Cottage Exterior
First, I started with the Stacked Stone veneer in Daybreak from Eldorado Stone. This adds the dreamy cottage texture in a modern way.
Then I balanced that natural texture with smooth Artisan Shiplap Siding from Artisan Collection by JamesHardie. I’d then coat it in the crisp, yet still warm white SW Natural Linen 9109 from Sherwin-Williams.
Next, I’d cap it off with Synthetic Cedar Brava Shake roofing from Brava Roof Tile in the Natural Shake color. I’d trim the roof out with a modern bronze paint SW 7048 Urbane Bronze from Sherwin-Williams.
Finally, I’d select a warm natural wood door with a charming grain. Then I’d accent it all with warm mixed metals on the gas lantern from Circa Lighting over the door. Matching brass house numbers, and a cottage-style mailbox round it out. And I’d add some of that basket texture with planters planted with lovely soft flowers.
There you have it! A warm, modern cottage design for your exterior.
If you’d ever like to see what this scheme would look like on your house, or if you’d like to try a different look entirely, we should work together!
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As Founder and Principal Designer of West | South, Mel is known for creating exterior color and materials plans that elevate homes across North America. Blending practical know‑how with a warm, personal approach, she helps homeowners update older houses or shape brand‑new builds with balanced, beautiful combinations that last. With clear guidance and a friendly touch, Mel makes exterior design easy to understand and enjoyable from start to finish.
I love your work!!! You are super talented. How much would it be for you to help me modernize the front of my home if I send you a picture. It needs some contrast and lighter color I think. It appears as a rancher in the front however it is not. The back is the beauty of the house overlooking a small lake. Let me know if you can help Thank you Gemma Gennello
Gemma, thank you so much! You can find out more about how I can help right here: https://west-south.com/exterior-design-help