In this blog, I’ll share my 80s contemporary house exterior makeover.
When I first bought my house, it was stuck in a time capsule—complete with the bulky, boxed-in look of an 80s contemporary exterior. The angles were sharp, the colors were muted, and it wasn’t the clean, minimalist vibe I was aiming for.
So, I took on the challenge, and I’m here to tell you that it’s possible to modernize your home without gutting everything.
It’s about breaking down the outdated features, and slowly adding in clean lines, minimalist elements, and modern materials that all work together.
Here’s how I did it, and how you can too.
My 80s Contemporary House Exterior Makeover
Assess the Current Exterior
I started by walking around the house, taking note of the major elements: the roofline, windows, doors, and the overall shape of the house.
You’re not ripping everything out—take a realistic approach by focusing on what you want to keep and what can be updated.
I decided that the roof and windows were major points that needed modernizing, while I could keep the original frame of the house but update the materials.
Planning Modern Style
I opted for James Hardie Board in a smooth, light color. This fiber-cement siding is durable, low-maintenance, and gives a crisp, modern appearance.
I selected Arctic White for the primary color, which brightens the whole exterior and contrasts well with other materials.
To add interest and avoid a flat, monotone look, I incorporated a few accent sections in James Hardie’s Pearl Gray. The contrast creates depth while still feeling clean and fresh.
I hired a professional team for installation, ensuring the seams were properly sealed and the panels were aligned for a flawless finish.
Rework the Entry
One of the most important changes I made was to the entryway. The front door from the 80s had too much ornamentation—it was large, dark, and felt heavy.
To balance the modern look, I replaced it with a pivot-style door. This door is simple and made of solid wood with a clean, sleek handle. It’s still bold but in a more minimalist way.
I chose a Therma-Tru Smooth-Star fiberglass door with a clear glass insert and black trim.
The clean lines and glass panel provide a modern, welcoming entry while allowing natural light to pour into the foyer.
I painted the door with Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258), a deep black that contrasts beautifully with the light-colored exterior and gives the entryway a bold focal point.
Revamp the Exterior Materials
Now, let’s talk materials. The 80s exterior had tons of brickwork, which was heavy and outdated.
To modernize it, I replaced most of the brick with smooth, matte stucco. I chose a soft light gray for the stucco, giving the house a fresh, neutral backdrop that worked perfectly with my chosen color palette.
Then came the wood accents. I knew I wanted natural wood elements to bring warmth to the otherwise cool, minimalist aesthetic.
I added slatted wood panels around the windows and along the porch.
I also upgraded to a LiftMaster 8550W smart garage door opener for a quieter, more efficient operation.
I replaced the brick with stucco and added natural wood slats to keep the space warm and balanced.
Landscaping Overhaul
I used large, rectangular concrete pavers from Home Depot to create a clean, straight pathway leading from the driveway to the front door. The gray pavers contrast with the white exterior and provide a modern geometric look.
I chose low-maintenance, modern plants such as snake plants and boxwood hedges. I placed them in sleek, contemporary black and white planters, which complement the new exterior design.
I added a few ornamental grasses and Japanese maples to soften the space and add greenery without overpowering the modern lines.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
Finally, after all the big changes, a fresh coat of paint sealed the deal.
I chose a soft, light gray for the stucco and black for the window trim and front door, which gave the house a modern, streamlined look.
This monochromatic scheme gave the house a sophisticated, cohesive look.
Stick to neutral, timeless colors. The beauty of modern homes is in their simplicity, so a minimalist palette of grays, blacks, whites, and natural wood tones will always be in style.
Final Touches – Personalizing Look
I swapped out my old, outdated house numbers for modern black metal numbers from CB2. The clean design adds a minimalist touch.
I placed a simple, woven outdoor rug from West Elm near the front door and added a few small planters with vibrant flowers to bring in some color.
I added a custom address sign, some outdoor sculptures, and a few simple plants to enhance the entrance.
Conclusion
Transforming my 80s-style home into a modern masterpiece took time, effort, and a clear vision, but it was well worth it. By focusing on the fundamentals—updating materials, simplifying the design, and adding modern elements—I was able to turn a dated house into a fresh, contemporary space that feels warm, inviting, and timeless.
If you follow these steps, I promise you’ll end up with a home that feels brand new, but still uniquely yours. Happy renovating!
FAQs
How much will it cost to modernize the exterior of my home?
The cost can vary depending on the scope of the project and the materials you choose. However, a typical modernizing project could range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, especially if you’re replacing roofing or windows.
Can I modernize the exterior of my home without a complete overhaul?
Absolutely! I highly recommend focusing on key updates rather than tearing everything down. Simple changes like swapping outdated windows for larger, sleek frames, replacing heavy brick with lighter materials like stucco, and upgrading your front door can completely shift the aesthetic. You don’t need to get your entire home to make it modern.
How do I know what modern materials are best for my home?
Start by considering the climate and the architectural features of your house. For example, if you’re in a warmer climate, a metal roof or stucco finish can help with energy efficiency. Wood accents can add warmth to any exterior, but be sure to choose durable woods that can withstand the elements.
Do I need to hire professionals for every step of the renovation?
Not necessarily! While some elements like roofing or major window replacements are best handled by professionals, smaller tasks like painting, adding new trim, and landscaping can easily be done on your own. If you’re on a budget, try tackling the easier projects yourself, and leave the more complex ones to the experts.
