Black modern house designs are becoming increasingly popular. They look chic and different, plus they make a huge design statement. However, when considering colors for the exterior of your house, it’s not likely that many people will suggest choosing black. For accent trim, sure, but for the whole house?

Yes! Especially on modern and contemporary styles, black can be an amazing color for the outside of a home. Often, the exterior of a black modern house is a different material from plain wood or black siding, ranging from metal or special wood cladding.

These types of homes are ideal for locations where the black will add to the drama of a landscape, or help the black modern house blend with its surroundings.

Black Mansion

Modern black homes can be pretty large and mostly the exterior styles are modern or transitional. This is because a traditional mansion with a black exterior is exceptionally rare.

In fact, they’re almost nonexistent. You can find lots of exciting, large black mansions that have unique architecture. Sometimes, the black cladding is combined with stone, metal, or natural wood for an interesting look.

Dark Modern House

BBVH Architecten of Rotterdam created this modern villa in a new suburb of Den Haag. The modern black house has a dynamic architecture with large cantilevering terraces.

It faces the waterfront, which gives it great views. Overall, the structure is steel around a concrete core. Inside, the walls are lightweight prefab timber. Actually, the house is not just black. It has gray glass-fiber-reinforced concrete panels, anthracite plaster and warms brown wooden cladding.

All Black House

This modern black house in Zagreb, Croatia is contemporary. DVA designed the structure, which. covers an area of 590 square meters. In fact, the owners asked the architects to design two identical black modern houses, one to be rented out.

Connected by a series of walls surrounding the site, each house has two basic elements: the shell and the glass membrane. The shell or frame protects the transparent core and provides privacy.

Modern Black and White House

Black and white is a classic combination, including for a home exterior. Parasite Studio of Romania created this black modern house as a dark box. White walls mark off the semipublic spaces and link the house with the environment.

A system of courtyards helps transition the public and private spaces. The black and white theme continues in the house. Living spaces are white while the private areas are enclosed in the black box section.

Black House Trim

Maybe you love the color but aren’t ready to go all black. Instead, black trim is a great way to use the bold color as an accent. This transitional white brick house is even more striking with the black trim. Window frames, drainpipes and the front door are all pure black and create a striking contrast.

Black Modern Farmhouse

This black modern house is a new take on the farmhouse trend. Instead of going with the typical white, this modular home opts for dark drama.

Dark stained vertical wood cladding emphasizes the height. In fact, the stain lets the wood grain variations show through, adding chic charm.

By contrast, the gray building in the back has horizontal wood cladding that’s more traditional.

Innovative Black Modern House Extension

A modern black exterior can be an ideal choice for an extension to an existing home. Christopher Polly Architect used a finish of black corrugated metal panels on the expanded portion of the yellow brick home in Sydney, originally constructed in the 1960s. The panels match the lines on the roof of the main part of the home. This gives it a natural feeling of belonging.

Set in the Canadian forest, this chalet getaway uses a steeply pitched roof and vertical lines to blend with the trees that surround it. Actually, the home is two structures, one of which holds the living space while the other is a storage shed.

Designed by APPAREIL Architecture, the chalet is angular and austere on the exterior, which offers no clue to the light and airy inside of the home. Wooded areas are great locations for a modern black house because, at a distance, the house blends with the dark forest home.

Sinus House Featuring a Black Roof

The Sinus House gets its name because the two spaces look like they are sliced out of the home. The Danish countryside home is more dramatic with its black facade. While it could have been painted any neutral colors, the white “sliced-out” sections highlight the modern black of the fillets on the roof and anthracite gray brick walls.

CEBRA Architecture designed the house, which aimed to meld large sections of glass windows with the overarching desire for privacy by the homeowners. As a result, these slices also ensure that sunlight will enter the home no matter the angle of the sun.

Small Black Suburban Home

Amid the generic home designs outside Munich, Buero Wagner created this small black house that stands out in more ways than one.  It is set near Lake Ammersee, between two existing homes, an office building and a multifamily home.

The wood cladding on the exterior wall is carbonized and belies the light wood interior found throughout. Moreover, the process of carbonizing the wood seals it, making it water-repellant and fungus-resistant without the use of any chemicals.

Faceted Black House

Designed by Benjamin Heller, this black house has a jewel-like appearance with its black panels shining like facets on a gemstone. Locates in Öhningen, a health resort near Lake Constance, Germany, it sits at the cliff of the neighborhood.

The architects say that the building has the feel of a hand-cut stone with its varied angles and black surface. The different ways that it reflects light make it a very interesting structure.

House in Silhouette

Designed as a large family home in Melbourne, House in Silhouette was conceived by Atelier red + black. The neighborhood sits at the edge of the outer suburbs and straddles the world between rural and suburban.

The black facade of the home is ideal for a low-density 1.6-acre lot, where there is plenty of green space. The unique dark house lends a distinctive air and helps set it into the landscape as a complementary structure.

Black Riverside Home

Choosing to have a dark facade is a bold and brave move, and this home in Užliedžiai, Lithuania uses it to its best advantage. Set on the side of the Nevezis river in a forest home setting, this house blends with the surroundings in an effortless way. 

Nebrau designed the home actually with two sections, one for living and the second for resting, both situated by a small private pond. Surprisingly, the unique black exterior wall puts it in harmony with all the elements in the setting.

Angela Waibel of Hajnoczky.Zanchetta Architekten created the concept of this tall and slim two-family home in a grove of trees near Zurich. As with other forest modern homes, the black exterior helps it melt away against the background of trees, leaves and topography. By contrast, in the snowy winter, the home stands out like a dark gem. The triangular shape of the house makes it a distinctive design. Also, the black exterior only serves to highlight its unusual silhouette.

Sustainable Australian Home

A dark-gray and black exterior is the perfect finish for this unique home. Actually, it’s also a model of sustainability in Fish Creek. Australia. The exterior of the home, designed by Archiblox, uses corrugated Woodland Grey Colorbond cladding.

All this echoes the sea, sitting just off the property. Vertical lines in the cladding mimic the tall slender trees of the forest. Dulux Black Ace window shrouds, frames, pergola and flashings highlight the building’s outline. Thus, they make the interior that is visible through the large windows even more vibrant

Haus D

Positioned in a very unlikely spot, Haus D rises from a small house plot in a suburb of Tuttlingen, Germany. It is actually squeezed in between traditional-style buildings that have been constructed over the centuries.

Playing off of the proximity and the shapes, topography of the plot. Two stories on one side and a single level on the other, the black exterior makes the most of a structure that would already stand out.

Mountaintop Cabin With a Twist

The dark gray/black exterior enhances the mountain ridge location of this cabin in the Czech Republic’s Ore Mountains. Stempel & Tesar Architects designed the striking silhouette, which has a good deal of character. Depending on the weather, the home either stands out or blends in against the open sky.

Black Urban House That’s a Little Mysterious

Located in Zagreb Croatia, this black house is actually two modern homes, not one. The owners asked DVA ARHITEKTA to create one to live in and the other to rent out. The quality facade unites the two buildings into one cohesive visual. The plentiful use of glass creates small house spaces away from the street. Mainly, the dramatic exterior and its modern design expose very little of the interior. This helps increase interest by adding a touch of mystery to the home.

Black Barn Villa

Like a black barn plopped on the Taiwanese landscape, this black house by C3 architects and interior designer Po-Lin Chen is actually a villa for guests. Part cafe and part hotel, the building features a stunning matte black exterior.  The arrangement of the small windows is more like a graphic element. Unlike anything nearby, it will likely become a landmark because of its black exterior.

Inexpensive Minimalist in Chile

The architects this design that uses a matte black exterior that is exceptionally alluring against the surrounding landscape.

The house is in Calafquén, Panguipulli Commune. Importantly, an asphalt membrane completely covers the exterior, which helps it hold heat. The pitched roof gives it a traditional element within the overall contemporary approach. Finally, white framing adds an accent to the black and helps the windows stand out.

Swiss Stand-Out

This house already stands out in its traditional Swiss neighborhood. This is because of the modern, minimalist silhouette, and the addition of a dark facade makes it even more so. Schuler Villa in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, which sits on a narrow lot. Overall, the dark exterior and minimal windows facing the street give it intimacy. All the large windows and living spaces are on the private side of the house in back.

Hadar’s House on the Norwegian Coast

The black exterior of this small home on the coast of Stokkøya, Norway allows it to melt from view against the rugged hill when seen from the water. Designed by Asante Architecture & Design. for a chef, the house is supported on stilts on the side where the hill drops away.

The entryway s like a separate box attached to the main house and it sports a green roof. Also, the main part of the home, called Hadar’s House, features very large windows that overlook the amazing water view.

Forest-Facing Black Modern House

Sitting at the edge of a forest in Denmark, this one-story home features large glass panels that allow those inside to appreciate the woods day and night. The shell of the home, designed by international architects C.F. Møller, is finished with an exterior of dark patinated zinc. Thus, the industrial feeling of the cladding is a contrast to the natural surroundings and distinguishes the building from any other homes nearby.

Swedish Sheet-Metal House

The brainchild of Tham & Videgård Arkitekter , this vacation home on the outer Stockholm archipelago has a soaring roof and a black metal-clad exterior. The metal is in various widths to add interest and accommodate the windows as well as three sliding glass doors that open to the outdoors. However, as with most black houses, the exterior is a direct contrast to the light wood used inside to create an airy and open feeling.

Modern Hillside Marvel

Surprisingly, this house is located on a plot with a rather unforgiving landscape. StudioFour created this residence to fit on a steep slope with just one tree. Consequently, to amp up the drama, the exterior has black wood installed horizontally.

The house is located on Ridge Road on Australia’s Mornington Peninsula and is the only one in the neighborhood to work with the topography instead of fighting against it. Hence the multiple parts of the black home cascade down the hill, making the most of the angled land.

Black Desert House

Retained by a client to design a home in Yucca Valley, California, Oller & Pejic Architecture had a tall order: Build a house like a shadow. So of course, the designers chose to give it a black exterior. Actually, they say that this is very relevant to the desert.

That’s because “sunlight is often so bright that the eye’s only resting place is the shadows.”  They put the house on a small flat area in a saddle between rock outcroppings. As a result, it is on a precipice with nearly 360-degree views.

Black Modular House

For example, a modular house by A-cero Architects shows that you don’t have to sacrifice modern style to get more affordable house construction. This home in Madrid, Spain is the first of two prefabricated models the architects are offering.

Generally, the look is far more modern and sophisticated than almost any other modular home. That’s thanks to the black glass and other cladding elements on the exterior, which bring modular homes to a whole new style level.

Modern Individualist

Unlike any other house on the street, this Vancouver home sports a black exterior and modern style amid a street full of traditional silhouettes. In distinction, the black wood facade mixes horizontally placed wood with vertically installed pieces.

Of course, this gives it more interest and mimics the wood black siding on the adjacent homes. Hence, Scott Posno Design created this black siding house that is distinctive but still fits naturally into the neighborhood.

Budget Black Chalet

Differing from the usual, this Canadian chalet in Clearview, Ontario stands out as a black form against a white blanket of snow. The budget-conscious, low-maintenance cozy chalet was designed by Atelier Kastelic Buffey (AKB).

In fact, the need to be economical drove the decision to make the facade of the house from board and batten paired with a steel roof. The exterior is such a comparison not just to the snowy land, but also to the interior of the house, which is light and bright.

Modern Take on a Cabin

“Modern and open’ but with a quintessential ‘cottage feel’. That’s what MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects set out to create for a client. The result is the Clear Lake Cottage in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. Clad in black with a vertical sensibility, the vacation home is located in the middle of nature. In fact, the structure is built into the land and has views both into the forest and toward the shore. On the whole, it’s a black modern house that blends well with its rustic surroundings.

Money-Making Addition

Ultimately, homeowners in Fremantle, Australia called Philip Stejskal Architecture to build an addition. In general, the addition aims to provide a living space while the main 1930s bungalow rents out to vacationers.

The modern, modular addition has a facade of black panels that highlight the plentiful doors and windows. The two-story addition has a main floor that provides living and sleeping areas. The client uses the upper story as an art studio.

The post Modern Black Homes So Gorgeous You’ll Want One Too appeared first on Homedit.

More people are turning to alternative housing as sustainable living becomes a priority. With growing awareness of environmental impact, eco-friendly and off-grid homes are now both practical and stylish. Here are some of the most popular designs reshaping the way we live.

Cob Houses

Cob is an ancient clay building material, similar to adobe, that uses materials like straw, sticks, and other fibrous materials mixed with subsoil and water. A cob home is made with lime, sand, or clay.

The material is ideal for home construction because it’s cheap, fire resistant, and can withstand earthquake damage.

It’s easy to mold and can be used to create houses that are curvy, thatched-roof style, or more modern versions that look like a typical residence. 

Curved Walls

Because cob is easy to mix and manipulate, it’s an ideal material for people who want to build a small house with their own hands. Even those new to construction can learn to use this material quickly and easily.

Building with cob is like sculpting with clay and it can be augmented or reshaped even after it has dried.

Eco Friendly Alternative

Cob homes are weather resistant. The structures can withstand rain and cold temperatures, meaning they’re suitable for most cold climates.

Earth Berms

These beehive-shaped homes are made of exactly what is in their name: bags of dirt.  Plastic bags of earth are stacked to create straight or curved walls. Often barbed wire is used in between the layers for extra stability and to keep the bags from shifting.  

They can be built up tall to create a roof without the need for trusses or other supports. In addition, long tubular bags of soil are sometimes used, stacked up in coils to create another, sturdier variation.

Once finished, the outside is covered with plaster or adobe to preserve the bags holding the earth. 

Straw Bale Home

From waste product to wonderful building materials, straw bales are an excellent environmentally friendly building material. Besides being inexpensive, the straw is a very efficient insulator. The bales are plastered from both sides. Surprisingly, the homes are airtight, pest and fireproof.

Log House

Although they are still made of wood, log houses can be an eco-friendly type of alternative housing. The large logs don’t go through the milling and treatment process and are very good for energy efficiency. Studies have shown that logs absorb heat during the day, which helps keep the home warmer at night in the winter.

Greener options for wood stains and the chinking — the material that seals the gaps between logs — are now available, increasing the home’s sustainability factor. Last, but certainly not least, sometimes log homes can be built from dead trees instead of using living trees.

Earth Home Ideas

An Earth home uses natural terrain or other elements to create a living space that will not harm the environment. A few traits of an earth home include thick earth walls, which help the home remain cool during the summers.

Here are a few Earth home styles that are popular today:

Hobbit House

Does an underground home appeal to you? These underground homes — also called earth-sheltered houses  — are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly options. The low profile also means they are safer from hurricanes and tornadoes, as well as soundproof. Those who build these homes and also use solar panels could potentially eliminate most utility expenses.

Underground House

Underground homes are no longer relegated to childhood dreams. The home style is becoming a reality. Taking the concept of the earth-sheltered house a step further, underground homes go completely below the surface.

The houses are protected from storms and inclement weather. They have eco friendly benefits along with temperature control features. The front faces outward and offers views of the outdoors, while other types take advantage of slopes to add windows to other parts of the house. 

Green Roof Home

Green roof homes are another Earth home option. The homes that have a green roof — also called a living roof — are gaining popularity in urban areas as well as suburban locales. This type of alternative housing is beneficial in several ways: Its main feature is how the roof absorbs water and provides a natural habitat for birds and small wildlife.

In more densely populated areas like inner cities, a green roof has a cooling effect on the temperature and a calming effect on the people who are around it. In addition, plants help clean the air, which is a great benefit, particularly in the city.

Shipping Container Home

Homes made from shipping containers first came to popularity among those who were looking to live in a tiny home because the smallest ones are about 100 square feet.

Since then, more and more people are opting for this type of alternative housing because they see it as a great method of recycling. Larger homes can be created by combining and stacking the containers in different configurations.

This is a great alternative housing option. There isn’t much of a building process as the container is already built. With container houses, there isn’t any unnecessary space. 

If you want a minimalist lifestyle, a container home is for you. The most popular types of container homes have one wall that’s all glass. In many cases, they’re a favorite alternative to the tiny house. The home style is almost like a modular igloo. 

Pallet Homes

Pallet homes have been popular DIY projects for years. They’re built from scratch with old wood pallets. The pallets are cheap. Before you buy the pallets, make sure they’ve been treated to resist rot and insects. 

Tiny Housing Options

Beloved by those who want to downsize and leave a smaller footprint on the earth, tiny houses are economical and environmentally friendly.

The small homes are coveted for the low cost involved in running them and the freedom that comes with living in a small space.

Tiny houses come in an endless assortment of sizes, styles, and degrees of ingenuity. Besides requiring less energy to heat and cool, tiny homes use less water and often have compostable toilet systems instead of regular plumbing. 

Tiny House On Wheels

Much as some people used to turn to recreational vehicles — RVs — to live on the road, today versions of tiny houses on wheels are becoming the popular route to logistical freedom. 

This type of alternative housing has all the benefits of living in a tiny house, but with the bonus of mobility. Hitch up the house to a vehicle and off you go.  

This style of home often eliminates property taxes and creates extra savings by not being permanently sited.  These homes rely on expertly designed multifunctional spaces and plenty of creative storage to make life comfortable.

Tree House

A far cry from the childhood plaything, treehouses are now a stylish form of alternative housing. From rustic versions for living off the grid to magnificent modern, professionally designed houses that have all the comforts of a regular home, treehouses are attracting a good deal of attention.

A desire for novelty or a yen to be closer to nature often brings homeowners to these homes, which are eco friendly. Large trees are stable, long-wearing foundations for these structures and can withstand weather and the effects of the environment. 

Cordwood House

Using the cordwood method to build a house is just as the name suggests: Using short sections of trunks and tree limbs, the structural material is held together with cobb or masonry.This alternative housing building method is sustainable because it can use different logs and wood that aren’t typically used in home construction.

Cordwood walls is also an excellent insulation and provide the natural balance between the thermal mass and insulation, without the need of using any further methods inside or outside the house.

Camper Trailers

Imagine spending your life roaming from one RV park to another? Today, that’s possible more than it’s ever been, and thanks to remote working conditions. Similar to a tiny house on wheels, a camper trailer provides instant mobility to its residents.

As a form of alternative housing, camper trailers are ideal for people on the go who want the lowest level of home maintenance possible.

Living in a camper trailer is a lot like a tiny house on wheels because space is limited and organization key. With these homes, it’s easy to spend the night in a park, campground or in the wild.

Living in a camper trailer is also a wonderful way to travel while keeping expenses down by eliminating hotel costs and allowing greater enjoyment of the outdoors.

Barn Transformation

Transforming a barn into a home is another example of an environmentally friendly way to repurpose a structure as alternative housing. The large, high-ceiling buildings are perfect for the open floor plans that most people favor these days.

Rather than tearing it down and building anew, converting a barn into a home offers unique design possibilities thanks to the wide open space inside. Whether the barn is large or small, it can be turned into a comfortable and highly liveable family home, if the rustic details of the original structure are left intact whenever possible.

Factory House

Rather than lapsing into disrepair, former industrial buildings are finding new life as stylish factory homes in the hands of creative homeowners and cutting-edge architects. Highly durable structures with plenty of open space, these buildings make a great base for alternative housing.

The industrial interiors offer a range of original details and design options for creating a modern, comfortable residence that can easily include home office space and plenty of room for space dedicated to hobbies and activities.

Silo House

Transforming old grain silos into homes is one of the newest trends in alternative housing.

Using one silo can make a small yield a small home and those who want more space can use multiple silos. Aside from being more affordable to build and maintain, silo houses offer interesting options for decorating and design thanks to the round shape.

And while the outside might be plan corrugated metal, the insides of these homes offer just about every comfort you might want in a home. And, if the idea of having your whole family in a silo home is not appealing, these structures make great guest quarters.

Floating Houses

Maybe you’ve dreamed of living on a boat but have you considered a floating house for alternative housing?  Different from a basic houseboat, a floating home is a real house that is constructed atop floats and anchored to a location on the water. A house barge is another type of floating home that has a hull built for towing or moving down the river.

Because it floats on water, it doesn’t need to meet local building and utility codes. Floating homes can be modest constructions that minimize living costs, or they can be grand, budget-busting luxury abodes. Whichever kind you choose, it will let you live on the water — literally.

Water Tower House

As towns grow and old water towers are abandoned, creative homeowners are turning what could be eyesores into stunning, comfortable residences. The round base structure and large section at the top are both ideal for creating a modern home that offers great views too.

Water towers are very unique home-building opportunities because the supply of old ones is limited, making them a real conversation piece. Of course, they’re also a great instance of upcycling.

Bus House

In another twist related to the tiny house trend, more and more people are rescuing retired buses for another form of alternative housing. A bus house can be like a motorhome, allowing for an easy life on the go with no utilities or property taxes. 

Or, a bus house can be stationary, attached to local services on a private lot of land. Just like tiny houses, these leave a very small environmental footprint thanks to the upcycling of the vehicle and the small size of the house.

Tent House

Spawned by the rise of glamping, tent houses are a form of alternative housing for those who want to go off grid either temporarily or permanently. 

These tents have plenty of creature comforts that are installed atop a wooden platform to help keep the base dry. Some companies even offer tent bungalows, which combine the tent with a wooden platform, and some other more permanent features such as a door and windows.

Yurt House

Mongolian herders have been living in yurts for centuries, so it’s no wonder they are gaining popularity as alternative housing in many other countries. The engineering of the basic round shape makes it strong and durable and the exterior material is weatherproof.

As with any type of housing, the inside can be as basic or luxurious as your desires and budget allow. Yurts are also great for use as a guest house or separate home office or studio.

Geodesic Domes

The Geodesic Dome was popularized by Buckminster Fuller in the 60s. While the domes aren’t common today, that might be changing. It’s a cheap home to build, energy efficient, disaster-proof ,and can be built with a kit. 

Hemp Concrete

Hemp is a building material dating back to Roman times. The homes are made with a mixture that combines hemp’s woody fibers with lime to make light concrete. The material is a good insulator, pest- and mold-proof, and creates good acoustics. 

Moreover, a hemp plant grows quickly to maturity in just about 4 months. The stucco-like material can’t be used for foundations or come into contact with the ground. Although it needs to be coated for protection, hempcrete helps contribute significantly to energy efficiency.

Glass Bottles

Millions of plastic bottles are discarded every year and in many places, they are being transformed from trash into totally usable building materials. Developed by Ecotec Environmental Solutions from Germany. The bottle wall technique is already widespread in countries where there are millions of homeless people.

The house is made with discarded bottles. The bottles are filled with sand, stacked sideways, and plastered together with mud or cement. The walls are 20 times stronger than brick, fire resistant, and well insulated. The cost of these homes is generally about 25 percent of a conventional house.

The post Eco-Friendly & Off-Grid: Trending Housing Alternatives appeared first on Homedit.

A rammed earth house is a structure built with walls made by compacting a mixture of damp soil under high pressure. This natural building method creates thick, durable walls that are both sustainable and visually striking. Although the technique has ancient roots, it’s making a comeback as an eco-friendly alternative in modern home design.

The walls are formed using locally sourced earth and gain strength as they dry. Their high thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures—absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night—which can significantly lower heating and cooling costs.

Observation Tower 

Designed by De Gouden Liniaal Architecten in Belgium, this example of modern rammed earth walls is an observation tower at the Maasvalley Riverpark Nature Reserve. It was the first public building in the Benelux Region to use rammed earth.

Thick Walls

The former gravel extraction area needed a tower for visitors to experience the entire Negenoord landscape, so the architects used learth, clay, and gravel excavated from the Maas area. 

The surface of the thick walls will erode, highlighting the gravel mix, which includes clay, ochre-colored earth, and stabilized with lime. Building over a temporary frame, the rammed earth structure took seven weeks to build.

Sparrenburg Visitor Center

Max Dudler Architects felt rammed earth would be the best material for a new entrance to the disparate elements that are left of the ancient Sparrenburg in Bielefeld, Germany. 

External Walls

Rather than echo a historical era of the standing structures, the new rammed earth building puts a contemporary spin on the site that ties together the structure.

Internal Walls

The remarkable appearance comes from the striations of color and texture in the wall that evoke the materials found in the ruins of the castle, blending the past and present with new construction methods.

Rammed Earth Homes

Casa Caldera is more of a shelter than a traditional house. Situated in the Canelo Hills in Southern Arizona’s San Rafael Valley, the home blends with the landscape to have a minimal impact on its surroundings.

Earth Construction

DUST Architects designed the 945-square-foot off-grid building so it would almost disappear into the trees and grass. So, rammed earth construction material was ideal for the entire home.

Constructed from poured lava crete, the walls have a color that subtly contrasts with the vegetation and changes in quality as the light shifts throughout the day. 

Earthen Materials

Pioneered by Paul Schwam, the building material is a mix of pulverized lava rock called “red scoria,” along with cement and water.

Indoor Air Quality

Rammed homes offer superior air quality as they don’t rely on central air or heating. You’ll never have to worry about toxic dust particles flying circulating through your home. The cost effective homes also produce low greenhouse gas emissions.

The designers relied on construction methods that used semi-fluid material which is rammed into a mold, similar to rammed earth construction methods. 

Soil Mix

This rammed earth home in Monterrey, Mexico looks like it almost melts into the ground. Designed by Tatiana Bilbao, the Los Terrenos home sits in a residential area comprised of forested highlands.

Earthen Materials

Earth architecture is all about creating a thermal mass. Its layout was meant to mimic the surrounding landscape, with the main room overlooking the trees and most of the bedrooms built underground. 

Powered Rams

The combination of the rammed earth walls, rocky landscape, and organically built stone walls create a very natural presence for the home on the outside and a natural, relaxed vibe on the inside.

Jalisco Summer House

Fulfilling the client’s desire for a low-maintenance summer residence, Tatiana Bilbao Architects designed an angular structure formed from rammed earth walls that echo the color variations in the nearby mountains. 

Retaining Walls

This example is from Chapala Lake in Jalisco, Mexico. The rammed earth house features cube-like components that offer beautiful views while shielding the interior from northern winds. 

Quarried Aggregates

It’s not uncommon for aggregates to be used instead of earth. Sometimes you’ll see plywood forms applied to parts of a rammed structure. Either way, rammed earth can contribute to energy efficiency.

By using materials from the surrounding area for the walls, this construction technique helps the building blend with its surroundings in a very complementary way.

Great Wall of Western Australia

The longest rammed earth wall is in Western Australia. The design from Luigi Rosselli Architects is a 750-foot long wall that zig-zags along a sand dune and 12 homes with soil roofs.

As you can see here, rammed earth requires the same attention as any building unit. The home units here, meant for short-term accommodations for cattle workers, feature a 450-mm-thick rammed earth facade and living space that is set into a dune.

Embodied Energy

The design makes them cool in the hot weather and is a departure from the corrugated metal shelters used in the region. The wall materials include iron-laden, sandy clay, and gravel from a nearby river.

Vineyard House 

The serene landscape surrounding this vineyard house near Montijo, Portugal led the Blaanc Architects to design a residence that minimally interferes with the landscape. The resulting rammed earth structure holds all the common living areas and features a long terrace.

The earth walls are also thermally efficient, creating an interior environment that is cool in the summer and mild in the winter. Market research has proven that natural air is healthier than what is provided by central air systems.

The post Rammed Earth Houses: Ancient Technique, Modern Appeal appeared first on Homedit.

She sheds are the feminine take on the man cave—a personal retreat for relaxing, creating, or unwinding in peace. Whether for reading, crafting, or simply escaping, it’s a cozy backyard sanctuary that’s all your own.

Erika Katie, who wrote the book on she sheds, said, “this is a place they’ve designed that is just theirs, that they can do with it whatever they want, and I think that really is a modern woman’s prerogative.”

Here are the latest cutting edge she shed ideas handpicked by our team of professional designers.

Repurposed She Shed

This storage building went from boring to exhilarating. The owner cleaned it out and had insulation and drywall installed. She cut a space for a window, which a friend gave her for free.

French doors replaced the large single door. The concrete floors were painted. And rugs and furniture were added to round out the decor. 

Multipurpose She Sheds

Cute as a fairy tale house, this she shed is both a gardening storage shed and playhouse for the owner’s grandchildren. It was built from a kit purchased at the Jamaica Cottage Shop in Vermont.

She Shed Interior

When it comes to she shed ideas inside, it’s all about making it your own. The exterior shell of a your she shed might look a little utilitarian, but the big difference comes when you transform the interior to your dream space.

Plant-Based She Shed

We’ve said that you can convert an old potting shed into a she shed, but what if potting plants is your hobby? Take your plant-based she shed ideas and turn them into a space that is a relaxing refuge where you can commune with your greenery.

Danielle Driscoll She Sed

A hobby or a place you really love can be a great theme for decorating your she shed. Here’s an example of a coastal-themed shed from the Home Depot blog. While this one is in a backyard that is near the beach, there is no rule that you can’t do the same thing in your own shed.

Beach House She Shed

This she shed idea by blogger Danielle Driscoll is as cute on the outside as the inside. It features window boxes with plants and a chip stone patio, where she can enjoy the outdoors. This particular wooden garden shed is from a kit that can be installed for you. 

Driscoll has painted the interior totally white to serve as a bright and light background for her casual seaside decor. 

Upscale She Shed 

A similar color palette was applied to this she shed by Ella Claire Inspired. She teamed up with Home Depot to build a small garden shed and transform it into her own she-shed reading haven. The clerestory windows above the front door are a  stylish touch.

Outdoor Weatherproof Curtain

The she shed entrance is protected by weatherproof curtains. 

Rustic She Shed

A. she she doesn’t have to be feminine. Today, there isn’t much of a difference between feminine and masculine Some, like this Adirondack-style hot cocoa bar, are examples of a themed wooden garden shed she shed idea that is creative, selective and costs much less.

Built by the owners to serve as hang-out spot by the fire in the winter, the shed is outfitted with rough sawn pine and tree branches. Much of the charming decor is DIY and features stencils and rustic items.

Shabby Chic She Shed 

Somewhere in between is this little garden shed that has been transformed into a welcoming little cottage.  White walls, pale pastels colors and a shabby chic decor style combine to make an easy, relaxing setting for reading, chatting with a friend, or other activity. The front gable offers a classy touch.

Designer Denise Sabia took a small structure and renovated it into a garden shed getaway.  This fun she shed was once a little barn garage that Sabia cleaned out and styled up as her own place to escape. 

The whole vibe is eclectic, creative and upcycled. It’s chock full of inspiration for ways that a she-shed can be decorated with items from around the house or from flea markets and vintage shops.

French Country Farmhouse She Shed 

Another remodel, albeit far more involved, is this converted greenhouse. The owner’s husband rebuilt an empty greenhouse with salvaged windows and recycyled materials. The plants surrounding the small garden shed are vegetables and herbs. One side of the path is  raised bed.

The interior features decoration features feminine fabrics. Flower patterns adorn the walls. An open shelving system serves as an antique glassware display. As a focal point, the chandelier provides charm and character. 

French Farmhouse She Shed

Many she-sheds ideas are for crafters who want to escape and spend time being creative without having to pack everything away all the time. The blogger behind Flower Patch Farmhouse built her own she shed — with her husband — which has all the storage and workspace she needs for crafting.

She Shed Interior Spaces

Another crafting haven is this cute little wooden garden shed that the owner and her husband built. The outside features a deck around two sides, which has allowed her to add a covered potting table for gardening pursuits. 

She Shed Dollhouse

She Shed Organization

Since crafting is one of the more popular she shed ideas, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to creating stylish organization, for your get-away space. 

Boho Chic She Shed

The empty frames say all there is to say about the interior decor of this she shed example. Again, these examples rely on upcycled and repurposed items to make the environment interesting as well as budget-friendly. 

She Sheds For Relaxation

Of course, not everyone wants to get away to “work,” no matter how creative the endeavor.  Reading and relaxing are probably the top reasons for wanting a she shed. Kloter Farms has turned a standard garden shed into a personal reading space filled with books and relaxing furniture.  

Studio She Shed Ideas

Not every she-shed is just a retreat for harried moms to escape. This she shed idea is actually an artist’s studio where the owner goes to be inspired and create — of course, that doesn’t mean that we don’t think it’s an absolutely fantastic and relaxing space. 

Feminine She Shed

Then again, the she shed is the ultimate “mom cave” and designer Toni Roberts created a cute little bungalow for the Salt Lake Home Show in Utah, using a structure from Wright’s Shed Company. Roberts kept the decor and accents soft and feminine, focusing on a color palette that included shades of cream, pink, white and tan.

She Shed Rustic Farmhouse Interior

Sometimes, the interior is secondary to the location of the she shed, as in this dreamy vintage retreat that is situated in the woods and right next to a pond. 

She Shed Farmhouse Design

This is definitely a big she shed idea that is beautiful and a dream come true for any gardener. Garden designer Suzanne Hudson has this all-glass garden shed  — it is almost a crime to call it a shed.  

The interior decor rightly follows a garden theme, with plenty of plants, gardening accessories, and even a grand antique birdcage.  relaxed furnishings include a daybed made from the exposed spring base of a twin bed are accented with bright pillows. 

One of the she shed ideas inside that really adds charm is the creative use of materials as accessories and this one has plenty of good examples. 

Tiny She Sheds 

At the opposite end of the size spectrum is this truly tiny 4 x 6-foot shed that has been converted into a space dedicated to sewing and weaving. 

Cottagecore Treehouse She Shed

Those lucky enough to live in or by the woods can create really special she shed like this one. Almost like a treehouse, this one is by Peter Bahouth. Photographed by Lindsay Appel, the two parts are connected with a wood and rope bridge, adding to the treehouse feeling.

Cottagecore Rustic Farmhouse

A rustic home adheres to the cottagecore aesthetic. 

She Shed Cabins

From Living Vintage, this structure is an old-style farmhouse retreat. Made with distressed wood to the porch, complete with creeping vine and rocking chairs. 

She Shed Vaulted Ceiling

A-frame homes aren’t the only outdoor structures that have vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams. With such a rustic exterior, the interior has to match. 

Gardening She Shed

Rustic charm characterizes this glass potting shed, but in a different way. It looks elegant more than rustic thanks to all the glass, especially the two marvelous windows on the front. The purpose and the appearance fit very well with the spacious backyard surroundings, which are well cared for and relaxing.

She Shed Arbor

This she shed takes its cue from arbor designs. The interior of the chic potting shed includes all the tools a gardener needs as well as a really special feature. 

Upscale Artist She Shed

Sometimes the simplest things are the most complex, as is this little wooden garden shed. It might look basic but it is actually far from it. Chock full of impressive details, this she shed serves as a painting studio for artist Rachel Roe.

According to St. Louis magazine, the little space features a loft, floors made from reclaimed 100-year-old wood beams, a terra cotta chimney, as well as front and side porches. 

Painting is not the only kind of studio you can have in a she shed. Jewelry designer Tippy Stockton has her workshop in a she shed. 

The outside is a basic tan color, accented with turquoise and a bright brick red. A paving stone walkway and a few plants and accessories add a dose of extra charm.

The interior is dominated by the turquoise walls, nicely accented by the white shelving and trim. There’s plenty of storage and a very organized workspace. This is key for a relaxing she shed that is used for crafting because there’s nothing more stressful than wasting time searching for items and dealing with a messy space.

She Shed Gable

This wooden garden shed has been transformed for no other purpose than having fun. The little barn, made from a kit available from Home Depot, is about as cute as they come. While the outside sports a blue exterior with green trim, the interior is done in a patriotic theme. 

The interior includes a loft with a mattress for napping. The unfinished walls make it easy-care and inexpensive. The decor is rustic and follows the patriotic theme set by the American flag on the back wall. 

People who don’t live in an open space can still make the most of a she shed by transforming any basic little shed into a special space. 

Traditional Home Design

The red doors and black shutters, combined with the interesting roof line draw you in and make you want to come inside. Double doors are popular with she sheds.

Ultimately, a she shed is also about reflecting a woman’s style. If you like purple, go for it, like this chic garden blogger’s shed does. It’s plush and stylish on the inside and the purple color is a perfect match for the tree when it’s in bloom like this. 

A fantastic, vintage garden she shed like this one, found outside of London, makes the most of its green surroundings with plenty of glass. 

As you can see from all these inspiring examples, she shed ideas can be as fancy, rustic, casual, or glitzy as your heart desires. When designing and planning your space, it doesn’t have to please anyone but you. 

The post Feminine Backyard Hideaways: Inspiring She Shed Ideas appeared first on Homedit.

Whether large or small, exterior home renovations can greatly enhance your home’s curb appeal. From a redesigned second story to new landscaping to a fresh coat of paint, you can make a significant impact on any budget. Draw inspiration from these 15 examples of before-and-after home renovations.

1. A Refreshed Colonial Home

Built during the 1950s, this colonial-style home has a classic look with symmetrical windows and a portico. Although the home was well-kept, the beige vinyl siding blended into the landscape, making the house feel drab.

The homeowners upgraded the siding, added new trim, painted the brick, and gave the doors and shutters a new look with a serene blue paint job. They also added new porch lights, which help draw the eye to the center of the home.

2. A Modern Mediterranean Home

What started as a standard Mediterranean house turned luxurious and modern thanks to the Alpha Studio Design Group. The original renovation focused on expanding the foyer, which turned into a beautiful remodel of the home’s interior and exterior.

A new front door, balcony, and sleek black trim against the cream exterior transformed this home. The designers also added large glass sliding doors and a deck.

3. From Natural to Painted Brick

The before of this large brick home gives off a stately and gothic look with its dark window frames and shutters contrasting the brown brick. The house has a classic appeal, but the homeowners wanted a refresh.

They hired Color Revival to help with the paint scheme and chose Romabio Biodomus Masonry Paint in the shade Ballet White from Benjamin Moore for the brick. They used Benjamin Moore Regal Exterior in Briarwood for the trim, doors, and shutters.

4. Spanish Cottage Refresh

The mix of lap siding and stucco on this Spanish home gave it an outdated look. The landscaping also did little to highlight the home architecture.

The after photo shows how small changes like a warmer paint job and darker trim make such a difference. Thanks to the Santa Barbara Home Design team, the landscaping is now one of the best features, giving the home a luxurious yet old-world feel.

5. A Drastic Difference with Siding

Home additions can make a house look piece-y and mismatched when not done well. This Los Angeles home had lost its style before Buchmann Design renovated it.

It’s hard to tell that it is even the same house. It went from drab and run down to a modern traditional style. The designers changed the roof pitch and added new siding, windows, and doors.

6. From Overgrown to Clean and Modern

The ivy and green landscaping overtook this Mediterranean-style home. While it still has a classic look, it needed a few changes, including fresh paint and new landscaping.

Pritzkat & Johnson Architects refreshed the exterior with dark window trim, door trim, and shutters. They also updated the railing, added a garage, and new steps leading to the front walkway. They removed the overgrown ivy in favor of simple landscaping that makes the home’s exterior the star of the show.

7. A Fresh Coat of Paint Updates this Ranch Home

Ranch homes are one of the most popular styles throughout the United States, with many built in the 1950s through 1970s. Many ranch homes, like this one, have good bones and can benefit from new siding or paint and an updated color scheme.

The construction crew painted the siding a dark gray, the trim white, and the shutters black for a modern look. They left the brick for a natural element that works with the new color scheme.

8. An Updated Traditional Style Home

Older homes often come with awkward layouts that aren’t family-friendly. Adding a small addition can make more bedroom or bathroom space. In the before photo, this traditional style home has a robin’s egg blue paint scheme and a country look.

After the renovations, this home went from country to modern. The house received a small second-story addition, new siding, trim, roofing, and a new porch.

9. Traditional to Modern 1980’s Home

Built in the 1980s, this traditional style home was typical in suburban neighborhoods. The homeowners wanted something more contemporary and hired architects to update the look.

They kept the exact exterior blueprint but updated the siding, installed a metal roof, and opted for new Milgard windows. They also revamped the interior to match the minimal and sleek exterior.

10. From Red to White Painted Brick

Painting brick is a personal and controversial design decision. Some people think it makes brick homes stand out more, while others claim it ruins a home. Either way, there’s no denying that painted brick transforms a home’s appearance.

These homeowners hired 360 Painting Louisville to take their house’s exterior from red brick to bright white. They also changed the trim, opting for black so that it contrasts against the light paint job.

11. Cleaning Up a Ranch Home with Fresh Paint

Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint or a good powerwash is all you need to take your home from drabby to bright and happy. This mid-century ranch was still structurally sound but looked rundown on the outside.

DDT Renovations gave this home a new paint job, refreshed the landscaping, and added a new entryway. The simple changes made a significant impact on this home’s curb appeal.

12. A New Take on Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern homes feature sharp angles, a mix of natural materials, and plenty of windows for an outdoor connection. They pay homage to the 1950s, but the color scheme sometimes feels outdated, even with their cool, geometric designs.

Designer Barnett Adler brought this home to life with a fresh color scheme and wooden accents. He kept the home’s original integrity while making it more vibrant and modern.

13. From Beige and Boring to Shades of Blue

Before its exterior renovation, this house was bland with its simple, boxy structure and beige siding. It didn’t have a defined style and blended in with its landscape.

The designer brightens the home with a blue color scheme, Hardie board plank siding on the second story, and board and batten on the first. The renovation leaves the house looking fresh and bordering between modern and traditional.

14. The Restoration of a Craftsman Bungalow

Craftsman Bungalows are a classic style home with natural details. Older ones, like this home in the DC area, sometimes get neglected, leading to the need for restoration.

Moore Architects, PC restored the shingled-over bungalow to its original stucco siding. They also expanded the front porch, added a wood door and windows, and used a soft color palette.

15. Adding Detail to an Arts and Crafts Stone Home

The homeowners of this stone Arts and Crafts home felt it lacked architectural interest. They wanted more natural light and a better connection to the outdoors.

Peter Zimmerman Architects made many changes to the exterior, including modifications to the entrances, adding or updating windows, and keeping appropriate scale through additions. The homeowners also updated much of the interior throughout the process.

The post 15 Stunning Exterior Home Makeovers You Have to See appeared first on Homedit.

Small cabins are affordable, low maintenance, and perfect for a simpler, nature-focused lifestyle. Whether for full-time living or a weekend escape, these cozy spaces typically range from 100 to 1,000 sq. ft. They are easy to customize and can grow with your needs.

1. DIY Log Cabin With Classic Framework

Compared to using a kit, building a log cabin from scratch and with natural resources is no easy feat. A single person built this cabin using self-harvested materials. The design follows a classic pattern with a gable-style roof, log walls and wooden shutters.

Check out this YouTube video to watch how one man built a cabin in the forest by himself.

2. Building Off Grid Log Cabin

If you’re considering building your own cabin, you might enjoy this YouTube video which follows the progress of a DIY log cabin project. The video shows in detail how the walls are built and how the structure takes shape. 

3. Building a Traditional Log Cabin

Building a traditional cabin from scratch can take time – this example was built in three years. 

The interior is almost entirely made of wood, with a lot of handmade furniture and accessories. Check out this YouTube video to learn more about this project.

4. Cabin With Front Porch

This small cabin in the woods has a platform that evens out the sloping ground and a tiny porch that frames the entrance. It has a classic pitched roof and wood cladding, with a warm attic for more space and minimal interior design. The chimney completes the look. Check out the YouTube video to see how it was planned and built.

5. Pallet Wood Cabin

Pallet wood is the cheapest option of all cabin building materials. You can use a minimal cabin like this as a hunting shed, woods retreat, or even a playhouse.

Learn how to build an inexpensive pallet-wood cabin in this YouTube video.

6. Flat Foundation Cabin

The first step in building a cabin is finding a suitable site. You’ll need to make sure there’s a flat spot for your foundation, which could require tree removal and excavation. 

Learn the steps two-friends took to build this small, rustic cabin on Instructables.

7. Cabin In The Mountains

Here’s another video tutorial that takes you through every step of building a small cabin:  Instructables. It offers a more in-depth look at how to maximize space and put building materials together. It also reveals how natural elements interact with each other. In the end, you have a  small cabin you’d expect to find in the woods or mountains.

8. Cabin Rental 

To better understand small cabin living, consider renting cabins as a test drive. You’ll get to experience a host of different layouts and test different sizes so you can determine what’s ideal for you.

Check the cabin rentals on Blue Moon Rising, AirBnB, or VRBO. 

9. Cabin Design Plans 

If you’re looking for specific instructions, check out these small cabin plans. The PDF shows a small porch and a multifunctional indoor space.

You can find more house plans here.

10. Cabin With Living Space

You can also find complete and detailed plans on cabinplans123, which will guide you through every step of the process. Follow them to build your own little cabin with a main living space at the bottom and a loft you can turn into a sleeping nook.

11. Contemporary A-Frame Cabin

A-frame houses have a contemporary allure. The design allows for large glass surfaces to be included, which is ideal great if you want to frame a beautiful view or bring the outdoors in.

You can find plans for A-frame cabins on lsuagcenter.

12. A Traditional-Looking Cabin

You can also find plans for a traditional-looking cabin on lsuagcenter. The design is reminiscent of rustic houses and mountain retreats. As always, there’s room for customization, so don’t hesitate to add your own signature to the project.

13. Cabin With a Symmetrical Frame

A lot of cabins have symmetrical frames, which can make for an easier project.  If you prefer a simple look, check out the cabin plans featured on lsuagcenter.

14. Cabin With Basement/Loft

How about a small cabin with a basement and a loft? The multiple floors allow you to maximize the space. On todaysplans you can find detailed plans for the cabin and each floor section.

15. Cabin Design With Basement 

Here’s another example of a cabin design that has a basement level, the main floor, and a loft area. The plans are similar to the ones shown above, with a few structural differences. 

You can adapt these plans and repurpose the spaces to better suit your own lifestyle. Check out the details on todaysplans.

16. Guest Cabin Adult Loft

Building a small cabin is much simpler when you have detailed instructions. Timber Mart provides a full PDF detailing how to build a guest cabin. This cabin is ideal for a small family, with an adult-sized loft included. 

17. Lookout Cabin

If you’re ready to take on a big challenge, you’ll love this lookout cabin from Today’s Plans. This cabin is more like a small house than the traditional cabin style, thanks to the two-story design.

The PDF offers the plans and blueprints to get started. 

18. Build a Cabin In The Wilderness

This 14 x 20 ft small cabin includes a sleeping loft over the porch for spending time in nature. While it’s certainly not a quick or inexpensive project, it’s a stunning design that you’ll get years of use out of.

Mother Earth News shares the plans to assemble this cabin and encourages you to work to the same standards as if you were building a full-size home.

19. Cabin On A Budget

Not ready to build an expensive structure? Instructables shows us that it’s possible to build a small cabin on a budget.

This 12 x 20 small cabin costs around $2,200 to build, which is a significant saving in comparison to purchasing a cabin kit.

20. Solar Powered Cabin

Solar-powered homes are more popular than ever, and there’s no reason you can’t apply this technology to your cabin project. Instructables shares this small off-grid cabin, perfect for a wooded setting.

21. Two-Story Contemporary Cabin Design

If you are looking for a contemporary small cabin plan, consider this guide from Pin-Up Houses. The Yvonne cabin is a two-story family home that has a living room, bedroom, and balcony. It’s perfect for year-round living or as a recreational cabin.

It offers an eco-friendly yet modern cabin design, and you’ll enjoy the incredible views from the living room. You can turn the balcony into a porch if you prefer.

22. Fancy Cabin Design

Drummond House Plans shows us how to make this small but contemporary cabin with their detailed plan. This one-bedroom cabin has three or four-season options. You’ll make the most of the space, building a bedroom and a shower room.

23. Modern Cabin Design

This small cabin from House Plans is reminiscent of a mini cottage. Inside, you’ll find an L-shaped kitchenette and a full bathroom. Making the most of the space, the design combines the living and sleeping spaces into one.

As well as acting as a guest cottage in your backyard, this would be an excellent studio cabin or office.

24. Build A Cabin in 55 Days

Many of the projects on our list would take the average person a year or two to build. We love this feature from Field Mag, which shares how to build a cabin in just 55 days. It’s a 240 square ft cabin, which is 12 x 20 in size. It’s the perfect home office or extra outdoor space, but you could also transform it into a guest bedroom.

25. Pallet Cabin

For anyone looking for a tiny cabin or shed for their garden, this DIY project from Easy Pallet Ideas is a great option. It’s the perfect solution for a workshop or office, but could also make a small guest bedroom.

The post Cozy Cabin Ideas for Off-Grid Living appeared first on Homedit.

Scandinavian houses, both the interior and exterior, are designed with regard to the natural environment. Scandinavian architecture is known for its clean lines and simple color palette. Yet, Scandinavian style houses are built with more than this in mind. They are built to respond to their location and climate to keep the inhabitants comfortable and able to live well within their natural environment.

Savukvartsi – Finland

This is a modern ecological log home that Honka designed for a city environment. They utilized a non-settling fusion log to frame the house and clad it with spruce. This home has a simple yet architectural shape with a high-sloping roof and multiple windows types to bring in bright natural light.

Hoghult House – Karlsburg, Sweden

Fabel Arkitektur designed the Hoghult House as part of a large estate in Sweden that contains old farms, large fields, and views of a green forest. The architects designed this magnificent yet restrained home using traditional woodcraft techniques. The wood construction uses no nails or screws in the construction.

Casa Sand – Aarhus, Denmark

Casa Sand is a project of Christoffersen & Weiling Architects. Their design imperative was to keep the design of these private beach villas in keeping with the coastal environment.

The horizontal lines of the coast and the idea of simplicity were the guiding light in the design of these simple homes. They used a sand-colored brick to blend with the natural environment. The long linear form and weight of the brick accentuates the coastal lines and settles the home into the dunes to protect it from the wind.

Summer House – Denmark

GinnerupArkitekter built this simple summer home on a Danish island right next to a coastline and meadow behind. They used a stone cladding so that it would blend in with its natural environment. The large glass windows ensure that the owners can soak in every bit of sunlight and teeming wildlife on the island.

Farmhouse – Halsingland, Sweden

Deep in the Swedish countryside, it is not uncommon to see vibrant red farmhouses. Red was a common home color for traditional Swedish houses in the country as it was a status symbol. Exterior decorations are more common in traditional than modern Scandinavian houses.

Mambo House – Finland

Honko designed this modern Scandinavian style home. They clad it with black siding to disappear into the background of the pine forest. The large windows and sharp mono-pitched roof remind the owners of the forest trips and wind shelters common in Finnish heritage and history.

Scandinvian Interior Style Elements

This Scandinavian style home reflects the traditional open floor plan. In this home, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are contained in one long room. They have a common color theme of light wood and black to tie the design together. The large windows provide fresh color and light in the design.

Natural Textures

Notice how many natural textures the interior designer uses in this Scandi-style living room including wood cladding and furniture, wool, metal, and natural greenery. The large windows provide all the decor needed. The white walls and lofted ceilings reflect bright sunlight throughout the room.

Neutral Color Palette

This kitchen has a neutral color palette, but it looks anything but boring. The designer has used bold color tones to create the look of contrast. The upper paneling and cabinets are painted a gorgeous black with a cool undertone. The marble countertops and textured wood cabinets give the kitchen a look of earthy sophistication.

Layered Lighting

This bedroom design utilizes layered lighting techniques to give the user the most control over light levels. The large windows provide ample light during the day. The lighting plan also includes the overhead ambient light that spreads a soft glow in the evening when the sun has gone down. The lights beside the bed allow quiet reading before bed without having to get up to turn off the light to sleep.

Comfort

Traditional Scandinavian homes like rural farmhouses are more colorful than their modern counterparts. But there are many areas where these designs share similarities. One of these is that they both value comfort in their interior spaces. The comfort of this traditional kitchen includes the ample use of warm wood furnishings, cozy pillows, rugs to keep bare feet warm, and natural accents like fresh cut flowers.

The post Scandinavian Houses: Natural Beauty, Thoughtful Design, and Cozy Interiors appeared first on Homedit.

Modern house design emerged in the mid-20th century, revolutionizing architecture with its clean lines, open spaces, and functional layouts. Rooted in simplicity and practicality, it continues to shape contemporary homes, blending effortlessly with evolving trends.

Modern Architecture In South Africa

This 2-story home in Cape Town by Malan Vorster sits on a steep slope and has a ground-level exterior that’s clad in natural stone. Notice the straight lines of the home, the use of natural materials, and its integration with the natural environment.

Modern Three-Story House In Italy

Located close to Brescia, Italy, this home by LPArchitects and  Flussocreativo has three floors in a separate apartment. With its neutral color palette of white and gray, the home embodies simplicity and sophistication.

Modern Coastal House In Santa Cruz

The Surf House by Feldman Architecture is in one of Santa Cruz’s best surf spots. The layout makes the most of the coastal view. One of the best features in this type of modern architecture is a large open deck that seamlessly integratesfaces the backyard and view of the Pacific Ocean.

Modern Corten Steel Homes in Australia

The Birdhouses Studios are two buildings with modern architecture that sit on a steep slope in Tasmania, Australia. From  Gillian van der Schans and clad in Corten steel, the exterior design of these buildings will weather and offer a rusty patina, matching the landscape’s colors.

Modern Remote Cabin

Cabana is a small, modern cabin from Liga Arquitetura e Urbanismo. It is made of durable and sustainable materials and suited for remote locations. Modular homes and buildings are more popular in modern architecture than in other styles.

Sicilian Retreat

Villa Cozzo Tre Venti is a remote retreat designed by Andrea Marlia. It has a simple and modern construction inspired by the local vernacular and landscape. The exterior is covered with lime plaster, which allows it to blend into the environment.

House Over a Pond

The property from Cutler Anderson Architects was chosen for the beautiful artificial pond which became the main feature of its design. For modern architects, the setting of the house is almost as important as the design of the home itself.

Modern Concrete House

The 160 House is by MIDE Architetti offers a minimalist exterior appearance is given by the use of exposed concrete. The large windows of this home create light and visual space while connecting the indoors with nature.

Modern Off Grid Ursa House

The Ursa house is small, mobile and packed with clever interior features.  Madeiguincho designed the house plans to function off-grid. It has a rainwater collection system and solar panels on the roof.

Concrete House in Paraguay

Studio Bauen went to great lengths to design a home with minimal impact on the land. The simple design and shape of the San Bernadino, Paraguay, retreat allow the inhabitants to take advantage of its amazing surroundings.

Modern Weekend Retreat

This home is located in India and was built by the studio SAK Designs. It serves as a serene weekend retreat. Its indoor and outdoor areas feel connected and harmonious.

Minimalist House in Poland

This modern home occupies a flat piece of land in Poland. The home from studio RS+ Robert Skitek features a minimalist and clean aesthetic. It features a double-height living room and a large kitchen with a massive island.

Modern Family Resort

HMA2 Architects designed this family retreat with flexibility in mind. It is both a cozy everyday home and a wonderful retreat. Inside, each space is large and airy, with high ceilings and plenty of glass.

Modern Hollywood Home

This private residence in West Hollywood was designed by Olson Kundig. It overlooks the mountains and ocean and features an expressive design characteristic of modern homes. The facade is a mix of contrasting shapes, colors, and finishes.

Modern Concrete House in Georgia

This house by NOA Studio features a tiered design and innovative use of concrete. To ensure privacy, the living spaces sit between two gardens, with one at the top and the other at the bottom.

The post 15 Stunning Modern House Designs for a Sleek and Stylish Home appeared first on Homedit.

Tiny house kits provide a fast and efficient way to build a compact home, with options ranging from basic frames to complete interior and exterior packages. Ideal for DIY enthusiasts, these kits vary in design, foundation requirements, and price—starting as low as $2,900 and reaching over $60,000. Whether you’re looking for a mobile tiny home or a fixed structure, understanding what each kit includes is essential. Here’s what you need to know before choosing the right one.

Tiny House Kits with Pricing

1. Arched Cabin Kits – $2,900

Arched cabins offer a budget-friendly tiny home solution, with prices starting at $1,400 for a 64-square-foot model and $2,900 for a 164-square-foot version. Available in various sizes and ceiling heights, the largest option spans 960 square feet and reaches 18’8″ tall.

Each arched cabin kit includes a ridge beam, ribs, floor plates, insulation, ridge caps, foam inserts, and metal roof paneling. The roof color is customizable for an extra fee and comes with a 40-year warranty. Buyers are responsible for end caps, foundation, and interior finishes, allowing for customization to suit personal style and needs.

2. Handy Home Windemere – $3,355

The Windemere by Handy Home is a 10′ x 12′ shed kit designed for tiny home living, featuring 7′ interior walls for a spacious feel. Built with 2′ x 4′ framing and engineered, pressure-treated siding, it offers water and mold resistance for lasting durability.

This 120-square-foot kit includes double doors, eight transom windows, three operable windows, and a wood floor, providing both natural light and ventilation. The interior layout is fully customizable, allowing you to add essential amenities to suit your needs.

3. All Wood Mayflower $8,795

The All Wood Mayflower is a 117-square-foot tiny home on decorative wheels, offering a blank canvas for customization with no interior finishes. Designed for easy assembly, two adults can build it in three days, according to the manufacturer.

The kit includes studs, siding, wheels, roof arches, floorboards, and ceiling boards, but roof shingles must be purchased separately. Its compact, mobile-friendly design makes it a versatile option for those seeking a personalized tiny home experience.

4. Glen Echo Kits $9,306

The Glen Echo is a charming prefab cabin kit featuring a roof overhang, ideal for a front porch. You can purchase the kit pre-cut or pre-assembled, and it’s available in many sizes. The pre-cut kits are less expensive, with the 25-square-foot cabin starting at only $3,306. The larger 104-square-foot pre-assembled model is more suitable for a tiny home and is priced well at $9,306. If you prefer more space, these cabins go up to 630 sq ft.

Summer Wood provides a basic and upgraded material list. Basic kits include everything necessary for the floors, exterior walls (including siding), and roofing frame. There are many upgrades, though, and this company will work with you to customize the cabin to your liking.

5. The Writer’s Haven – $10,733

The Writer’s Haven is a 12′ x 14′ tiny wooden house with a translucent roof panel, allowing plenty of light. The kit also includes materials for a built-in daybed and front porch. 

The seller can ship the kit nationwide, and it comes with all necessary materials, including windows, doors, and roofing supplies. It also contains a step-by-step assembly list. You can customize the finishes, upgrading the flooring, siding, roof, and more for an additional fee. The recommended foundation is crushed gravel.

6.The Smith Haven – $11,370

The Smith Haven is a wood-sided cottage available in six sizes ranging from 10′ x 16′ to 12′ x 24′. It features an asymmetrical roof with a dormer and transom window.

You can get this prefab tiny house in one of three packages: shell only, three seasons, or four seasons. The Four Seasons kit includes insulation, shiplap pine wall and ceiling, double-pane windows, and an insulated door. You’ll need to purchase and install the rest of the interior finishes.

7. All Wood Bonaire $13,785

The All Wood Bonaire is a modern tiny home with 233 square feet of floor area. It features two doors and three windows, allowing plenty of natural light. It doesn’t come with interior finishes, so you can customize it to your style.

The Bonaire kit includes all materials except for the foundation and roofing shingles. There are optional upgrades like an extra interior room to use as a bathroom, termite-resistant wood, and a Bartini bar.

8. The Seattle – $16,000

The Seattle is a tiny home kit from Home Depot that includes the steel framing to build a 10′ x 20′ building. To customize your house, you can purchase your own siding, roofing material, and interior finishes.

The kit includes preliminary plans, hardware, panelized steel framing, and stamped structural engineering plans. The kits manufacturer makes the kits to order, and you call and request an alternative lumber framing package if desired. They recommend a concrete slab foundation.

9. Autonomous Studio Pod – $18,000

The Autonomous Studio Pod is a modern-style small home, studio, or office boasting 105 square feet. It features vinyl siding and has everything you need to hook it up to electricity and climate control. It has one residential current breaker, five wall outlets, one ceiling light switch, four ceiling lights, two ethernet ports, and a ventilator with a ventilator switch.

The Studio Pod comes with everything you need, including roofing material and siding. You can upgrade to the furniture included package, which will get you built-in shelves, a desk, a couch, and a foldable sofa table.

10. The California – $19,000

The California is a modern tiny house kit from the Home Depot boasting 240 square feet. The kit contains pre-assembled steel panels for easy installation. The steel panels come with a 50-year warranty.

The kit doesn’t have exterior or interior finishes, so you can choose materials to suit your tastes. The manufacturer recommends placing The California on a concrete slab foundation. They can also modify the design and door placements.

11. Xylia Four Season Kit $26,336

The Xylia is a 12’ x 24’ cottage-style tiny home with a wood-sided exterior and metal roof. With 288 square feet, it’s large enough to house a bathroom, a small kitchen, and a living room/bedroom combo.

The pre-cut kit has a floor system, wall system, siding, doors, windows, and roof system. You can customize these materials from a list of optional upgrades. The kit also includes building instructions.

12. Rose Cottage 2 $32,000

The Home Depot sells a limited number of tiny home kits, including the Rose Cottage 2. The home boasts two stories and a total of 443 square feet – enough space for two bedrooms.

The biggest con to this kit is that it only comes with steel framing. You’ll need to purchase siding, insulation, roofing material, and all interior finishes. There is an upgrade option for the deck and flooring system. 

13. The Getaway Mini – $33,000

The Getaway Mini is a 325-square-foot steel framing kit with a deck and flooring upgrade option. If the square footage remains unchanged, the manufacturer can work with you to modify the door placement or layout.

The Getaway Mini is available online at The Home Depot, but they require you to download the prelim plans and have them authorized by your local building authority before purchase. There are no interior finishes, so you can customize this ADU to fit your needs.

14. Avrame Solo+ 75 – $33,550

The Avrame Solo+ 75 is a tiny A-frame home with 365 square feet. The floor plan provides space for a bathroom, kitchen, and living room on the first floor. The second-floor loft can house two beds.

You can purchase the structural, exterior, or interior kit. The price we quoted is for all three and comes with the framework, all exterior finishes, and interior finishes such as stairs, ladders, doors, and painted interior cladding.

15. Kithaus K3.12 $60,000

The most expensive model on our tiny house list is the Kithaus K3.12. It measures 13’ x 13’ and includes a kitchenette and bathroom. The sleek square design is perfect for those who enjoy a clean, modern style.

The prices of the Kithaus homes are higher since they come with interior and exterior finishes. Some of these finishes include all bathroom fixtures, pre-wired electrical and light fixtures, interior walls, and hardwood floors. Try one of these models if you have no interest in DIYing the interior of your home.

The post 15 Affordable Tiny House Kits You Can Build from $2,900 appeared first on Homedit.

Bazil Ngode is a seasoned Art Director and a creative force has been steadily shaping the visual landscape of the Kenyan creative industry. With over 13 years of experience he has practiced his innovative approach to design and his ability to craft compelling narratives through art. A Journey Rooted in Curiosity and Passion Bazil’s journey […]