PIXOMNI

type

status

date

12 Colonial House Exterior Makeovers That’ll Make Your Neighbors Gush

Let’s be real: Colonial homes have this quiet, cozy magic, right? The way they’re perfectly symmetrical—like someone folded a blueprint in half and nailed it—and how they look like they’ve been hugging the neighborhood for decades. I pass one on my morning walk every day, and I still catch myself slowing down, thinking, “Man, that’s the kind of house that feels like home.” But even the prettiest classics can start to feel a little “meh” after years. Maybe the paint’s faded to a sad gray that blends into the sidewalk. Or the porch? It’s just a spot to drop your keys and kick off muddy shoes, not where you’d curl up with a coffee on a Saturday morning. If you’ve ever daydreamed about sprucing yours up—so it’s the one people stop to snap photos of, or at least lean over the fence to compliment—you’re in for a treat. I dug through so many design ideas: talked to my contractor buddy who’s done 50+ Colonials, scrolled through before-and-afters until my thumb hurt, even stole a few tips from neighbors who nailed it. These 12 makeovers? They’ll spark your creativity. And honestly? A few of them might make you gasp. Let’s dive in—these old gems have way more potential than you think!

1. The "Simply Elegant" Makeover: A Breath of Fresh White

Sometimes the biggest wins are the easiest. No fancy materials, no demo days that make your dog hide under the bed—just giving your home a fresh start. This one’s all about reviving that classic white facade, but hear me out: skip the stark, hospital-white stuff. I made that mistake once, and my friend joked my house looked like a doctor’s office. Go for warm white—think “vanilla latte” or “soft cream.” It glows in the sun instead of squinting back at you.

Then add black shutters. They’re like eyeliner for your windows—suddenly, every pane looks crisp, like you meant to make it that nice. And that red front door? Chef’s kiss. My neighbor did this last year, and now every delivery driver comments on it. It’s the little pop of color that says “welcome” before anyone even knocks.

Finish it off with neatly trimmed hedges—no overgrown bushes hiding your windows, we’ve all seen that sad sight—and some colorful flowerbeds. Petunias or marigolds work great; they bloom all summer, so you’ve got color from May to September. The result? Understated elegance that feels put-together but not stuffy. Perfect if you love “classic” but want it to feel alive—like a home, not a museum piece.

2. The "Coastal Charm" Transformation: Embracing Seaside Vibes

Ever wished your Colonial felt like it’s steps from the beach—without packing up all your stuff and moving to the coast? This makeover nails that relaxed, “I just spent the day at the shore” vibe. Start with soft light blue or gray siding—think “ocean mist” or “dusk on the bay,” not neon turquoise. We’re going for calm, not carnival. Keep the white trim—it’s like the foam on the waves, crisp and clean.

Then add the cozy things. A weathered wooden porch swing. The kind that creaks just right when you rock it. No squeaks, though—oil those hinges!

My aunt has one. We sit there every Fourth of July. Drink lemonade. Watch the kids run around.

Throw in some woven outdoor chairs. Wicker or rattan. Something that feels light and airy. Like it could blow away, but it won’t.

Add tiny nautical touches too—but keep them subtle. Rope on the porch rails. Or lantern-style outdoor lights. No giant ship wheels or anchor statues. Trust me, I saw a house with those once. It looked like a theme park ride.

Finish with lush greenery and ornamental grasses. They sway in the wind. Suddenly, your home feels like a vacation spot. I’d sit out there every evening. Even if it’s just to watch the sunset.

3. The "Modern Farmhouse" Fusion: Blending Timeless and Trendy

Who says Colonial can’t hang with modern farmhouse? Not this makeover—it’s like mixing your grandma’s favorite quilt (the one with all the patchwork memories) with a sleek new throw pillow. The star here is board and batten siding—clean, vertical planks in white or light gray. It looks sharp but not cold, if that makes sense.

Pair it with black window frames—they make the glass pop, I swear. My mom thought I was crazy for suggesting black, but now she admits it’s her favorite part. Add a dark roof—charcoal or deep brown, no more faded gray shingles that look like they’re ready to fall off.

Throw in a natural wood front door—something with a warm, honeyed tone—to soften all the crispness. Then add industrial-style outdoor lights: black metal, maybe with exposed bulbs. They add that “trendy” edge without clashing with the Colonial’s classic bones. Toss a simple wooden bench on the porch (add a cushion—no one wants to sit on hard wood!) and plant drought-tolerant native grasses. I’m not a green thumb—like, I’ve killed cacti—so these are a lifesaver. The result? A home that feels both cozy and current—like it’s always been cool.

4. The "Grand Entrance" Revival: Focusing on the Foyer

Here’s a secret: a good makeover isn’t just about the house. it’s about the walk to the front door.

Think about it. when you go to a nice restaurant, the walk from the parking lot to your table feels special. right?

This one’s just about making that walk to your door feel the same.

Start with a widened walkway—swap out the old, cracked concrete for elegant pavers (tan or gray, something neutral). My cousin did this, and it’s amazing how much less boring it is than plain concrete. Line it with meticulously manicured gardens—boxwoods work great, or small flowering shrubs like azaleas. They smell nice, too—bonus.

If your porch has wimpy columns—you know, the ones that look like they’d break if a strong wind hit—upgrade them to sturdier ones. Thicker, maybe with a simple design (no overly fancy carvings unless that’s your vibe). Then get a new front door—something impressive, maybe with sidelights (those small windows on either side) to let in more light. I used to fumble with my keys in the dark until I got sidelights—game-changer.

Don’t forget outdoor lighting! Sconces on either side of the door, or path lights along the walkway—they’ll highlight all the pretty details at night. Imagine coming home after work: the lights are on, the path is clear, and your door feels like a warm hug. That’s the goal here.

5. The "Color Pop" Statement: Injecting Personality

If you’re tired of “safe” beige and white—like every other house on the block—this one’s for you. Bold color doesn’t have to be loud; it can be sophisticated. Think deep navy blue, rich forest green, or even a sleek charcoal gray as the main exterior color. Then pair it with crisp white trim—this is key. The white makes the bold color pop without looking like a circus tent.

Add a brightly colored front door in a complementary shade: sunny yellow with navy blue, or coral with forest green. Yes, it works—I saw a house like this last month, and I had to stop and stare (in a good way). Throw in some colorful planters—terracotta pots painted in matching hues, or bright plastic ones. No judgment if you go cheap; function first, right? I use plastic ones because they’re light, and I can move them when it rains.

Maybe add outdoor cushions in the same color family to tie it all together. My friend did this with navy blue siding and a yellow door—she gets compliments every time someone visits. It’s like her home has a personality, and it’s a fun one. No more blending in—your house will be the one people remember.

6. The "Stone Foundation" Upgrade: Adding Textural Interest

Foundations are easy to ignore—like the base of a bookshelf. You don’t notice it until it’s scuffed or messy, and then it throws off the whole look. This makeover adds texture (and character) by wrapping the lower part of your Colonial in stone. You don’t need real stone—unless you want to splurge. Stone veneer works just as well, and it’s lighter and cheaper. My brother used it on his house, and I still can’t tell it’s not real.

The contrast between the stone and your siding—whether it’s clapboard, shingle, or brick—is chef’s kiss. It adds depth so your home doesn’t look flat, like a cardboard cutout. Extend the stone to make low garden walls or steps leading to the porch—this keeps the look cohesive, not like you just stuck a stone strip on the bottom and called it a day.

I saw a house like this last summer: beige siding, gray stone foundation, and stone steps. It looked so grounded, like it had been there for 100 years (even though it was a 2000s build). Textures matter—they make your home feel touchable, not just something to look at. You’ll want to run your hand along the stone every time you walk by.

7. The "Shutter Style" Refresh: A Subtle but Significant Change

Shutters are like the earrings of your home—small, but they can make or break the look. If you’ve got the same old louvered shutters everyone else has, switching them up is a cheap, easy win. I once had shutters that were way too small for my windows, and my sister joked my house looked like a dollhouse. Don’t be me.

This makeover plays with different styles:

Raised panel shutters: For a formal, “put-together” vibe—great if your Colonial is on the fancier side, like the one down the street with the big porch.

Board and batten shutters: Rustic and cozy—perfect if you want that “cottage” feel, like you could have a basket of fresh berries on the porch.

Even just painting your existing shutters a bold color (forest green, navy, or black) can make a huge difference. My mom did this in a weekend—we spent Saturday morning taping, Saturday afternoon painting, and by Sunday, her house looked brand new. She made me help, but it was worth it. Pro tip: Make sure the shutters fit your windows! Too small, and you’re in dollhouse territory. Too big, and they overpower everything. Measure twice, buy once—you’ll thank yourself.

8. The "Porch Perfection" Project: Creating an Outdoor Oasis

Your porch shouldn’t just be a spot to unlock the door. It should be a place to hang out—like an outdoor living room. I have a neighbor with a porch like this, and we’re out there every evening: grilling, chatting, watching the kids ride bikes. It makes the whole neighborhood feel friendlier.

Start with seating: rocking chairs (the padded kind—no hard wood, please), a porch swing, or even a small loveseat. I got a loveseat for my porch last year, and it’s my new favorite spot to read. Throw down an outdoor rug—suddenly, it feels like an extension of your inside space, not just wood or concrete. My rug’s blue and white, and it hides dirt really well (win for pet owners).

Add potted plants: A fiddle-leaf fig if you’re feeling fancy (just don’t forget to water it—I killed one last year). Or succulents if you’re prone to killing plants (guilty). Upgrade the porch railing if it’s wobbly or outdated—simple black metal works with almost any style. And don’t skip the lights! String lights (warm white, not cool blue) or wall sconces—they’ll make the porch feel cozy at night. I put up string lights for Christmas, and I liked them so much I kept them up year-round.

Trust me: Once you turn your porch into an oasis, you’ll never want to go inside.

9. The "Window Wisdom" Update: Enhancing Natural Light and Style

Old windows are a double whammy: They make your home look tired, and they’re drafty (hello, high energy bills). I used to live in an apartment with old aluminum windows, and I’d freeze in winter—even with two sweaters on. This makeover swaps them out for new ones that fit the Colonial style but work for modern life.

If you love classic, go for double-hung windows with divided lights (those little grids—they keep the Colonial feel). My cousin did this, and her house still looks like it’s from the 1920s, but now she doesn’t have to wear gloves inside. If you want better ventilation (great for summer!), try casement windows—they crank open wide, so you get more fresh air. I have these in my kitchen, and they’re perfect for letting in a breeze while I cook.

Don’t forget the trim! Paint it white or cream to make the new windows pop, or match it to your siding for a more seamless look. My cousin said her energy bill dropped by $50 a month after replacing her windows. Win-win—pretty and practical. No more drafty rooms, no more squinting at faded frames.

10. The "Roofline Refinement": Paying Attention to Detail

Let’s be honest: We never look at the roofline. Until a contractor points out your rusty gutters dripping on the sidewalk, or your fascia boards (the wood along the edge of the roof) are peeling so bad they look like potato chips. But it’s like the frame of a picture—if it’s messy, the whole thing looks off.

This makeover fixes that with small, thoughtful tweaks. Start with new gutters—no more rusty ones, no more ones that are missing pieces (I’ve seen that, and it’s not a good look). Update the fascia boards—paint them a dark color (charcoal or black) to contrast with your siding. My dad did this, and it made the whole house look tidier—like he’d given it a haircut.

Swap out plain shingles for architectural ones—they have more texture, so the roof doesn’t look like a flat gray blob. If you’re feeling bold, add a cupola (that little pointed tower on top—so Colonial!) or a widow’s walk (a small deck on the roof—great for stargazing, if you’re into that). I saw a house with a cupola last summer, and it looked like something out of a storybook.

A tidy roofline makes your whole house look well-cared for, even if you forgot to water the flowers that week. It’s the “I’ve got my life together” vibe, without the stress.

11. The "Landscaping Lushness": Embracing Greenery and Blooms

You can have the prettiest paint job, but if the yard is a mess? Your home still won’t pop. It’s like wearing a nice shirt with dirty shoes—something’s off. This makeover is all about making your Colonial feel like it’s nestled in greenery, not just sitting on a patch of grass.

Start with foundation plants—low shrubs (like boxwoods or hostas) that hide the gap between the siding and the ground (no more bare dirt, which always bugged me). Add flowering shrubs—hydrangeas are my favorite. My grandma grows them, and they get big and fluffy, and they come in pink, blue, or white. They’re like giant puffs of color.

Throw in a few small trees for shade—dogwoods or crape myrtles, something that won’t grow too tall and block your windows. Add hardscaping, too: stone pathways that lead to the door, or a small garden bed for veggies (tomatoes and basil are easy, I promise—I tried tomatoes last year, and they were tiny, but they tasted amazing).

Keep the lawn trimmed (or switch to artificial if you hate mowing—no judgment). Add pops of color with annuals—zinnias or sunflowers, something bright and happy. Suddenly, your home doesn’t just stand there—it fits in the yard, like they were made for each other. The greenery softens the lines of the Colonial, making it feel even cozier.

12. The "Timeless Transformation": Respecting History with Modern Touches

This last one’s for the purists—like my uncle, who loves his Colonial’s history but doesn’t want to deal with drafty windows or a porch that’s falling apart. The goal? Enhance what’s already great, not cover it up.

Stick to classic color palettes—soft beiges, warm whites, or pale grays—but add texture, like shingles instead of flat siding. It keeps the old-world feel but adds a little interest. Keep the traditional details: crown molding, a pediment over the door, or even a small portico. But swap out old light fixtures for modern ones—sleek black sconces, not the brass ones from the 80s that look like they’re covered in dust.

For landscaping, pick low-maintenance plants—lavender, succulents, or native perennials. You want it to look nice, but you don’t want to spend every weekend weeding. My uncle hates weeding more than anything, so lavender’s perfect—it smells great and doesn’t need much care.

The result? A home that feels like it’s always been there, but with little updates that make it functional (hello, energy-efficient windows!) and cozy. It’s like giving your grandma a new sweater—she’s still your grandma, but now she’s warm and stylish. No more sacrificing comfort for charm.

Honestly, looking at these makeovers makes me want to grab a paintbrush and start on my own place (if I had a Colonial, that is). The best part? None of these are “one size fits all.” If you love subtle, go for the simple white or timeless transformation. If you want to stand out, the color pop or coastal charm is for you.

Just remember: Your home should feel like you. Don’t copy something just because it’s trendy—pick what makes you smile when you pull up. If you love bright colors, go for it. If you prefer quiet elegance, that’s perfect too.

Now go make your Colonial the star of the block—you’ve got this!

12 Stunning Colonial House Exterior Makeovers That Will Leave You Speechless!