Siding, Trim and Moulding, Shutters and Accessories, Mastic, Dave & Jenny Marrs Partnership, As Seen on HGTV, Ply Gem Total Designed Exterior
Contractor and craftsman Dave Marrs knows the smallest details on a home exterior can make the biggest statements. That’s why he works with his wife, business partner and designer, Jenny Marrs, to select exterior accents that elevate a home’s curb appeal.
Curb appeal matters now and in the future. It creates a welcoming facade for homeowners and their guests while also playing a key role when it’s time to sell. A study from the University of Texas at Arlington also found that strong curb appeal can increase a home’s value by up to 7% at resale.
Exterior accents such as shutters, trim, blocks, vents, soffit and fencing are the finishing touches, completing a home’s aesthetic by amplifying architectural features, adding character and creating a sense of cohesion.
Accents can be used to make certain features stand out or help others blend into the background. For example, if a homeowner wants to highlight large windows, the type of trim can enhance or soften the window’s visual impact on the home.
Sourcing all exterior accents from a single vinyl siding manufacturer streamlines the design and installation process, eliminating the challenge of coordinating multiple suppliers and ensuring a cohesive final product. The Ply Gem® Portfolio of Brands and Solutions offers a complete selection of exterior accents designed and engineered for color compatibility and long-term curb appeal. Choose from designer-inspired shutters, aluminum trim coil for window and door casings, PVC trim for porch posts and more for completely coordinated exteriors.
“Think of exterior accents as the finishing touches on a masterpiece — they’re what bring out the personality of a home and make it truly unique,” Jenny said.
The right exterior accents can make or break a home’s curb appeal. It’s all about creating a balanced, inviting look that stands out in the neighborhood. Follow along to see how Dave and Jenny selected accents for some of their projects featured on HGTV’s “Fixer to Fabulous.”
Ply Gem Trim frames, guards and adds a finishing touch to windows, doors and corners. Whether it’s different siding styles or where walls meet soffits, trim provides a clean transition between materials.
Vinyl trim has many aesthetic and functional benefits, including clean lines and protected edges, that can add to the overall design. It’s paintable, making it easy to complement any exterior design palette. And, with the Ply Gem product portfolio, you can easily mix and match with vinyl siding products.
“Trim isn’t just about protecting the edges — it’s about adding a touch of modern elegance that complements the home’s design while standing up to the elements,” Jenny said.
For this lakeside home renovation, Dave and Jenny set out to create a warm, inviting space for the homeowner’s growing family. The original exterior, with its weathered trim and faded paint, needed a complete refresh.
As a base, Jenny selected Ply Gem Vinyl Trim in White, paired with Mastic® Cedar Discovery® Hand-Split in Scottish Thistle. A soft green hue with a realistic wood texture, this trim gives the home a charming, rustic appearance.
The white trim highlights key details, framing the windows and bringing out the home’s lakeside Cottage character — all while providing a durable, low-maintenance finish built to withstand the elements.
From basic or ornate, to woodgrain or smooth, Ply Gem BuildReady™ Trim allows for a variety of customization options without compromising ease of installation.
Looking for a more elaborate profile? Ply Gem also has nearly 30 types of vinyl moulding, from Brick Mould and Base Cap to eight types of Crown Moulding and five types of Sills that can take a home’s design to the next level.
Thinking outside the box is the name of the game for Dave and Jenny when it comes to remodeling homes, especially for this Bungalow renovation that featured some major hurdles: rotting wood siding, peeling paint, worn roof shingles and an overgrown yard.
To attain a clean, crisp look, the Marrs opted for an all-white color scheme that includes Mastic EverPlank™ Luxury Vinyl Siding, white Ply Gem Vented Soffit and Ply Gem Trim. The finishing touch? A White Ply Gem Wide Scalloped Picket Fence that perfectly ties the yard and home together and strengthens the home’s curb appeal.
“This project is a perfect example of how curb appeal truly begins at the curb,” Jenny explains. “Adding the picket fence pulls together the yard and the house into one harmonious, welcoming space.”
Soffit panels play a critical role in both the visual appeal and functionality of a home’s exterior. While sometimes overlooked as a design element, they offer an opportunity for personalization. The extensive collection of colors and styles available from the Ply Gem brand can be customized to complement any home.
Selecting a contrasting soffit color can accentuate rooflines, while matching it to the siding, as Dave and Jenny did for this bungalow, helps create a more balanced, scaled-down appearance.
Beyond aesthetics, soffit panels are essential for attic ventilation, preventing moisture buildup, reducing heat retention and improving overall energy efficiency.
Ply Gem Vinyl Soffits are designed for easy installation and low maintenance. Built to last without the need for painting or refinishing, they allow homeowners to enjoy lasting curb appeal with minimal upkeep.
Proper ventilation is essential for preventing heat and moisture buildup, helping to maintain a home’s structural integrity. Ply Gem Vents are engineered for durability, providing reliable airflow while deterring insects, birds and other animals. Designed for easy installation with any siding type, they are crafted from high-performance vinyl, making them long lasting and low maintenance.
Like soffits, vents can be customized to blend with the home’s exterior or provide a striking contrast. Similarly, mounting blocks offer function and style benefits, protecting side seams around light fixtures, hosepipes and utility boxes.
For smaller homes, Jenny likes to match vents and mounting blocks to the siding color. On larger homes, she uses them as a contrasting design element to break up expansive wall surfaces and add visual interest.
“Vents and blocks serve a crucial purpose, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look good doing it,” Jenny said. “Choosing the right style can turn a functional necessity into a design feature.”
Selecting top-quality exterior accents is crucial to a home’s curb appeal. Ply Gem accessories enhance home exteriors while offering durability that lasts for years to come.
“In this business, your reputation is everything,” Dave said. “By choosing quality exterior accents that are built to last, you’re not just building homes — you’re building your legacy.”
See what a difference accents can make with the Home Design Visualizer.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a professional to help with installation or a pro interested in purchasing Ply Gem brands and product lines, we’ve got you covered.
