Design & Decor Ideas, Dave & Jenny Marrs Partnership, As Seen on HGTV, Build Style, Home Improvements & Remodeling
It’s not every day you get the chance to mix it up, just because. It’s even rarer that the result is both practical and personalized. Just like mixing in accent colors to your home’s main body color accentuates your unique, personal style, so does mixing materials on your home exteriors.
Blending vinyl siding, manufactured stone and thin brick veneer is a distinctive but timeless look, appreciated not only by homeowners but also by potential buyers. About 70% of homeowners think that a home’s design is improved by mixing materials, according to a recent survey from the New Home Trends Institute. Better still, the average return on investment for homes that have replaced a portion of vinyl siding with manufactured stone veneer is over 150%.
So what are you waiting for? The biggest hurdle to achieving a cohesive exterior is material harmony. Dave and Jenny Marrs, the build and design duo behind HGTV’s “Fixer to Fabulous,” shared three tips to bring materials together for the ultimate curb appeal.
When it comes to mixing materials, less really is more. To start, always use the rule of three. Once a fourth material is introduced, your exterior could end up looking like a jumbled hodgepodge.
The next challenge is picking out different materials that go well together. “Choosing materials that stick to a common theme, such as color or style, will set you on the right path to achieve that cohesive look,” Jenny says. “For most people, color is a natural starting point to assess different exterior accents.”
The Mastic® Home Design Visualizer™ gives homeowners free rein to see how different styles of manufactured stone and thin brick complement the vinyl siding of their choice. You can see for yourself how Ply Gem stone and thin brick add texture and a focal point to your exterior.
For those seeking inspiration, the Jenny Marrs Collection within the Home Design Visualizer features six distinct palettes, each harnessing a distinct color theme. Let’s explore a few examples.
Modern homeowners who gravitate toward darker neutrals: This palette was made for you. The solid black trim, shutters and door effortlessly tie together a multitude of grey tones, while hand split shake vinyl siding accents provide a rustic touch. Get the look:
The brightest of the bunch, this palette will make a craftsman home shine. White trim harnesses a graceful transition between shades of green that provide contrast to earth-toned stone. Get the look:
Blues and greys are the stars of this palette, making it a wonderful option for contemporary homeowners. Bright white doors and trim elevate the depth of the siding and stone. Get the look:
Why not be bold (especially when it’s in style)? Despite ever-changing trends, Jenny says that bold colors, as opposed to earthy tones, have become much more widespread since the duo launched their business.
“Your home should reflect your personality without additional hassle,” Jenny says. “If you love bold colors, you should be able to use them on your home’s exterior. Mastic vinyl siding not only has the designer colors but backs them up with technology to ensure they won’t fade and won’t require tons of maintenance.”
Color can be used as an accent, too, and Jenny says: “If you really love a specific color, don’t feel like you have to use it everywhere. Start small by using it on shutters, the front door, mounting blocks, vents, door surrounds or mantel systems. Ply Gem’s color match technology makes it easy to find the perfect hue that coordinates with your siding, allowing you to express your personal style and create one-of-a-kind curb appeal.”
So, what excites you most? A color? A material? A texture? An architectural style? Whatever you fancy, start there. For Dave, starting with dry stacked stone just feels right.
Regardless of style choice, stone grounds your home unlike other building materials,” Dave says. “Whether you try it as column wrap on the front porch or an accent around the garage door, it’s an investment that is worth your while.
Ply Gem Stone includes 12 distinct styles, with five dry stacked stone options, representing a wide range of shapes, sizes, textures and colors for any homeowner’s aesthetic preferences
Once you have made up your mind about the element you love most, work your way out. In Dave’s case, he would pick siding colors that complement or contrast his selected dry stacked stone and build the full palette from there!
Feeling inspired by Dave and Jenny’s advice? Try out the many exterior cladding combinations with the Ply Gem Home Design Visualizer today.
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.
