Top exterior design trends for desirable home extensions

Contemporary exterior finishes and materials to enhance your home extension.

When planning a luxury home extension, the exterior design is just as important as the interior. The outside sets the tone and creates the first impression of your home — long before anyone steps through the door. At Acre Design, we’re seeing some key architectural exterior trends shaping how homeowners in Newcastle and the North East are elevating their properties.

Texture and contrast

Combining materials is one of the most effective ways to create a bold, contemporary façade. Timber cladding alongside sleek steel, or stone detailing with rendered walls, adds depth, warmth, and individuality to a home. Beyond aesthetics, natural materials such as timber and stone also bring durability and sustainability benefits.

Premium brickwork

Brick is timeless, but how it’s used is evolving. Homeowners are rediscovering traditional red brick and reimagining it in a more refined, architectural way — highlighting key features of a property and giving extensions a sense of permanence and quality.

Eco-conscious exteriors

Designing with sustainability in mind is now a priority. From green walls and vertical planting to highly efficient insulation systems, eco-friendly finishes allow your home to tread lightly on the environment while also adding distinctive character.

Dark façades

Dark exterior palettes — from deep charcoals to matte black finishes — are increasingly chosen for luxury extensions. They create drama, sophistication, and contrast beautifully with glazing and natural landscaping.

At Acre Design, we help our clients explore these exterior design directions to ensure their home extensions not only look striking, but also perform beautifully for decades to come.

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