31 Stunning Small House Design Exteriors That Will Make Your Neighbors Jealous

The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, and when it comes to small houses, making a lasting impression is essential. A well-designed exterior can not only make your home stand out but also add to its overall charm and curb appeal.

Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary, rustic, or modern farmhouse look, small house design exteriors can be just as beautiful and impressive as large homes.

Here are 31 stunning small house designs that will make your neighbors jealous.

1. Minimalist Modern with Bold Accents

A minimalist modern exterior combines clean lines with bold accents. Opt for black or gray as the primary color for your walls, and add bright yellow or turquoise as an accent color for the door or window frames. This sleek, contemporary look is perfect for small homes in urban areas, giving a clean yet striking first impression.

2. Cottage Charm with a Wraparound Porch

Nothing beats the charm of a cottage-style house. Incorporate a wraparound porch, complete with wooden railings, rocking chairs, and hanging plants. This design gives your small house a welcoming and cozy feel. Use soft, pastel hues like pale blue, soft green, or white for the exterior to add warmth and character.

3. Rustic Farmhouse with Exposed Wood

For a more rustic farmhouse feel, go for an exterior featuring exposed wood beams, barn-style doors, and a combination of metal and wood materials. A neutral color palette with earthy tones like taupe, barn red, or olive green can make your small house look both rustic and elegant.

4. Mid-Century Modern with Flat Roofs

Inspired by the 1950s and 1960s, mid-century modern homes feature sharp lines and flat roofs. Use large glass windows, wooden accents, and concrete or stone materials for a unique and timeless exterior. Bright pops of color on the door or furniture can add to the mid-century appeal.

5. Scandinavian-Inspired Design with White and Wood Accents

A Scandinavian-inspired exterior features a clean, bright white finish with natural wood accents. Whether you use pine, cedar, or redwood, this combination creates a minimalist, yet warm and inviting atmosphere. Add a small balcony or terrace with simple furniture for an added touch of elegance.

6. Contemporary Urban with Black Facade

For a sleek and stylish design, consider a black facade. The dark exterior paired with modern windows and minimal landscaping creates a bold and sophisticated appearance. Incorporating steel railings and glass features will further enhance the urban feel of your small home.

7. Eco-Friendly Greenhouse Design

If sustainability is important to you, an eco-friendly greenhouse design might be the perfect fit. A glass house exterior with energy-efficient windows and solar panels on the roof will help reduce your carbon footprint. Adding an indoor garden or vertical garden can blend nature seamlessly with the home.

8. Coastal Cottage with Shingle Siding

Embrace a coastal cottage design by opting for shingle siding in soft colors like light gray, blue, or seafoam green. Add wide porches with comfortable furniture, and accentuate the space with nautical décor like rope railings and wicker furniture for an effortlessly chic, beachy vibe.

9. Tudor Revival with Brick and Stucco

For a more traditional look, consider a Tudor Revival-style exterior. Use brick and stucco for a textured, rustic finish. Combine dark wooden beams and gabled roofs for that classic Tudor charm. Add ornate windows and a quaint front door to complete the look.

10. Industrial Loft with Raw Materials

If you love the industrial style, an industrial loft design for your small house can be a game-changer. Use raw materials like exposed brick, steel beams, and concrete to give your home an edgy, urban look. Large metal-framed windows and a flat roof create a spacious and stylish exterior that exudes modernity.

11. Contemporary Cottage with a Green Roof

A contemporary cottage exterior can be stunning, especially with the addition of a green roof. Planting grass or low-maintenance plants on your roof creates a sustainable and eco-friendly design. Pair it with sleek wooden siding or metal cladding for a modern twist on the traditional cottage.

12. Zen-inspired with Natural Stone and Bamboo

A Zen-inspired exterior is perfect for small homes seeking tranquility. Incorporate natural stone, bamboo fencing, and rock gardens to create a peaceful, serene space. A wooden sliding door and simple landscaping will enhance the calming effect, making your home feel like a retreat.

13. Victorian with Ornate Details

For a truly stunning exterior, consider a Victorian-style design, known for its ornate details, decorative trim, and elegant lines. Use soft, pastel colors for the walls and accentuate with intricate window moldings and a beautifully designed front porch. This style adds a touch of old-world charm to your small house.

14. Modern Rustic with Large Windows

A blend of modern rustic design works perfectly for a small house. Use wooden materials like cedar or pine combined with steel and glass for large, open windows. The juxtaposition of natural wood with sleek modern elements creates a sophisticated exterior that feels both contemporary and cozy.

15. Contemporary Farmhouse with Metal Roof

For a modern take on the classic farmhouse, go for a metal roof paired with wide board wood siding. The clean lines of the design, combined with sleek barn doors, give your home a chic, minimalist feel. Accent with modern lighting fixtures and dark, complementary details for added elegance.

16. Art Deco-inspired Small Home Exterior

An Art Deco-inspired exterior features bold geometric patterns and metallic accents. Use black, gold, or silver as base colors, and incorporate decorative tiles and symmetrical designs for a vintage yet glamorous look. This style is perfect for small homes that want to stand out with a touch of luxury.

17. Open-Air Patio Design

A small house can still have a spacious feel with an open-air patio. Use glass walls or sliding doors to create a seamless flow between the interior and the exterior. Add modern outdoor furniture and string lights for a cozy, inviting atmosphere that is perfect for entertaining or relaxing.

18. Industrial Chic with Exposed Concrete

For a small house that blends style with utility, go for an industrial chic exterior. Incorporate exposed concrete, steel frames, and raw materials to create a minimalist yet striking look. The urban feel of the design can be softened with natural greenery and a wooden door or accents.

19. French Country with Wrought-Iron Details

A French Country-style exterior is perfect for a small, elegant home. Add wrought-iron details on windows, balconies, and gates. Pair this with soft stucco walls and a sloping roof to achieve the perfect balance of old-world charm and modern luxury.

20. Geometric Modern with Bold Shapes

For a truly unique exterior, try a geometric modern design. This style is characterized by bold shapes, sharp angles, and contrasting materials. Incorporate black metal, wooden panels, and large glass windows to create a dynamic, visually interesting design that will make your small house stand out.

21. Rustic Log Cabin

A rustic log cabin exterior is perfect for those seeking a traditional, cozy aesthetic. Use hand-hewn logs for the walls, and incorporate stone fireplaces and wooden shutters. Adding a stone pathway and rustic lanterns completes the cabin-like atmosphere for a truly charming home.

22. Open Plan Design with Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

A modern open plan design can be enhanced with floor-to-ceiling windows, making your home feel expansive. The large glass panels allow natural light to flood the interior, making the space feel open and airy. Incorporate neutral tones like white, gray, or beige for a sophisticated, timeless look.

23. Tropical Retreat with Palm Trees

For a tropical retreat vibe, use large glass windows and an open, airy design that connects with the outdoors. Add palm trees, bright flowers, and lush green landscaping for a true tropical feel. A thatched roof or wooden deck would complement this style perfectly.

24. Japanese-Inspired Exterior with Clean Lines

A Japanese-inspired exterior features clean lines, minimalist design, and a focus on natural materials like wood, stone, and paper lanterns. Incorporate sliding doors, rock gardens, and a tranquil water feature for a Zen-like atmosphere that will captivate your neighbors.

25. Shabby Chic with Distressed Wood

For a more relaxed, vintage look, a shabby chic exterior is a fantastic option. Incorporate distressed wood, soft pastel colors, and vintage lighting. The rustic finish gives your small home an antique charm, while still maintaining a contemporary appeal.

26. Beach House with Wood Cladding

A beach house design with wood cladding creates a casual, coastal vibe. Use light wood tones, such as cedar or pine, and incorporate wide windows to let in natural light. Pair with blue and white accents for a breezy, laid-back aesthetic that will have your neighbors dreaming of a beach vacation.

27. Sustainable Small Home with Green Materials

Sustainability is a key feature of modern small house designs. Incorporate green materials like recycled metal, wooden cladding, and solar panels for an eco-friendly exterior. These elements not only make your home environmentally conscious but also give it a sleek, contemporary look.

28. Gothic Revival with Tall Arched Windows

For a bold and dramatic look, opt for a Gothic Revival exterior with tall arched windows, stone facades, and pointed rooflines. The dark tones of the stone combined with intricate detailing and decorative trims will make your small home look grand and imposing.

29. Classic Cape Cod Style

A Cape Cod-style exterior is perfect for small homes. The design includes symmetrical lines, a steep roof, and shingle siding in gray or white. The addition of gabled dormers and raised flower beds enhances the traditional charm of this New England-inspired style.

30. Contemporary Zen House

A contemporary Zen house exterior focuses on simple, calming designs. Use natural materials like wood, stone, and glass to create a serene and peaceful vibe. Incorporate sliding doors, a low-profile roof, and minimalist landscaping for an understated yet stunning look.

31. Bright Mediterranean Exterior

For a warm and inviting feel, consider a Mediterranean-style exterior. Use terracotta roof tiles, stucco walls, and wrought-iron details. Bright blue accents and lush greenery complete the look, evoking the vibrant colors and atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast.

These 31 stunning small house design exteriors offer a wide range of styles that can make any small home stand out.

Whether you prefer modern, rustic, or traditional designs, there are endless ways to enhance the curb appeal of your home and make it the envy of your neighborhood.