Let’s sit down with a Dzinly Designer, Remington Zaremba, to talk about the design choices behind this beautiful home design. The focus of the project was to create a sleek, modern exterior with a blend of high-end materials, including unique stone, siding, and trim, all chosen to enhance the home’s overall aesthetic. The goal was to achieve a transitional design that felt fresh, timeless, and perfectly suited to the property.

Front Elevation:

Palette: 

Q: The dark cladding color is so striking! What inspired you to choose this bold shade?

A: For this project, the client requested “dark gray/almost black siding & a good amount of stone” So I knew from the start I was going to do a high contrast design. I selected Behr’s Black Mocha (one of my favorites) as the majority color of the facade, applying this gorgeous shade to James Hardie Cedarmill Board & Batten, as well as Cedarmill Shiplap. I also wanted to add a bit of additional texture and color variation. To do so I applied Delta Millworks Western Red Cedar Shiplap in Cast Iron to limited areas, such as the dormers. These materials work well together because they all have similar tones & textures. 

Q: The warm tones in the stone are beautiful! What influenced your choice of this particular stone?

A: Since the stone is the largest component of this home’s front elevation; I really needed something that would make a great first impression, but not overpower the other elements of the home. I selected this Highland Scotch Ashlar from Buechel Stone Corp for its texture/dimension as well as the color variety tying back into the lighter tones of the cedar siding and other wood accents. It also acts as a strong foundation for darker siding since the darker colors add visual weight to the design, the weight of the stone acts as a balancing force in the design. 

Q: What inspired you to go with a monochromatic look for the trim?

A: I am a big fan of the simplicity, drama & moodiness that a dark monochromatic exterior evokes. For this house, it was a no-brainer to do the trim in the same shade as the siding. Since the stone is such a big statement already, I think the simplicity of the rest of the color & material scheme keeps everything balanced, and tasteful. This look also allows the structure of the home to speak for itself, rather than having additional contrasting elements that could distract from the beautiful architecture. 

Q: What inspired you to incorporate wood accents into the design?

A: Once I had the majority of the other materials selected I knew I needed to bridge the gap between the super dark bronze elements & the warmer tones of the stone & the lighter tones of the cedar siding. Wood elements in the exterior design are hugely popular, so I decided on a rich medium brown stain Behr Rustic Brown. I incorporated just enough of this wood tone to act as a subtle accent adding a bit more warmth and character to the facade, utilizing it only on the doors & columns.

Q: What makes this particular roof the perfect choice for this home’s design?

A: Since this design heavily relies on the simplistic contrast of stone vs the darker tones of the siding & trim. I knew however the roof needed a sturdiness to match that same essence of strength coming from the stone. I selected a standing seam metal roof since it is the most visibly & physically strong. I also like the clean lines of a standing seam. The chosen option is Western States Metal Roofing in Dark Bronze which is just the slightest bit darker than the siding and trim so as to not overpower the rest of the design. 

Q: Choosing windows can be a big decision. How can you select windows that are both modern and timeless?

A: I love the look of dark windows, and this palette could support it. I also wanted to choose a brand that is known for its quality above all else, I went with a classic 6 Lite Fiberglass Casement in Bronze from Marvin which blends effortlessly into the Black Mocha sided areas and adds a pop of contrast on the lighter stone sections, once again calling back to the other dark bronze elements. 

Q: This lighting is stunning! How do you go about choosing the right size and style for your space?

A: Lighting is one of the best ways to dress up & add charm to your home’s exterior, as Jackie says, “Lighting is the jewelry of a home”. The Beckman 28in. Sconce in Dark Bronze by Restoration Hardware is the perfect choice for this design, as it ties back to the bronze roofing, and windows. 

In this design, every element comes together to create a balance of modern elegance and timeless warmth. The bold, dark siding and the light, textured stone establishes a dramatic yet inviting contrast, while thoughtful accents like warm wood tones and scaled bronze lighting add depth and character. By carefully selecting complementary materials and finishes, this home achieves a blend of texture, contrast, and cohesion, something I am always looking to create in my client’s homes. The overall design feels both grounded and sophisticated. It’s a perfect example of how intentional choices can transform a vision into a stunning reality. 

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