Modern shingle style homes are making a major comeback and for good reason. These homes blend timeless coastal charm with today’s comfort needs.
If you’re considering a shingle style home, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this architectural style.
Shingle style architecture started in New England coastal communities back in the 1880s. It became the first modern American house style, breaking away from European traditions.
The style quickly spread across America because architects loved its relaxed, informal feel.
Modern families choose shingle-style homes for their timeless appeal with seaside freshness. Cedar shingles provide excellent insulation and weather resistance.
As a home design expert, I can tell you these homes create a sense of calm that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Distinctive Exterior Features That Define Modern Shingle Style
Cedar shingles naturally resist rot and insects, age beautifully from honey to silver, and provide excellent insulation that reduces energy costs for 30+ years.
1. The Signature Shingle Cladding
Cedar shingles are the heart and soul of shingle style homes. I’ve worked with these materials for over a decade, and they never fail to impress me.
When you choose cedar shingles, you’re getting much more than just exterior covering. You’re investing in a material that gets better with age.
Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects. This means your home stays protected for years without constant maintenance. I’ve seen cedar shingles last 30 years or more with minimal care.
But here’s the cool part.
Cedar shingles improve over time. When they’re first installed, they have a warm, honey color. After a few years of sun and weather, they develop a beautiful silvery patina.
The insulation properties are impressive too. Cedar shingles create tiny air pockets that help regulate your home’s temperature. Energy efficiency is where cedar shines. Your heating and cooling bills will be lower compared to other siding materials.
2. Innovative Color Palettes and Finishes
Gone are the days when shingle homes had to look the same. Today’s color options will blow your mind.
I’ve helped homeowners choose from dozens of different finishes. The variety is incredible.
Traditional weathered cedar tones remain the most popular choice. This natural honey color slowly turns silver over time. It’s classic for a reason. But wait, there’s more.
Contemporary homeowners are getting bold with color. Deep grey-green finishes create dramatic curb appeal. Mellow brown shingles offer a warmer alternative that blends beautifully with natural surroundings.
Custom-finished weather-worn grey is my personal favorite. This option gives you the aged look without waiting years for natural weathering.
White-painted shingles create the freshest, crispest appearance possible. They’re perfect for a clean, coastal look.
Here’s what you need to know: painted options require repainting every 8 to 10 years. Natural cedar requires zero maintenance for color.
3. Architectural Details and Proportions
The magic of shingle style homes lies in their distinctive architectural details. I’ve studied these proportions for years, and they create something truly special.
Gambrel roofs are the signature feature you’ll notice first. These double-sloped roofs give homes character and charm. They’re not just pretty either. Gambrel roofs create more usable space in the upper floors.
Irregular rooflines make each home unique. No two shingle-style homes look exactly alike. The rooflines flow and change direction naturally, creating visual interest from every angle. But here’s where it gets really interesting.
Crisp forms wrapped in shingle cladding create a unified appearance. The shingles smooth out any harsh edges. This gives the entire home a soft, organic feel that’s impossible to achieve with other materials.
Wide porches are essential to the style. I always tell clients that porches aren’t just decoration. They’re outdoor living spaces that extend your home’s footprint. You’ll find yourself spending more time outside than you ever imagined.
The horizontal emphasis in design composition is what makes these homes feel so relaxed. Instead of tall, imposing structures, shingle style homes spread out horizontally. This creates a sense of calm and connection to the landscape.
Everything flows together seamlessly.
Contemporary Window and Door Innovations
Modern shingle homes use floor-to-ceiling windows with black steel frames and porthole accents to maximize light while balancing traditional and contemporary design elements.
1. Modern Glazing Solutions
Windows can make or break a shingle-style home. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way over the years.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are game changers. They flood your home with natural light and make rooms feel twice as large.
Vast planes of glass create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. I’ve watched clients fall in love with their views all over again after installing these windows.
But here’s the twist.
Black steel-framed windows add modern contrast that’s stunning. The dark frames pop against light shingles. This combination creates a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary design.
Porthole-style windows bring nautical character that’s hard to resist. These circular windows work especially well in bathrooms and stairwells.
Here’s what you need to consider: large windows mean higher energy costs if you choose the wrong glass.
2. Entrance Design Elements
Your front door sets the first impression for your entire home. I’ve seen amazing homes ruined by poor entrance choices.
Black steel doors are my go-to recommendation for contemporary appeal. They’re sleek, durable, and create instant sophistication. The contrast against weathered shingles is perfect.
Classic white trim maintains traditional aesthetics that never go out of style. I always use white trim around doors and windows. It creates clean lines that make your entrance pop.
But here’s where things get interesting.
Fanlight windows above entry doors add character and extra light to your foyer. These semicircular windows are classic shingle style elements. They make your entrance feel grand without being overwhelming.
You don’t have to stick with black doors, though.
Contrasting door colors create visual interest that stops people in their tracks. Turquoise doors give your home a coastal vibe that’s fresh and inviting. Red doors add warmth and traditional charm.
I’ve used both colors with great success. The key is choosing colors that complement your shingle tone and landscape.
Here’s my advice: Bold door colors work best when everything else stays neutral. Let your door be the star of the show.
Sophisticated Interior Design Characteristics
Modern shingle homes use open floor plans with seamless flow, natural materials, and horizontal lines to create spacious, connected living areas that feel twice as large.
1. Open Floor Plan Concepts
Modern shingle style homes throw out the walls that divide traditional spaces. I’ve redesigned dozens of these homes, and open floor plans always transform how families live.
Large open-plan living and dining areas create the heart of your home. You can cook dinner while helping kids with homework. Entertaining becomes effortless when guests can move freely between spaces.
Seamless flow between interior spaces is what makes these homes special. I remove unnecessary walls and create sight lines that connect every room. Your home feels twice as large without adding square footage.
But here’s the secret sauce.
Integration of natural materials throughout ties everything together. Wood beams, stone accents, and natural textures create continuity from room to room. You’ll never feel like you’re walking into a completely different space.
The focus on horizontal lines and linear detailing keeps everything calm and organized. Instead of busy patterns and vertical elements, I use clean horizontal lines. Built-in shelving, window placement, and ceiling details all follow this principle.
Your eye moves smoothly across the space without stopping at jarring transitions.
Here’s what this means for you: Open floor plans work best when you have consistent flooring and ceiling heights. The investment in quality materials pays off because they’re visible from every angle.
2. Material Selections and Finishes
The right materials can transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary. I’ve learned that quality materials make all the difference in shingle-style homes.
Fumed white oak floors in wide plank formation are my absolute favorite choice. The wide planks create a sense of grandeur that narrow boards can’t match. Fumed oak develops a beautiful grey tone that complements shingle exteriors perfectly.
Your floors become a work of art.
Soft whites, neutrals, and pale ocean color schemes keep everything calm and serene. I use colors like soft sage, warm beige, and whisper grey. These colors reflect natural light beautifully and never feel overwhelming.
But here’s where the magic happens.
Sleek cabinetry with clean lines provides storage without visual clutter. I design cabinets that blend into the walls. No ornate details or fancy hardware needed. Simple is always better.
Natural textures create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Linen upholstery, jute rugs, and raw wood accents add layers of comfort. These textures invite you to relax and unwind.
Here’s my material philosophy: Choose fewer materials but invest in higher quality. A home with three beautiful materials always looks better than one with ten cheap options.
3. Lighting and Ceiling Design
Good lighting can make or break the atmosphere in your shingle-style home. I’ve seen beautiful rooms ruined by harsh overhead lights.
Soft cove lighting in foyers and bedrooms creates the perfect welcome home feeling. This hidden lighting washes walls with gentle illumination. You’ll never want to use harsh ceiling fixtures again.
Soaring ceilings make even small rooms feel spacious and grand. I always push for higher ceilings when possible. The extra height creates drama and makes your home feel more expensive.
But here’s something most people miss.
Concealed roof gutters and downspouts keep the exterior clean and uncluttered. You won’t see ugly pipes running down your beautiful shingle walls.
Strategic lighting placement for ambiance is where I spend most of my design time. I layer different types of lighting throughout each room.
Here’s my lighting rule: Every room needs at least three different light sources. The goal is to create spaces that feel warm and inviting.
Conclusion
Modern shingle style homes offer the perfect blend of timeless charm and contemporary comfort.
From cedar shingles that age beautifully to open floor plans that connect your family, these homes truly have it all.
You nowknowe to make informed decisions about your home project. The features we covered will help you create a space that feels both classic and current.
Ready to start planning? I’d love to hear about your shingle-style home ideas in the comments below. Share this guide with anyone who might be considering this beautiful architectural style.
Remember, the best homes are built with careful planning and quality materials. Your modern shingle-style home will be a place your family treasures for generations to come.
Take the first step today. Your dream home is closer than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes modern shingle-style homes different from traditional ones?
Modern shingle style homes blend classic cedar shingles with contemporary features like black steel windows, open floor plans, and sleek cabinetry. They maintain the timeless coastal charm while adding energy-efficient materials and modern conveniences that today’s families need.
How long do cedar shingles last on modern homes?
Cedar shingles typically last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. They’re naturally resistant to rot and insects. Over time, they develop a beautiful silvery patina that adds character while requiring zero upkeep for color.
Are modern shingle-style homes energy efficient?
Yes, cedar shingles provide excellent natural insulation that regulates indoor temperatures. Combined with modern triple-pane windows and proper construction techniques, these homes can reduce heating and cooling costs by 15 to 20 percent compared to other siding materials.
What color options are available for shingle exteriors?
You can choose natural weathered cedar that turns silver over time, custom-finished weather-worn grey, deep grey-green, mellow brown, or white-painted shingles. Natural cedar requires no maintenance, while painted options need repainting every 8 to 10 years.
Do modern shingle-style homes work in all climates?
Absolutely. Cedar shingles adapt well to hot, humid conditions and cold, snowy winters. The natural insulation properties help regulate temperature in any climate, making these homes suitable for coastal areas, mountains, and everything in between.
