15 Modern House Exterior Double Story Homes Full of Style

When you drive by a modern double-story home, the exterior facade hits you first with its clean lines and material choices. I always pay attention to how the roofline and entryway frame the whole structure, because that’s what draws your eye up and makes the house feel grounded instead of boxy. These designs often work best when they mix sleek metal or stucco with warmer wood or brick accents that catch the light differently throughout the day. A strong curb appeal comes from subtle details like asymmetrical windows or a recessed front door that adds depth without trying too hard. Some of these stand out enough that I’ve started sketching similar tweaks for updating older two-story places.

Dark Wood Cladding on the Upper Story

This two-story home nails a simple contrast with dark vertical wood planks covering the upper level while keeping the base in plain white stucco. That dark wood, likely charred for that deep black tone, makes the house read modern right away without extra fuss. It pulls focus upward to those slim windows and balcony, and the clean split keeps things from feeling too heavy.

You can pull this off on narrower lots or anywhere neighbors have more traditional siding. Stick to straight lines below, like those sliding glass doors here, and let the wood do the talking up top. It suits contemporary builds best, especially if you want low upkeep since charred wood holds up well outside. Just make sure the transition line sits at eye level or so.

Wood Cladding on a Simple Cube Shape

One look at this little structure shows how well vertical wood boards work on a basic box form. The light-toned wood covers most sides, giving some texture without much fuss. Paired with plain white render on the front, it keeps things clean and modern. That subtle shift in materials adds just enough interest to make the whole thing stand out in a yard.

You can pull this off on a garden studio or even a small home addition. It suits spots where you want low upkeep and a fresh look that ages nicely outdoors. Stick to pale woods like cedar or larch, and keep the form square or cubic. Watch the scale though. On bigger houses, you’d repeat the cladding in panels to avoid it looking too blocky.

Bold Black Vertical Cladding

This house uses tall black vertical panels to cover most of its side wall. It gives the whole facade a strong, modern shape that stands out without trying too hard. The dark color picks up the evening light nicely, and it makes the large glass doors look even more open to the yard outside.

You can pull this off on a two-story home where you want clean lines and a bit of drama. It works best with simple materials like concrete paths nearby and some tough plants along the base. Just make sure the cladding is weatherproof, since dark shows dirt faster.

Warm Wood Deck on Crisp White Exterior

A clean white shiplap siding keeps this two-story house looking sharp and modern. But the real draw is that big wood deck wrapping around the lower level, with a matching balcony up top. The warm wood tone cuts the white’s coolness and adds real depth, especially when it’s overhanging like this.

This setup shines on coastal spots or any site with a view. Go for naturally weather-resistant wood so it ages well outdoors. It suits vacation homes best, where indoor-outdoor living matters. Scale it right though. A skimpy deck won’t pull it off.

Wood Cladding Warms Modern Two-Story Facades

Vertical wood planks cover the upper story here, bringing a natural texture that softens the house’s sharp modern edges. That warm timber tone plays off the plain white garage and concrete entry below. It gives the whole front a layered feel without much fuss.

This works well on homes in sunny spots, where the wood catches light nicely. Go for treated cedar or redwood to handle weather. It fits double-story designs aiming for simple curb appeal, just keep the lower part minimal so the wood stands out.

Natural Stone Upper Facade

This two-story home uses rough natural stone cladding just on the upper walls. It gives the front a solid, grounded look that feels modern but not stark. The stones vary in size and color, mostly beiges and grays, so the texture pulls your eye up without overwhelming the clean lines below.

Try this on homes where you want height emphasized. It pairs well with white stucco on the lower level and a simple wood door for warmth. Best for spots with some slope or where local stone keeps costs down. Just make sure the mortar matches so it stays subtle.

Black Brick Facades with White Accents

Black brick gives this two-story home a solid, modern base that feels fresh next to more traditional brick neighbors. The large white frame around the upper window and balcony pulls your eye up and adds clean lines without overwhelming the dark walls. It’s a simple way to make a facade look taller and more interesting.

You can pull this off on urban row houses or suburban lots where you want some edge. Just balance the dark brick with white or light trim to avoid a heavy feel, and toss in a wood door for everyday warmth. Works best if you keep plantings low and simple, like those box hedges by the entry.

Timber Cladding on Modern Facades

One way to make a boxy modern two-story home feel less stark is to add vertical timber cladding to parts of the facade. Here, warm cedar panels cover the upper corner and frame a window cutout, working nicely against the cool sage green render on the rest of the walls. It breaks up the flat surfaces and brings in some natural texture without overdoing it.

This approach suits homes in milder climates where wood can weather well over time. Try it on one side or upper level to keep costs down, and pair it with black metal details like the pergola posts for clean lines. Just make sure the timber is treated for outdoors so it lasts.

Wood Shingles over a Stone Base

One thing that makes this two-story house stand out is the way it uses natural stone for the lower level and weathered wood shingles up top. The stone gives it a solid, grounded feel right at eye level when you approach, while the shingles add that cabin-like texture higher up. It keeps the look rustic but not overdone, especially with the mix of materials blending into the garden path.

This setup works well for homes in wooded or rural spots where you want some toughness against the elements. Use bigger, rough stones at the base if your site has slopes or moisture issues, then lighter shingles above to keep the upper story feeling airy. It suits modern farmhouses or cabins, just make sure the transition line sits at a natural break, like window height… avoids looking chopped up.

White Exterior Walls with Wood Accents

A clean white exterior like this keeps things simple and modern. But adding wood accents on the windows, doors, and overhangs brings in some natural warmth. It fits right into a tropical setting without overwhelming the look. The white bounces light around, making the house feel bright and open.

You can pull this off on a two-story home pretty easily. Go for light stucco walls and teak or cedar trim around the large glass areas. It works best where you have pool access or patios nearby. Just keep the wood sealed against weather, and it stays looking good year after year.

Raw Concrete Facades with Succulent Touches

Exposed concrete gives this two-story home a solid, modern feel right from the street. The rough texture holds up well over time, and it sets off the upper balcony nicely. What makes it livable are those big agaves and succulents planted right at the base and in the rusty metal planter up top. They echo the building’s blocky shape without needing much water or fuss.

This setup works best on smaller urban lots where you want curb appeal that doesn’t demand daily care. Stick to drought-tolerant plants like these to match the concrete’s toughness, and keep the path simple with pavers. Just scale the plants to the house so they frame it, not hide it.

Two-Tone Siding on Double-Story Homes

This setup uses dark charred wood siding up top paired with a lighter stucco base down below. It gives the house a strong vertical pull that makes the two stories feel balanced and bold. That black metal roof pulls it all together without overwhelming things.

You see this work well on modern takes of farmhouses or simple contemporary builds. It suits spots with some yard space around it. Just keep the landscaping straightforward so the siding stays the star. Stone accents at the garage help ground it too.

Cantilevered Canopy Over Glass Entry Doors

A cantilevered canopy like this one juts out over the front entry in a clean, modern way. It shelters the glass doors below while adding some real structure to the two-story facade. At dusk, the warm glow from inside the entry pulls your eye right there, making the whole house feel more approachable.

This setup suits homes with flat roofs or simple lines, especially in mild climates where you want that covered spot without a full porch. Line up a straight stone pathway underneath, add bollard lights along the edges, and tuck in some low plants nearby. It keeps things low fuss but gives good curb appeal. Just make sure the canopy material matches your siding so it doesn’t stick out too much.

Wood Accents Warming a Metal Exterior

This modern home wraps most of its facade in sleek gray corrugated metal siding. That gives it a clean, industrial edge. But the wooden door, bench, and overhang pull everything together with natural warmth. The contrast keeps the look sharp without feeling cold, especially up front where it counts most.

Try this on a two-story house if you like bold materials but want some welcome at the entry. The wood works best in rich tones like walnut against cooler grays. Add a bench and potted tree for everyday use. It suits smaller lots too, since the simple lines don’t overwhelm.

Black Metal Roof on White Siding

A black metal roof sits right on top of clean white siding like it belongs there. It pulls the whole back of this two-story house together. The dark roof edges up the simple farmhouse shape without overdoing it. That sharp contrast keeps things feeling fresh and not too country. Plus metal roofs last forever and handle weather well.

Try this on a modern farmhouse or any boxy two-story home. It works best where you want some punch up high. Pair it with black window frames to tie it in. Just make sure the roof pitch isn’t too shallow or it might look off. On a rear view like this deck side it’s perfect for everyday living.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I make my double-story home feel taller and sleeker like those in the article?

A: Play up vertical lines with tall windows or slim siding panels that run from ground to roof. Skip bulky trim around doors and windows, it chops up the height. You get that soaring modern vibe without major renos.

Q: What siding picks give that crisp modern edge on a budget?

A: Go for smooth fiber cement boards or metal panels, they mimic pricier options but hold up great. Paint them a soft matte gray or black for instant style. They clean up easy too, no fuss over years.

Q: Can I mix wood accents with clean lines without it looking messy?

A: Yes, slice in slim wood slats just on one feature wall or the entry. Keep the rest stark white or charcoal stucco. That pop draws eyes right where you want.

Q: How do lights work best to show off the exterior after dark?

A: Tuck slim LED strips under eaves or along siding edges for a glow that traces the shape. Aim warm beams at entry doors and plants below. It turns your home into a standout at night… simple swap for old floods.