A wholesome home feels effortlessly complete from the walk up to the walk through. Holistic home design creates a seamless transition throughout the home by referencing exterior characteristics on the inside and vice-versa. Here are four ways to unify concepts from the inside out—creating a space homeowners will never want to leave.

1. Use a complementary color palette.

Le Chateau Fir Wood with Wide Rails and White Laminate Glass - Add a touch of warmth to modern, Scandinavian-inspired homes by integrating a genuine Fir wood patio door like the Le Chateau with Wide Rails.
Le Chateau Fir Wood with Wide Rails and White Laminate Glass - Add a touch of warmth to modern, Scandinavian-inspired homes by integrating a genuine Fir wood patio door like the Le Chateau with Wide Rails.
VistaGrande Smooth Firberglass Exterior Door with Clear Glass - Contrast a dark exterior with a bright and airy interior space: incorporate hardwood floors, expansive windows, patio doors with glass and minimalist furnishings.
VistaGrande Smooth Firberglass Exterior Door with Clear Glass - Contrast a dark exterior with a bright and airy interior space: incorporate hardwood floors, expansive windows, patio doors with glass and minimalist furnishings.

Work with the original colors of the building materials or paint them to accomplish a particular aesthetic. The paint and materials should work together as a singular color palette, especially if the building has large windows that offer a good view of the inside. If the exterior is painted a bold hue, make sure to emphasize that color as an accent on the inside to really make a statement. For a different take, build gorgeous contrast with a darker exterior and a clean, light-hued interior for a certain wow-factor upon one’s entrance.

2. Pair interior and exterior doors.

Belleville AvantGuard Black Walnut - The rich wood detail of the AvantGuard fiberglass door complements Mediterranean homes with wrought iron and intricate details for a luxurious and striking effect.
Belleville AvantGuard Black Walnut - The rich wood detail of the AvantGuard fiberglass door complements Mediterranean homes with wrought iron and intricate details for a luxurious and striking effect.
2 Panel Arch-Top Interior Door - Inside, the two-panel molded interior door makes a statement and pays homage to Mediterranean influences with an arched-top panel design in a rich jewel tone.
2 Panel Arch-Top Interior Door - Inside, the two-panel molded interior door makes a statement and pays homage to Mediterranean influences with an arched-top panel design in a rich jewel tone.

The front door may be the grand entrance, but the interior doors should reflect it in some way. “If you want continuity through the design,” says Jase Frederick, from the US Green Building Council, “then the doors on the inside need to at least reference the door on the outside, or it’s a disconnect.” Accomplish this by matching wood stains, door panels and even glass additions and hardware. Don’t just pick any old standard door—doors make up 800 square feet in the average home, so utilize them to your advantage for ultimate visual impact.

3. Introduce inspired building materials.

Heritage Series Smooth Fiberglass Exterior Door with Heartland Glass - Outside, set the stage for a contemporary yet rustic look with simple white siding and a shaker panel fiberglass door with decorative glass.
Heritage Series Smooth Fiberglass Exterior Door with Heartland Glass - Outside, set the stage for a contemporary yet rustic look with simple white siding and a shaker panel fiberglass door with decorative glass.
VistaGrande® Flush-Glazed Smooth with Clear Glass and SDLs - Blend the outside and in: exposed brick walls contrast beautifully with scenic, oversized windows and flush-glazed patio doors like the VistaGrande®.
VistaGrande® Flush-Glazed Smooth with Clear Glass and SDLs - Blend the outside and in: exposed brick walls contrast beautifully with scenic, oversized windows and flush-glazed patio doors like the VistaGrande®.

Modern homes are employing the transformative qualities of industrial-style materials to really make a difference. Steel, exposed brick, natural wood and concrete show appreciation for the beauty of architecture and should be considered when making further design decisions. Recall those special features on the inside with a continuation of their use by installing furnishings such as cabinetry, doors and wall panels in those materials. Additionally, matching hardware that complements the chosen materials will help pull the whole home together.

4. Embrace unique characteristics.

Modern Door Center Sqare Lites - Utilizing bright-colors and door designs with clean straight lines and smooth finishes define the industrial, urban trend.
Modern Door Center Sqare Lites - Utilizing bright-colors and door designs with clean straight lines and smooth finishes define the industrial, urban trend.
Riverside Molded Panel - For a low-maintenance space that treasures unfinished textures and exposed industrial features, add a functional and eye-catching barn-door like the Riverside Molded Panel.
Riverside Molded Panel - For a low-maintenance space that treasures unfinished textures and exposed industrial features, add a functional and eye-catching barn-door like the Riverside Molded Panel.

Help homeowners make the space their own. For more contemporary urban dwellings, consider a vibrant exterior door to contrast concrete siding. And unique features aren’t limited to the outside of the home: if the exterior has a clear look and feel, don’t leave the interior a blank canvas—play up its distinct features for a truly seamless experience. For example, classic-inspired homes may come to life with details like patterned wallpaper or striking chandeliers.

While the interior and exterior don’t have to match perfectly, they should complement each other to create a perfectly blended experience. Take into consideration the overall feel of the home and emphasize those elements to create personal sanctuaries with undeniable curb appeal.

To learn more about creating visual impact throughout the entire home, click here.