Siding Choices Have Come a Long Way

Take a look at the home in the image. Clean, modern, and well-balanced—but what really stands out is the siding. It’s not just one style. It’s a thoughtful combination that adds depth, contrast, and character without overwhelming the design.


And that’s exactly how siding has evolved.


For years, most homes relied on a single, consistent look—typically classic horizontal siding. It was simple, affordable, and got the job done. But today, siding is no longer just about covering your home. It’s about defining its style.


Siding choices have come a long way—and I feel like most people don’t realize how much it can completely change the look of a house.


In the image, you can see a great example of this evolution. The main body of the home uses vertical board and batten siding, which gives it a clean, modern farmhouse feel. Then, darker window trim and shutters create contrast, while the lower roofline and garage area subtly break things up. It’s not complicated—it’s just well thought out.


This kind of design used to be reserved for custom homes. Now, it’s showing up everywhere.


If you had to pick right now, would you stick with classic horizontal siding or go with something like board and batten or shake accents?


That’s the question more homeowners are starting to ask.


Horizontal siding still works—and it always will. It’s timeless, familiar, and fits almost any neighborhood. But it can also feel flat if it’s the only element used across the entire exterior.


That’s where mixing styles comes in.


Adding board and batten to upper sections, or shake siding in gables, creates visual interest without making the home feel overdesigned. It breaks up large wall spaces and gives your home a more custom, finished appearance.


And the best part? You don’t need a massive house to make it work.


I’ve been seeing more mixed styles lately, and they actually look really good on regular homes—not just high-end builds. With the right combination of materials and colors, even a standard two-story house can stand out in a subtle, refined way.


Beyond looks, newer siding options also perform better. Today’s materials are designed to resist moisture, fading, and damage from weather. That means you’re not just improving curb appeal—you’re investing in durability and lower maintenance over time.


So this isn’t just a design decision. It’s a long-term one.


If your current siding feels outdated or one-dimensional, it might not be the color—it might be the style.


Sometimes, the biggest transformation doesn’t come from changing everything. It comes from adding the right combination of elements that work together.


So take another look at your home.


Would you keep it simple with horizontal siding? Or would you mix in board and batten or shake accents to give it more character?


Because today, siding isn’t just a background feature—it’s one of the most powerful ways to define how your home looks and feels.

If you want to see some options and get a free estimate, this is a solid place to start: Siding Materials and Installation

For more about siding a take a look at 6 Types of Siding for Homes: Pros, Cons and learn How to Inspect Your Home’s Siding and even figure out to How to Calculate Materials and Cost for Siding