Readers' Choice: The 10 Most Popular Exteriors of 2012

Although many of these homes lean toward conventional style, readers stored these photographs for all of the little details which look great on almost any house. ers noticed the stonework, shutters, exterior lighting, shingles and outdoor fireplaces, collecting inspiration for their homes.

Which of these 10 exterior photographs most often added to ideabooks in 2012 you prefer?

Heydt Designs

1. Classic cottage in California. This cottage exterior struck a chord for ers, many of whom noticed the stonework and columns in their ideabooks. Readers found the easy, low-maintenance landscape appealing, too.

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RWA Architects

2. Shutters in Ohio. While the lanterns and shutters immediately catch the eye, several readers noted the simple stone steps resulting from the doors.

Martin Bros.. Contracting, Inc..

3. Outdoor shower in Illinois. A backyard is not confined to a tropical locale. This Illinois house has the ideal spot for scrubbing off after a summer day at the lake. The timeless easy and showerhead surround mix with the exterior style.

Lake Country Builders

4. Simple shingled exterior in Minnesota. Sturdy shingles decorate this outside, offsetting the dark doors. The backyard makes for a welcoming entrance, sheltering traffic from rain, sun or snow.

Lake Country Builders

5. Year-round fire pit in Minnesota. This cabin-style house is appropriate for yearlong entertaining. A covered porch, an expansive lawn and a fire pit can be utilized whether there is sunlight or snow. Many readers stored this picture for the beautiful stonework in the fire pit area.

Cornerstone Architects

6. Modern rear terrace in Austin. A more contemporary take on a hill residence, this rustic Texas home incorporates bold components to give it a special twist. Readers especially loved the fireplace on the covered terrace.

Sennikoff Architects, Inc..

7. Spanish-style breezeway at California. Several types of stone and dark wood columns increase the ambience of the ranch breezeway. Each one of the iron beams — lanterns, sconces, wall decoration — tie each portion of the open space together.

LLC, Fergon Architects

8. Exterior fireplace in Illinois. This house takes advantage of an present chimney with a unique outdoor fireplace. ers also noted the grey and white palette as well as the rear steps with handrails.

Lands End Development – Designers & Builders

9. Lake O’Brien wooded retreat. This Minnesota woodland house has the ideal outdoor setup for a summer cabin. The pops of crimson in the outdoor furniture contrast with the green at the exterior as well as with the lush, green environment.

Isler Homes

10. Parisian style in the heart of Dallas. Inspired by classic French manors, this elegant house is really in Texas. The simple landscaping brings the eye straight to the stately cast-stone facade.

These photographs made 2012’s Most Popular list based on how many occasions they have been inserted to users’ ideabooks. Still searching for your dream exterior? Find thousands more photographs here

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