Fairloan: Three Exterior Design Options for a Modern Home

Fairloan is our latest project currently in the design stage: an ordinary bungalow being reimagined as a modern two-storey family home with an integrated garage and a landscaped front approach. Before the exterior is finalized, we look at several directions for the same layout, so the home can be compared side by side and the best fit chosen for the street and the family.

Where it started

The existing home is a single-storey bungalow with an attached garage and a simple, dated front elevation. It is a common house type across the GTA, and a solid starting point for a more contemporary design. Many bungalows like this sit on good lots and have a sound structure, which is why a redesign or addition is often worth considering before starting from scratch.

The new design: three exterior options

Here are the three exterior options we are exploring.

Option 1: Modern gabled design

The first option leans modern, with a lighter facade, dark window frames and a dark roof that gives the home a strong, clean outline. The garage is built into the front of the house, and the entrance is set back and framed by landscaping so it reads clearly from the street.

This direction suits a family that wants a contemporary look with simple, confident lines and a good amount of natural light through larger windows.

Option 2: Contemporary with darker accents

The second option keeps the light facade but adds darker accents around the windows and entrance. The roofline is more varied, which breaks up the front of the house and adds depth without making the design feel busy.

The contrast between light and dark elements gives this version a more distinctive, modern character while still feeling warm and welcoming.

Option 3: Symmetrical, classic proportions

The third option takes a more traditional approach, with a balanced, symmetrical facade, a stately roofline and taller windows on the upper floor. The garage and entrance are placed so the front of the house feels ordered and well proportioned.

This direction works well for homeowners who prefer a refined, timeless look that sits comfortably alongside established homes on the street.

How we choose between options

All three options share the same layout, so the choice is about character, not function. We compare how each one fits the street, how the roofline and massing sit on the lot, the materials and budget, and what the homeowners want to see every day when they pull into the driveway. Showing the options together makes that decision much easier than describing it on paper.

What comes next

The project is still under design, so details will keep evolving. Next steps include choosing the final exterior direction, a zoning review to confirm what can be built on the property, and preparing drawings for the building permit application.

Planning a renovation or new build?

Cadaxx Design handles drawings, zoning applications, Committee of Adjustment filings and building permits across the GTA, from first concept to approval. If you are thinking about a renovation, addition or new build, contact us at info@cadaxx.com or 416 639 0904.