13 Southern-Ready Exterior Design Ideas Taking Over Mississippi Homes

Mississippi homes are getting a fresh look with design trends that blend Southern charm and modern flair. Homeowners across the state are updating their exteriors to create welcoming spaces that stand up to our hot, humid climate.

From classic porch makeovers to bold color choices, these exterior updates are transforming neighborhoods while honoring our Southern roots. And with these looks, even the mosquitoes might take one look and decide to buzz off somewhere else!

1. Bold Front Door Colors That Pop

Gone are the days of safe, neutral front doors! Mississippi homeowners now choose radiant teals, sunny yellows, and rich corals that stand out against white or brick exteriors.

These statement doors become instant focal points while reflecting the homeowner’s personality. Plus, bright colors hold up better against our intense sunlight without fading as quickly as subtler shades.

2. Shutters With Authentic Hardware

Functional shutters are making a comeback! Rather than those flimsy decorative panels screwed flat against walls, homeowners install full-sized shutters with actual hinges and S-hooks.

During storm season, these shutters can actually close over windows for protection. Even when open, the authentic hardware adds dimension and character that flat decorative shutters simply can’t match.

3. Metal Roofs In Unexpected Colors

Ready to make your roof the crown jewel of your home? Metal roofing has always been a practical hero in our stormy climate, but now it’s also stealing the style spotlight!

Homeowners are ditching plain old silver for copper, bronze, deep blue, and even forest green. Because who says your roof can’t have a little colorful personality?

Not only do these roofs reflect heat better than asphalt shingles, potentially slicing cooling costs by up to 25%… But the gentle drumroll of rain on metal gives you that classic Southern soundtrack we just can’t get enough of.

4. Outdoor Lighting That Tells A Story

Gas lanterns flickering alongside doorways create instant Southern ambiance! Homeowners install copper or iron fixtures that develop beautiful patinas over time.

Solar-powered path lights illuminate walkways while cutting electricity costs. String lights draped across porches and patios extend outdoor living hours. That way they’re creating magical spaces for evening gatherings without attracting too many bugs.

5. Window Boxes Bursting With Native Plants

Window boxes filled with cascading sweet potato vines, native lantana, and cheerful black-eyed Susans bring living color to Mississippi facades. These mini-gardens soften hard architectural lines while attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

Smart homeowners choose copper or iron boxes that weather beautifully over time. Self-watering reservoirs hidden inside make maintenance practically foolproof, even during our hottest summer months.

6. Two-Tone Exterior Paint Schemes

Monochromatic exteriors? Boring! Today’s Mississippi homes sport sophisticated two-tone paint jobs that highlight architectural details.

Contrasting trim colors make windows pop, while accent colors on gables draw the eye upward. Many homeowners paint porch ceilings the traditional paint blue. It’s a subtle nod to Southern superstition that supposedly keeps evil spirits away while also deterring insects.

7. Courtyard Gardens With Privacy Walls

Front yards transform into private courtyard gardens with the addition of low brick or iron walls. These semi-enclosed spaces create outdoor rooms perfect for morning coffee or evening conversations.

Climbing roses, jasmine, and wisteria soften hardscaping while providing fragrance. Small fountains mask street noise with the soothing sound of water, creating peaceful retreats just steps from the front door.

8. Oversized House Numbers With Character

House numbers become artistic statements with oversized custom digits in materials like wrought iron, copper, or carved wood. Placed prominently near entrances, these distinctive markers help visitors find homes while adding personality.

Some homeowners incorporate local motifs like magnolias or riverboats into their number displays. Others illuminate their numbers with subtle lighting for improved visibility after dark.

9. Brick Patterns Beyond The Ordinary

Looking to give your brick home a fresh new beat? Mississippi homeowners are shaking things up with distinctive laying patterns that add personality and charm.

Herringbone sections create eye-catching focal points around entrances, while basketweave patterns bring textured interest to garden walls.

Whitewashed or German-smeared brick tones down the classic red without losing that beloved brick texture. Plus, mixing salvaged antique bricks with modern ones lets you tell a story, one brick at a time, that honors the past while embracing today’s style.

10. Outdoor Ceiling Fans Built For Humidity

Specially designed outdoor ceiling fans with damp or wet ratings survive our notorious humidity while keeping air moving on still summer days. Modern designs include remote controls, integrated lighting, and even Bluetooth speakers.

Smart homeowners choose fans with reversible motors to help circulate warm air downward during our brief but chilly winters. The gentle breeze also helps deter mosquitoes, making outdoor spaces more comfortable year-round.

11. Driveway Designs With Southern Flair

Ready to pave the way to a driveway upgrade? Concrete driveways are stepping up their game with stamped patterns that mimic brick, cobblestone, or even wood planks!

These textured surfaces don’t just look great. They provide better traction during those surprise Mississippi downpours.

Permeable paver systems let rainwater soak right through instead of causing puddles and erosion. Plus, decorative borders made from classic Mississippi river rock or local stone tie your driveway beautifully to the natural landscape.

12. Garage Doors That Don’t Look Like Garage Doors

Carriage-style garage doors transform boring facades into architectural highlights. These doors feature decorative hardware, windows, and wood-look finishes that mimic historic carriage houses.

Smart versions open via smartphone while sending alerts if left open accidentally. Some homeowners install screens that can roll down when the door is open, creating breezy, bug-free workspace during pleasant weather months.

13. Wraparound Porches With Modern Twists

Nothing says “Southern home” quite like a wraparound porch, but today’s versions pack unexpected surprises! Modern ceiling fans with sleek blades replace those squeaky, wobbling antiques, while built-in outdoor speakers hide discreetly in the eaves, ready to cue up your porch playlist.

Composite decking looks just like real wood, minus the splinters and Saturday staining sessions. And for those inevitable mosquito invasions, hidden screen systems drop down at the push of a button like your own personal porch force field.

Now the only question is, how do we get the iced tea to refill itself?