2015 is now in the history books and the excitement of the new year is certainly something to look forward to. Before you turn the page on the past year, however, take a moment to look at some of the coolest exterior home remodeling trends that 2015 had to offer. These remodels, installations, and constructions helped to make the past year uniquely its own and helped to pave the way for the styles and designs that are going to take the world by storm in 2016.

It’s important to note that unlike last year’s hottest interior designs article, these stylish and innovative designs all popped up in the typically unchanging exterior of the home. Whether you immediately started speaking to contractors after hearing about these trends, still don’t get what all the fuss was about, or haven’t even heard of all of these remodels, these design and remodel trends set the year apart from all others.

Shipping Container Homes

Shipping container homes are becoming incredibly popular.
Shipping container homes are becoming incredibly popular. Source: Freshome

The modern, modular style has continued to hold sway over architectural developments for several years now and in 2015 came to a new head in the form of a few different housing styles. For homeowners who are dedicated to the ultimate in this simplified lifestyle with a particular focus on environmentalism, this year offered the perfect innovative solution by converting shipping containers into stylish, incredibly energy efficient residences for just a few thousand dollars!

With companies like Logical Homes, Nova Deko, and MEKA offering comprehensive engineering and construction, shipping container homes have evolved from a uniquely modern take on housing to a highly viable, resilient, and affordable form of housing that’s sure to continue its growth in popularity in the year ahead.

The Tiny House Movement

The tiny house movement is perfect for those looking to downsize.
The tiny house movement is perfect for those looking to downsize. Source: Country Living

Another trend designed with simplicity, frugality, and freedom in mind, the tiny home movement which shows like Tiny House Nation and Tiny House Builders helped to popularize, reached its peak in 2015. These charming little homes allow homeowners a chance to fully customize their property affordably and even to move it from place to place easier than any option available before.

As with container homes, tiny houses have the tremendous benefits of increased energy efficiency, decreased utility bills, and a much more organized, simplified life given the limited space. Additionally, however, tiny houses are easily constructed on trailers and other easily transported surfaces to help make sure that freedom and convenience are always available to homeowners who design them. As a result, a lot of homeowners in 2015 elected to make a tiny home installation a part of their backyard design to turn into a separate getaway, a quiet study, or a cozy, comfy in-law apartment.

She Shed Installations

She sheds are versatile spaces.
She sheds are versatile spaces. Source: Bob Vila

Directly responding to the widespread prevalence of mancaves, she sheds made a huge splash on the remodeling market this year. Whether homeowners simply converted and upgraded a basic backyard shed or had a brand new installation built to their exact specifications, the customization and privacy of a she shed inspired countless homeowners to invest in their own home-away-from-home.

With countless styles and designs, she shed construction is sure to remain a popular facet of property growth, particularly as the open-concept home grows to be more and more common and personal space becomes even more precious.

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