alvar aalto exterior shot the exterior palette is restrained elegant and intentionally high contrast blending traditional european influences with modern detailing the primary exterior material is a painted white brick finished in a soft warm white rather than a stark or cool white the brick texture should remain visible and authentic not overly smooth giving depth and shadow across the facade mortar joints are tight and clean matching the brick color closely for a monolithic look the roof is a steeply pitched gable clad in natural slate or slate look tile colored a muted medium gray with subtle tonal variation the roof should feel heavy and refined with a matte finish and crisp edges dormers are minimal and clean trimmed to match the window color for cohesion at the center of the home is a vertical architectural volume that contrasts the brick this section is clad in vertical wood siding stained a deep charcoal brown or smoked wood tone the finish is matte and refined not glossy allowing the grain to remain visible while feeling contemporary and understated windows are a defining feature they are tall steel style divided light windows with slim profiles frames are finished in a dark bronze or near black metal tone slightly warmer than pure black the mullions are thin and evenly spaced reinforcing symmetry and verticality glass is clear allowing warm interior light to glow outward exterior lighting is warm and intentional wall sconces flanking the central windows are aged brass or dark bronze emitting a soft amber light that contrasts beautifully against the white brick and dark wood cladding trim throughout the home is minimal and modern fascia window trim and roof edges are finished in a matching dark tone to the window frames keeping lines crisp and avoiding visual clutter hardscape materials are understated and complementary the driveway and walkways are paved in light gray stone or concrete pavers with subtle texture and a neutral tone that does not compete with the facade landscaping is simple and architectural low manicured greenery frames the base of the home without obscuring materials the goal is to let the contrast between white brick dark wood dark metal and slate roofing carry the design overall the home should feel timeless tailored and quietly luxurious with every material chosen to age gracefully and photograph beautifully in both daylight and evening lighting architecture
