Before & After: Striking Exterior Makeovers of 70s & 80s Contemporary Homes

Modern exterior makeovers have a way of revealing the true personality of 70s and 80s contemporary homes. When the architecture is strong, strategic updates don’t change the story — they sharpen it. Suddenly, what once felt dated feels undeniably fresh. What-if becomes wow.

The Before and After: Exterior Makeovers of  70s & 80s Contemporary Homes

In today’s property market, stylish modern homes command a premium, making older properties more affordable — and far more interesting. They offer the ideal foundation for much-needed conservation and creative revival.

As more homeowners embrace the potential of postmodern and contemporary homes from the 70s and 80s, exterior renovations like these are gaining serious momentum and attention.

At Modern Paper Houses, we’re drawn to transformations that showcase the hidden potential of these homes — the sculptural lines, the unexpected angles, and the kind of character you can’t recreate today.

Below, you’ll find before and after photos of exterior renovations, designed to fuel the beginning of your renovation adventure. 

Year Built 1977 – Serve Up A Color Statement 

This is one of my favorite transformations. The renovation is marked by its simplicity.

The structure is strategically divided into three distinct color zones, breaking away from any semblance of a monolithic block.  

The painted black siding anchors the home, offering a dramatic backdrop to the landscape. The horizontal cladding and spirited red garage door introduce a playful nod to postmodernism.

Together, these three zones bring the home’s unique architecture to life.  

Can you imagine this home’s exterior redo without a zesty splash of color? Certainly not– it wouldn’t be the same.

Otherwise, we would be left with a quirky silhouette, missing its essential spark. 

Year Built 1985 – Play All The Angles:  A  Dramatic Postmodern Exterior Revival

The renovation of this home’s exterior magnifies its architectural drama. It now blends industrial and organic design creating a striking balance between the two.

Originally, the architectural details felt underwhelming. The natural cedar siding covering the home’s exterior left the facade visually flat — lacking contrast and depth.

Now, with the addition of vertically lined panels, masonry and horizontal natural cladding, the design delivers high-impact contrast bringing the home’s architectural features into sharp focus.

The angles of this home went from mellow to mind-blowing. The shed-style roofline is now outlined in industrial-style trim, adding a punch of futuristic chic.

This home renovation plays all the angles — and wins.

Additionally,  our feature [Layered, Loud, and Loaded with Personality: Six Postmodern Homes from the 70s and 80s] offers a closer look at some of the defining architectural styles of the era.

Year Built 1983 – From Faded Contemporary To Modern Farmhouse With Next-Level Curb Appeal

This contemporary home underwent an impressive transformation.  What once was a faded exterior in serious need of updating has been reinvented with a modern edge.

The original stone facade was removed and replaced with crisp white board and batten siding — a design that alternates wide boards with narrow battens to create depth and dimension. This choice echoes the classic farmhouse aesthetic with a twist.

A black roof, wood accents, and sharply trimmed black windows add heavy contrast, defining our interpretation of what we call the modern farmhouse. It’s a skilled blend of rustic charm and the sleek, minimalist lines of contemporary design.

The Power Of Before And After Exterior Renovations

These before and after exterior renovations show just how transformative carefully curated choices can be. In the world of home design, there are no limits to reinvention — only opportunities to evolve. 

Want more inspiration? Check out our other ‘’before & after” features. 

Photo Credit: Lonnie Webb

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A signature illustration by Modern Paper Houses.