Rooted in the Countryside

Written by Kelly McMaster

Photography by Plank & Pillow

With inspiration from English cottages and European country homes, this exterior blends soulful color, aged stone, warm bronze windows, and finishes designed to age gracefully.

Project House Tennessee has reached that exciting and gratifying point in the build where the home’s personality is no longer just on paper, it’s visible from the curb. The exterior was always designed by our partners Henry and Brooke at Plank & Pillow to feel timeless and grounded, drawing inspiration from classic English cottages and European countryside homes rather than trend-driven finishes. Now, with the key materials and colors selected, the vision is taking shape as a warm, layered, and intentionally collected home- as if it has evolved over time.

A Deep, Earthy Color That Reads Soft, Not Stark

All exterior siding and trim are painted in s a deep, earthy brown that can read nearly black in low light, then soften in the sun. That chameleon quality is what makes it feel enduring: it’s dramatic without being harsh and grounded without feeling heavy. It’s a heritage-leaning choice that instantly elevates the architecture and sets the stage for richer natural materials to shine.

Stonework With an Old-World Handcrafted Feel

To reinforce that European countryside inspiration, the home is wrapped in Orchard stone from Masonmade, selected for its natural variation and softly aged appearance. The finish detail that takes it from “new stone” to “old-world charm” is the white overgrouted joint work, which enhances texture and creates that hand-laid, timeworn look. The result is high character without feeling fussy.

Warm Metals + Traditional Proportions

With the dark palette and layered masonry, the window choice needed to bring warmth and classic proportion. Bronze Pinnacle casement windows by Windsor Windows do both. The bronze finish plays beautifully against the paint, adding gentle contrast, while the traditional casement proportions reinforce the cottage aesthetic. It’s a subtle decision that makes a major difference in how the exterior feels: balanced and classic.

A Nuanced Roof Color That Balances the Elevation

The roof is finished with Tamko’s Titan XT architectural shingles in Virginia Slate, a nuanced gray that balances the depth of the siding while keeping the exterior feeling classic and understated. Rather than competing with the dark body color, the roof tone supports it and creates an elevation that is cohesive, and grounded.

Entry Moments That Feel Authentic

Every cottage needs a sense of welcome, and here it starts at the doors. Mahogany exterior doors from Vintage Doors serve as a focal point, bringing richness and authenticity to the entryways. The natural wood tone adds instant warmth against the darker exterior finishes that feel elevated yet welcoming.

Crafted Details That Make the Difference

A true cottage-style exterior is built on thoughtful detail, and Project House Tennessee leans into that craft. Cedar headers above windows set in stone walls add a subtle architectural break and reinforce the handcrafted character. Exposed rafter tails incorporated throughout the rooflines deepen shadows and add dimension and feels custom instead of cookie-cutter.

Underfoot, the team at Plank & Pillow chose bluestone pavers for all porches and steps for their durability and refined texture. The bluestone’s natural variation complements the Orchard stone beautifully.

Finishing it all off, copper exterior light fixtures bring warmth and timeless appeal now with even more character later. As the copper naturally patinas, it will add depth and lived-in authenticity that only improves with time.

Plank & Pillow’s cottage house plans, created by Brooke and Henry, capture the warmth and charm of classic cottage architecture while thoughtfully adapting it for modern living. Their designs feature inviting front entries, cozy yet open floor plans, abundant natural light, and details that feel handcrafted and timeless. Each plan balances beauty with practicality, offering homes that are welcoming, livable, and full of character.

A Collected Exterior by Design

From roofing and stonework to wood details and lighting, every exterior element was layered intentionally to create a home that feels gathered over time, rather than newly built. The result is a Tennessee cottage exterior with European roots that is quietly dramatic, richly textured, and designed to age beautifully for years to come.

Why This Exterior Feels Old-World in the Best Way

A deep, earthy exterior color adds shadow and softness.
Overgrouted stone joints mimic traditional hand-laid masonry.
Warm metals (bronze + copper) keep dark finishes from feeling stark.
Natural materials (mahogany, cedar, bluestone) add authenticity.
Details like rafter tails create depth and real cottage character.

Our Amazing
Project House TENNESSEE Sponsors

Brass + Ivory Cabinetry

At Brass + Ivory Cabinetry, we believe the kitchen is the true heart of every home. It’s where family gathers, stories are shared, and memories are made. Our work goes beyond cabinetry—we craft bespoke spaces designed to bring people together and celebrate the moments that matter most. With a dedication to detail, quality craftsmanship, and timeless style, we help turn houses into homes filled with warmth, beauty, and connection. Visit brassandivorycabinetry.com.

Masonmade Design + Supply

A full-service building material supplier operated by a team of masonry design experts. We collaborate with partners worldwide, providing services ranging from product education, masonry design and fabrication to individual project consultation. We send custom material and quick-ship products directly to residential and commercial sites across North America. Visit masonmadestone.com.

Regal Brands

The Regal Brands family of companies produce decorative hardware products ranging from vintage interior handle sets and hinges to cabinet hardware to luxury home entrance sets. As the parent company of Nostalgic Warehouse, Grandeur Hardware, Ageless Iron and Viaggio Hardware, the name ‘Regal Brands’ lends credence to the breadth of styles, quality of workmanship and tradition of excellence we strive for in everything we produce. Visit regal-brands.com.

Clopay

With a variety of styles and colors that make homes stand out, Clopay garage doors are designed to make a statement. Visit Clopaydoor.com.

Hoodsly Wooden Range Hoods

Hoodsly began when it became apparent that there was a need in the kitchen industry for a range hood that could be personalized without the need for a cabinetmaker. They proudly source all materials in the United States, and all the hoods are made in North Carolina. Visit hoodsly.com.

Mullican Hardwood Flooring

Introducing Southern Crafted Shutters

Mullican Flooring was founded in 1985 along the banks of the Greenbrier River in Ronceverte, West Virginia. Bill Mullican produced beautifully crafted hardwood floors from prime local timber and established Mullican Flooring as the premier brand of hardwood flooring. That tradition of legendary craftsmanship continues today. Visit mullicanflooring.com.

TAMKO

With more than 80 years in business, TAMKO is a leading independent manufacturer of residential roofing shingles and waterproofing products crafted with American pride. For more information about TAMKO, visit our website at tamko.com.

Smith Roofing

Your home deserves the best protection. Since 2016, our family-owned roofing company has delivered award-winning service with hundreds of 5-star reviews and BBB A+. Take comfort in expert repairs, replacements, even decks and windows, installed to last. Visit smithroofingservices.com.

Vintage Doors

Handcrafted solid wood doors in the styles and quality you expect from master craftsmen. Vintage Doors handcrafts each door from 100% furniture grade solid wood. Every door is custom made to your exact size and preferences. Visit vintagedoors.com.

Windsor Windows & Doors

Windsor Windows & Doors markets wood windows and patio doors, vinyl windows and patio doors, cellular PVC windows and pocket replacement windows. Windsor operates its divisional headquarters in Iowa and has an additional manufacturing facility in North Carolina. For more information, visit windsorwindows.com.

ZLINE

ZLINE is a family-owned company based in Reno, Nevada. ZLINE provides an elevated luxury experience with industry-leading appliances and kitchen and bath fixtures. Each collection is meticulously designed and shipped in the United States. Our mission is to redefine luxury by ensuring that attention to detail, premium design, and an unmatched customer experience are attainable. Visit zlinekitchen.com.