How to Make a Colonial Exterior Contemporary

Replace the old siding with new vinyl siding. Strip vinyl siding complements the old style, while giving the house a fresh color and vibrant exterior. Use siding that features modern versions of period colors. Almost any color works, from bright yellows to bold blues.

Add thick, white trim around the windows, doors and frame of the house. The trim accentuates the color of the vinyl siding and gives the house a fresh, modern take on an old look. Use wide molding with detailed patterns to merge the old and new.

Replace the existing windows with palladian windows. Palladian windows embrace the old and new look while letting more light into your home. Consider using antique-style glass for a modern take on an old look.

Paint the front door a bold color or replace it with a colored fiberglass door. Modern decor often uses three or four colors in a palette. A colored door adds to the color palette while drawing more attention to the house's focal point -- the entrance. Update the exterior lighting with lantern-style wall lighting.