How to Make the Exterior of Your House Look Tudor

Add masonry to your lower walls. Faux brick or limestone has the allure of Tudor elegance at a fraction of the price of true stone. By introducing rubblework to only the bottom level of your house, you will save money and give your home English appeal. For the single-story home, bring the stonework up about 4 feet from the ground or to the base of your window trim.

Design your own lattice pane windows. Using long, thin balsa dowels, white glue and some creative imagination, transform your plain windows with a Tudor-inspired, inexpensive craft project. The crisscross panes offer English charm from the inside out while sparing you the splurge of new windows.

Detail the exterior facade with half-timbering. If you are fortunate to have flat stucco or full-brick siding, designing a timber-clad exterior adds an all-important Tudor detail. Intersecting at interesting angles and typically in dark brown against off-white or brick red backdrop, half-timbering sets a distinct English Tudor stage.

Give the vinyl- or wood-sided home Tudor appeal with arched wood shutters. If your home’s siding does not allow you to incorporate half-timbering in your upgrade, choose rustic wood shutters with a nod to Gothic design. Find or construct dark wood shutters with heavy, black iron hinges and bolts for an authentic feel.

Indulge in a royally welcoming front door. The main entrance is the place to spend some extra money if your budget allows. The impression of a castle drawbridge is fitting for any Tudor home. Find an oversized plank door stained in rich brown with large, black iron, swing-style hinges. A small, leaded glass window and a heavy, rustic, black door handle add noble touches to this design feature.

Roof your home with cedar shakes. When the time comes to replace the roof, choose cedar shakes to top-off your Tudor abode. The natural graying of weathered cedar complements the charming English Tudor home.