In the Bay Area, homeowners embarking on a home remodel or landscaping project often think about these key points: Is this timeless? Will this raise the property value of my home? How about the curb appeal?
Here’s the good news – natural stone and brick have both proven to be timeless in construction and design. Carefully mixed and curated materials feel very ‘of the moment’ – combining rough-cut stone with smooth honed pavers ensures a balance of what makes California homes shine: the organic married to the modern.
Why Mixing Materials is Gaining Momentum
Contemporary architecture is moving beyond uniform surfaces. Today’s exterior design embraces contrast and texture, combining materials like brick, wood, metal, and composite siding. This layered approach creates depth, interest, and a truly custom look. This trend i’s quickly becoming a go-to for both new builds and remodels.
Trending Material Combinations
1. Brick + Wood
The warmth of natural wood against the strength and structure of brick makes for a timeless combination with modern appeal. Bay Area homeowners are turning to thin brick for its wide palette of tones and textures, often pairing it with cedar or ipe cladding for a balanced, organic look.
2. Metal Siding + Natural Stone
Sleek, durable metal panels combined with smooth composite materials create an industrial-chic vibe that works especially well on modern or minimalist homes. MAC Metals offer a variety of low-maintenance siding options that either mimic the look of wood or keep things sleek with matte finish metals in a variety of colors. Pairing these with natural stone, either in a thin veneer or pavers leading up to the home, achieves that perfectly curated eco-modern look without making the home feel cold or unapproachable.
3. Brick + Metal Accents
Think traditional red or white brick paired with matte black window frames, metal awnings, or steel cable railings – breaking up the traditional with the industrial is a great way to bring old-world charm into this century. This fusion blends classic and contemporary elements, making it a great choice for transitional-style homes. Local Californian brick manufacturers like Pacific Clay or Muddox have brick lines ranging from traditional red brick to modern thin bricks, depending on the type of mixed material contrast that fits your style.
4. Stucco + Natural Stone
Stucco provides a smooth canvas, while natural stone introduces texture and earthiness. This mix is ideal for Mediterranean or modern farmhouse styles and suits the California climate well. Drawing the eye to the natural textures and variations of the stone, either in a thin veneer application, dimensional paving, or flagstone, then breaking it up with the plastery finish of stucco curates the perfect coastal curb appeal.
Tips for Creating a Cohesive Mixed-Material Look
- Start with a base material. Choose one dominant material—like brick or stucco—to serve as the foundation.
- Use complementary tones. Stick to a cohesive color palette to unify the look across different textures.
- Balance bold with neutral. If one material has a bold pattern or color, keep others more subdued.
- Work with a designer. Architecture firms and designers can help you visualize your home with 3D renderings before committing to materials. Local designers like Terra Firma Landscapes or David Thorne Landscape Architect have mastered the art of mixing materials to create cohesive outdoor spaces.
Real-World Inspiration
At Peninsula Building Materials, we’ve seen this trend come to life in countless Bay Area projects. One recent example from Fog Studio is a beautiful structure in Cooley Landing Park that combines a blend of McNear Brick with natural wood panelling and industrial metal framing – this mix of materials plays into the innovative energy of the Bay Area while also paying homage to the nature of the site.
Final Thoughts
Mixing materials is more than just a design trend—it’s a way to add character, contrast, and curb appeal to your home. Whether you’re planning a complete exterior makeover or simply updating a facade, blending brick, wood, metal, and stone is a smart way to future-proof your design.
Visit Peninsula Building Materials to explore a curated selection of brick, stone, and siding options from top brands like Glen-Gery, MAC Metals, and all of our natural stone providers. Our expert team is here to help you bring your 2025 vision to life.
