Pre-reading questions:
- What is exterior design, and why is it essential?
- What are some of the latest trends in exterior design in your country?
Vocabulary:
- inspiring /uhn-SPAI-uh-ruhng/
- unique /yoo-NEEK/
- transform /trans-FAWRM/
- feature /FEE-cher/
- impression /im-PRESH-uhn/
[adjective] – encouraging, or making you feel you want to do something
Watching the Olympic athletes perform was very inspiring for the students in the audience.
[adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way
My friend has a unique talent for drawing cartoons that no one else can replicate.
[verb] – to change completely the appearance or character of something or someone, especially so that that thing or person is improved
If you add hot water to the instant noodles, they will transform into a delicious meal.
[verb] – to include someone or something as an important part
The new smartphone features a high-quality camera, which makes it a great option for photography enthusiasts.
[noun] – an idea or opinion of what something or someone is like
When I visited the museum, the beautiful paintings made a strong impression on me, and I couldn’t stop thinking about them for days.
Article reading:
One remarkable example is a home in Tokyo that features a striking design with bold geometric shapes and a burst of color. The pattern of triangles and rectangles, painted in shades of blue, yellow, and green, is a testament to the power of color and shape in creating a lasting impression. Another is a home in Mexico, covered in a mosaic of thousands of colorful tiles salvaged from demolished buildings and collected over the years. This dazzling display is a testament to the beauty of repurposing materials in a creative way. Finally, a home in Belgium boasts a façade that is completely covered in a layer of living greenery, including moss and succulents, which creates a beautiful and eco-friendly design. This home is a reminder of the importance of sustainability and how nature can play a role in exterior design.
Homes like these prove that creativity has no limits in exterior design. With bold colors, recycled materials, and greenery, the options are endless. Get inspired by these innovative designs to give your home a unique touch and make it stand out.
Comprehension questions
- What can you do to change the exterior of your home from ordinary to extraordinary?
- What is the design of the Tokyo home?
- What is the color of the triangles and rectangles in the Tokyo home?
- What is the special feature of the home in Mexico?
- What is the meaning of the word “sustainability” in this article?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen a home with an exterior design that stood out to you? If so, what made it memorable?
- Have you ever repurposed or reused materials in a creative way for a DIY or home improvement project? If so, could you tell me about it? If not, would you like to try it?
- Do you agree that a little creativity can go a long way toward making a home’s exterior stand out from the crowd?
- What do you think is the most important aspect of exterior design? Do you prioritize aesthetics or functionality when it comes to home exteriors?
- What was your favorite example of a creative home exterior from the article, and why did you find it appealing?