

Project Goal
The homeowners in Stillwater, MN wanted to update their 20-year-old home with a fresh, modern exterior that could handle Minnesota’s tough climate. Their existing vinyl siding had faded and shown signs of wear over time. They also wanted to add visual interest by mixing textures and incorporating richer colors.
Materials Used
Siding: James Hardie fiber cement lap siding in Night Gray
Accents: Board and batten and staggered shakes for added dimension
Trim: Arctic White
Additional Upgrades: James Hardie soffit and fascia to complete the exterior system
Project Challenges
The original vinyl siding had become brittle, faded, and offered little insulation value. The homeowners wanted to move away from the maintenance and color fading issues associated with vinyl while creating a more sophisticated design. Blending multiple siding styles—lap, board and batten, and shakes—required careful layout planning to ensure balanced proportions and architectural harmony.
Outcome
Craftsman’s Choice began the transformation by removing the old vinyl siding and preparing the surface for new James Hardie products. The home’s new Night Gray lap siding provided a sleek, modern base color that immediately elevated its appearance. To introduce texture and contrast, we incorporated board and batten and staggered shakes, which brought dimension and craftsmanship to the exterior.
The Arctic White trim cleanly framed each architectural feature, providing contrast against the deep gray tones and emphasizing the home’s refined lines. Finally, installing James Hardie soffit and fascia completed the Hardie system, ensuring long-term durability and a cohesive look across all components.
This Stillwater home now boasts a complete exterior upgrade that combines low-maintenance performance with standout curb appeal. The James Hardie Night Gray siding gives the home a timeless yet modern look that will hold its color and beauty for decades, even in Minnesota’s changing weather.
You can see our other Night Gray Hardie Board transformations here.
Are you ready for your home to be transformed by the pros at Craftsman’s Choice? To have one of our design specialists reach out to you just fill out our contact form







