How to make Aesthetic Houses in Minecraft

If you've played Minecraft for some time now, you most surely know how hard it is to build a great looking house to live in, that meets both your vision of your dream house and expectations for functionality. This brings us to the definition: in terms of Minecraft, its a structure that dosen't compromise beauty and appeal for functionality.

These are also what we call Dynamic Builds.
So unless you are a genius builder, you're probably itching to find out how to please both aspects of Minecraft architecture. Well, lets find out!

There are two main aspects of building:
•    Interior
•    Exterior
We'll focus on both, but for part 1, let's look at Exteriors.

Exteriors
The exterior is the main aspect of building a house. It should look inviting, appealing, and should suit the structure type of the town, city or area you live in.
Take a look at this house:

What's wrong with it? It looks fine; not the best architecture, but it does the job. But thats what we're here to learn. Building something that does the job (someplace to live in) and look pleasing.
Now take a look at this one:
 

Pretty, no? Now you see the difference. You don't have to go all out and build something like this, but remember, any good house will take more time than usual.

This brings us to the first step of building aesthetic houses:

Step 1 Step 1 NEVER use block shapes (squares, rectangles and the like)
These types of houses don't stand out from the rest. They add to the monotony of already built houses in the vicinity (in multiplayer).  If you did use it, it would have to have great aesthetic feel to it to stand out.

Step two is almost basic knowledge:
Step 2 Step 2 Always build the exterior first
This makes it easier to put your visions first; interiors are almost always shaped by its exteriors.
Tip
•    To make your house more beautiful, use half blocks in unconventional ways; for example as roofs, floors and linings.

Step 3 Step 3 Try to add realistic features to your structure
These include pillars that actually look like they have a function, like holding up the next floor, or supports inside the house. They add beautiful touches to the overall experience of living in that house.

A beautiful example (apart from the editing) of realistic structure and aesthetic appeal.
Warning
•    Don't ever go for a monotonous tone or color for your building. It shouldnt look boring; add complementing color's to spice things up.

Monotonous much?
 

Much better!

Step 4 Step 4 Use nature to your advantage
Nature can be a great tool to use on/with your home. Use trees to increase beauty, and break monotony; flowers spice up the colors in your yard; vines add an old, rusted but beautiful look to your home. Or add that beautiful waterfall you always wanted.
Nature also helps break up linearity  in your structure, adding a new dimension to your home.

A good (not great) example of natural aesthetics.

Interiors
There are a few important prerequisites to look at before starting the interiors of a house:
1.    The general structure of your home
2.    What you want your interior to look like
When you have taken note of both of these aspects, start the steps.
 

A typical Minecraft interior.

Step 1 A good place to start is the ceiling
As said before, try to stay realistic with the feel and design of this ceiling. Don't make a ceiling that just floats around by itself! That's not realistic! Instead try adding supports, beams and columns to "hold" up the ceiling.
 

Its all very beautiful, sir, but may I know what's holding up that huge ceiling? The air? I see..

Step 2 Start by adding the major aspects first.
If you brainstormed and did the first to prerequisites , you should already know what you're going to put where. Add these. Make sure to leave space for additional objects and modifications.
 

A good example. Here, the major aspects are added: a bed, crafting table, furnace and chests.
You may also have other major aspects like chairs or a fireplace, maybe even a basement. Add those too.

Step 3 Start adding the smaller stuff (aesthetic objects like a jukebox and books)
Place these not only where you want them to be, but also where they will look pleasing. If you have multiple floors, vary the design elements; for example, if the bottom floor has the main lobby, let the top floor have the crafting, smelting and storage rooms, and the topmost your bedroom with all the nifty designs/paintings. Maybe add a pool too!
 

Add staircases (if you need) at this stage. Why? You can alter it better now and also place it more accurately since you're also adding smaller stuff.

Step 4 Start working on the roof
This may seem an awkward time to start working on the roof of the house. Should'nt this be done earlier? Yes, but now is the time where you customize it to your liking. One major tip is:
DONT CLOSE IT OFF. Roof's that don't allow in any sunlight are (sorry to say) pathetic. They are an abysmal design choice that don't lend to any aesthetic house. Remember this, OK?
Tips
•    The strongest parts of a house are doorways and stairs. Make sure they seem strong by, for example, adding raw wood to the perimeter of a door.
•    Don't overdo it. Too many aesthetic pieces makes your home look messy.

Step 5 Bedroom work
Yes, it's time for your own bedroom. This is, quite possibly the most personal part of the house.
•    Start by adding the bed. Its the biggest feature in any bedroom.
•    Continue and add other final features

Final touches
Add your final touches now; remove, renew, or modify existing pieces to finalize your design.
And that's it. Make sure to follow these steps and you'll be on your way to a magnificent home!
This is the end of the series. Thanks for reading!