When people think about home improvement, they tend to associate it with interior design, such as decorating the living room, giving the hallway a new coat of paint, or rearranging decor. Sure, all of this stuff is important, but it’s equally necessary to give your property’s exterior some TLC, especially if you’re looking to put it on the market. For guidance, here are some quick ways to make your home look beautiful from the outside.
Freshen Up the Front Door
Considering that it’s the first thing that visitors will see, it’s a smart idea to add a fresh coat of paint and new hardware to your home’s front door. This is a tried-and-tested way to improve curb appeal; opt for a color that complements the overall design of your home, whether that’s a classic black, a bold red, or a sophisticated navy, and consider purchasing a matching door handle or knocker, rather than sticking with the cheapest option.
Add Some Greenery
If your front yard resembles a wasteland more than a garden, consider starting to bring more plants into it. Even if you don’t have green fingers, this will reliably bring life and charm to any home, especially when placed in decorative pots by your front door. Choose hardy plants that suit your climate for a year-round display; that way, even if you’re not into gardening, your curb appeal can still improve without too much effort.
Create a Focal Point at the Entrance
Along with your new plants, consider arranging a focal point at your home’s entrance, which could include lanterns, a house number and name, or other decor. Try to arrange it symmetrically, and this will result in your home’s entrance having a far more balanced and welcoming look. Just as with your front door, the entranceway is one of the first things visitors or house viewers see, and it will no doubt leave a lasting impression.
Upgrade Your House Numbers
As we briefly recommended in the last point, consider replacing your house number with something stylish and personalized. This is a really easy improvement to make, yet with a big impact. Rather than sticking to the default, plain house number that often comes with a home, consider mounting something more unique or even getting a house name placard to go with it.
Brighten Up with Outdoor Lighting
You would be surprised at how much outdoor lighting will add to your home’s curb appeal. Not only does it make a property look better, but it also improves safety, which is something that many prospective tenants or buyers will keep in mind when visiting. To keep things convenient, consider purchasing solar-powered lights and placing them along pathways and driveways; this will be surprisingly cheap, not to mention sustainable, so it’s a win-win for your home.
Pressure Wash Walkways and Driveways
Never underestimate how much of a turn-off your grimy driveway or walkway can be. It’s one of those subtle details that you may have gotten used to but can really drag down the appearance of an otherwise well-kept home. There’s really no excuse not to do it because a thorough pressure wash will take just an hour or two, clearing away years of dirt buildup. If you don’t have a pressure washer of your own, consider hiring someone to do it, and we promise you won’t regret it.
Decorate with Seasonal Wreaths
Depending on the time of year, why not decorate your home with a seasonal wreath, an easy way to add color and personality to your front door? Look for wreaths designed for outdoor durability, as some materials weather better than others. Wreaths bring charm to your home year-round, with options such as floral spring themes and festive classics being available.
Upgrade Your Mailbox
Much like with house numbers, people often overlook how important it is to have a clean, stylish mailbox. At the end of the day, this is something that people will see every time they visit your home, so why would you want to neglect it? Just choose a style that fits your home’s personality, such as a vintage-inspired mailbox for a classic touch or a sleek metal model for a modern twist. Be mindful of neighborhood or HOA guidelines, though, as these might limit your choices.
Add Window Boxes
Even if you don’t have much of a front or backyard, that’s no excuse not to decorate your home’s exterior with plants. Get yourself some window boxes and fill them with flowers or greenery, and you’ll bring a lot of color and vibrance to your home. Ultimately, these additions soften the look of your exterior, adding charm without a lot of upkeep.
Maintain the Lawn
This might seem obvious, but it’s a smart idea to keep on top of your lawn maintenance if you want the outside of your home to look pretty. You don’t have to go overboard with this; simply keep up with regular mowing, edging, and weeding, and you’ll keep things looking tidy.
Install Shutters or Trim
People often choose their shutters, blinds, or decorative trim purely based on what looks good from the inside, but this isn’t the right way to think about it. These features have the potential to boost your home’s outside character a lot, giving it a more finished look. So, choose colors that match your exterior style—light shades for a classic look or darker tones for a bit of drama.
Add a Cozy Seating Area
If your front porch has space, a seating area with a couple of chairs and a small table can make your home feel a lot more inviting. Even a simple bench can create a welcoming vibe, inviting friends or neighbors to stop by for a chat. If you’re looking to sell your property, it will also help prospective tenants or buyers to envision the social function of their future porch, influencing their decision positively.
Update the Garage Door
Another quick way to make your home look amazing from the outside is to ensure that your garage door looks fresh. It’s another one of those things that you might tend to forget about, yet it’s a large part of your home that onlookers will always notice. Don’t worry if a new door isn’t an option; consider giving it a fresh coat of paint or adding decorative hardware like faux handles, and it will undoubtedly improve your home’s curb appeal.
Use Paving Stones for Walkways
As we mentioned earlier, having a clean and presentable walkway for your home’s entrance works wonders for curb appeal. However, to take this a step further, consider lining it with paving stones, providing it with a more sophisticated yet rustic look. This is especially the case when laid in a unique design like a herringbone or staggered pattern, so feel free to get creative with it.
Create a Walkway Border
Another thing you could add to your walkway to improve its aesthetic is to define its perimeter with stones, bricks, or low-growing plants. Pathway borders keep things visually organized, making paths more pronounced. If you choose plants, be mindful that they may require more maintenance than hardscaping options like stones or bricks.
Paint or Stain the Fence
Don’t forget about your fence when assessing your home’s curb appeal, which can make or break the overall look of a yard. Even just a lick of fresh paint or wood stain adds vibrancy, making it look brand new–even if it isn’t. However, it should go without saying that if your fence is showing its age structurally, it might be time to rebuild it completely.
Invest in a Doormat with Character
A stylish doormat sets a friendly tone before guests even walk in, so choose one that suits your personality, such as a humorous phrase, a chic design, or a welcoming pattern. It’s a small detail but one that adds a lot of warmth and charm right at the entrance. However, this might not be so suited if you’re trying to rent or sell your home, as it’s impossible for you to predict the sense of style or humor that a tenant or buyer might have.
Tidy Up the Garden Beds
Clean garden beds improve curb appeal with minimal effort, so make sure you get weeding, trimming, and adding fresh mulch to keep things looking tidy. Furthermore, why not add some bright flowers or easy-care greens to further enhance your home’s exterior look? It certainly won’t hurt!
Incorporate Decorative Garden Features
Last but not least, your garden’s exterior will look all the more beautiful if you add some tranquil decor, such as birdbaths, wind chimes, or small sculptures. We’d recommend choosing pieces that suit the overall style of your outdoor space, and don’t forget to consider whether they’ll withstand weather changes.