Curb appeal can add to the value of your home, so finding ways to improve your home’s exterior is vital. There are plenty of quick and easy things you can do as a homeowner to improve your exterior that make a world of difference! Here are 5 ideas to get you started!
Create a Statement Entry
Does your front entry look a little drab? Your front door is the first thing people see, so why not make it stand out? A quick, easy, and inexpensive update to add curb appeal to your home is adding a pop of color to your front door. When choosing a shade, keep in mind that color can evoke emotion. Subdued hues offer a traditional feel, while brighter ones inspire energy. Dark hues feel somber, while lighter hues tend to be more playful. Be sure to also consider choosing a color which complements the tones and architecture of your home. Tie everything together with some beautiful hanging plants or a fun welcome mat and your entry way is instantly improved!
Ensure a Well-Manicured Lawn
Maintaining a healthy lawn is another key component to improving your home’s curb appeal. It won’t matter how nice that new home upgrade is or how pretty your potted plants are, if your yard is wild and unkempt, the beautiful features of your home will never get a chance to shine. When mowing your lawn, it’s easy to fall in a regular routine which can create ruts in your grass and can ultimately be damaging to your lawn. Start by alternating the path in which you mow. If one week you mow north to south, mow east to west the following week. One week, mow in lines perpendicular to your fence-line and then the next week mow in diagonal lines. When you change your mowing pattern, your grass won’t be crushed or flattened because of a regular routine. Have fun experimenting with different patterns to determine which is most visually appealing!
Properly Illuminate
When night falls, without properly placed lighting, your well-planned landscape design completely disappears! Well thought out outdoor lighting is also crucial to your home’s curb appeal! A combination of pathway, landscaping and entryway lighting is the perfect recipe for a well-lit exterior that adds charm and ambiance. With a series of outdoor path lights, dim walkways and stairs will be instantly brightened up! Investing in landscape lighting for your garden is a great idea to showcase your home’s architecture and landscaping. Stylish wall lights on either side of your front door or a pretty lantern above creates a welcoming place as your guests wait to enter your home.
Fix it Up!
Take a walk around the exterior of your home and make a list of any small repairs that require a quick fix. Ripped screens, burned out bulbs, or chipped paint, though they may seem like minor flaws, will certainly stand out against an otherwise picturesque exterior. It is worth taking a day or two to tackle these tiny projects to benefit you in the long run!
Mailbox Makeover
This tip shows that even the smallest of projects can make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal! If your mailbox is battered or worn and needs a little sprucing up, consider giving it a makeover to reflect your style and personality! If you’re looking to surround your mailbox with some plants, Hostas are a great choice! Flower pots with bright blooms on either side of your mailbox will also look fantastic and add a pop of color. Speaking of color, don’t be afraid to go for fun and vivid shades like turquoise or orange to turn heads! If you’d like more of a rustic feel, go for copper or metallic paint to give your mailbox a vintage feel. If you’re not feeling that bold, opt for a fresh coat of stain on the mailbox post and add bright, white house numbers to really make a statement! Before you know it, you’ll have a dramatic before and after to instantly boost your curb appeal!
Chances are, your exterior already has tons of beautiful elements and all it needs are finishing touches to really look its best. Put in some time and effort and you are sure to be amazed by the results! A good challenge is to apply just one hour a week to making home improvements around your home. We would love to have you share your projects with us so we can post them!
