Curb appeal is defined as the overall attractiveness of the outside of a home, and it’s often overlooked because the interior tends to be more of a focus. If this sounds like your situation, you’ll be happy to know that most ideas for adding curb appeal are both easy to do and low-cost. For houses on the market, these additions can bring in more potential buyers and may even increase the value of your home.
1. Choosing an Accent Color
Something as simple as a color change has the ability to bring life to your doorstep. Consider putting a fresh coat of paint on your front door and match it with accessories. This can include planters, porch furniture and a doormat. You can even paint existing elements, such as the shutters and the mailbox. For extra pizazz, spruce up or add molding and a fancy pediment. The same idea can go for the garage door if you have one.
2. Exterior Lighting
The right lighting will not only highlight your doorstep but your landscaping and the architectural designs you may have surrounding your home. While lighting is crucial for safety and navigation purposes, it’s also beneficial for creating a flattering appearance. The best way to accomplish this is by focusing in on the areas of style, size and placement. This largely depends on the amount of space you have to work with and the overall style of your home (traditional, rustic, farmhouse, modern, casual, contemporary).
3. Upgrade House Number
Many homeowners keep the same house number setup for as long as possible. I’m not talking about changing the actual number, of course. I’m talking about changing the look if it. If those searching for the home can see it, who cares right? Well, the whole “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” mentality shouldn’t apply here. Reviving your house number is too simple. You can add a fresh coat of paint or get a fresh set of numbers in a modern font, for example. Take it to Pinterest for additional spunky ideas.
4. Curtains and Blinds
They may be an interior element, but they’re seen from the outside. For the windows seen from the front, especially the ones on the lower level, try to match the curtains with what is seen around the entryway. If you don’t want to overdo on one color, add a neutral color to balance out the look.
5. Add a Garden
Other than planters, fresh garden soil and mature plants are a beautiful way to add a natural element. Choose flowers that match your choice of accent color or go for a colorful assortment. If the weather prevents this, consider fake flowers until the real ones can grow again. Find a wreath with fake colorful flowers or make your own! For the holiday season, a pumpkin or mini Christmas tree can be that element as well.
6. Extra Decor
Add some outdoor-safe decor, but only choose a few to prevent the entry area from looking cluttered. Go for a medium to small sized statue to be placed in a corner, some kind of welcome sign (potentially with the family’s name), a wind-chime for the ceiling of a porch, or hanging decor with siding hooks.
When you’re ready for a more complex change, there are options such as adding columns, a porch and a new walkway, or even replacing the windows and siding. Home improvement can most certainly be tricky, but taking it one day at a time and making small changes here and there will help to get the job done. Most importantly, don’t forget to use every improvement task as an opportunity to be creative and express yourself.
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