Think of your home’s curb appeal as a way to create a lasting first impression.
A look that is inviting and welcoming will allow you to make the most of your home’s appearance while adding style and value at the same time. Follow these 10 tips on increasing your curb appeal to get the most out of your exterior:
1. Paint – Your new best friend
A new coat of paint is one of the most drastic ways to refresh your home’s look. Use colors that are stylish and work well with others to create a color scheme that appeals to the eye.
2. Front door
The front door is the focal point of your home. Be sure to use a color that reflects your personal style and the home’s interior. Bring attention to your home with a color that pops.
3. Symmetry
Using potted plants, simple light fixtures, front door accents, etc. to create symmetry is a simple and easy way to create a look that is both inviting and pleasing to the eye.
4. Let there be Light!
Lighting provides a welcoming entrance as well as safety and security to the areas around your home. Light fixtures can be used around the front porch, steps, driveway, walkways, patios, and decks to illuminate a path for your guests. Accent lighting also allows you to spotlight a specific area of your yard or home (i.e. a tree or front door).
5. Update Hardware
Outdated hardware creates an outdated look. Spruce up the look of your home by adding hardware that is both stylish and inviting. Replacing old doorknobs, house numbers, mailboxes, and light fixtures with fresh pieces is a simple way to create a more modern and up to date look.
6. Shutters/Trim
A fresh coat of paint on an accented trim or shutters lets the homeowner play with different color schemes and creates a clean and sleek look.
7. Window Boxes
Installing copper, iron, or painted wood window boxes lets you play with different color patterns and create a number of different feels for the home. Mix and match flowers and plants make the possibilities endless.
8. Garden
Creating your own garden in the areas immediately in front of your home and along driveways and walkways is an easy way to compliment the colors of your home by choosing plants and flowers that accent the existing color scheme. They are also an easy way to change an existing color scheme and to play with new colors.
9. Outdoor Art/Accessories
Birdbaths, sculptures, wind chimes, and fountains are simple ways to give your yard some personality.
10. Welcoming Walkway
Stone, brick, or cobblestone walkways that are well lit are inviting to the guest. They create a clean finish to the home and give the homeowner creativity in deciding which materials and patterns they will use to create a look that is unique to their home.
