Who hasn’t passed by a home that was a head turner, and you just had to stop and stare… Well, your home can look that good too! Homes with pretty curb appeal offer a warm welcome to your guests and potential home buyers. But, the biggest reward, is the pride of ownership you feel every time you come home. This alone, makes putting in the work to make your home just as beautiful on the outside as on the inside, totally worth the effort. When getting started, there are a ton of ways to dress up your home—here are just a few suggestions that will go a long way.
Glam the Front Door
Giving your home’s front entrance that “wow” factor by painting the door in a pretty hue that coordinates with your home’s color, is an easy low cost way to up your home’s curb appeal. Also, you don’t have to match the door color to the shutters, choose another complimentary color to really make your front door noticeable.
Manicure the Lawn
Make your yard look as good as you can, by keeping your lawn cut and fertilized. Having a beautiful and healthy lawn adds to the curb appeal of your property—and makes every neighbor jealous.
Add Some Color
Add some color to the face of your house with flowers, either in pots or in the ground. Annuals are a cheap, but temporary, option. Flowering shrubs and perennials will cost more out of pocket, but keep producing year after year.
Porch Decor
Ah the porch…a place to enjoy a crisp breeze and literally take the time to smell the roses. With just a pair of comfortable chairs and a small table you can create cozy curb appeal.
Add Charm with Lighting
Soft, accent lighting makes a home look warm and wonderful. Just a few solar path lights lining a walkway or flower bed add a significant effect. Make sure they fit your home’s style and function. For lights that will really make a statement and add tremendous charm, consider installing accent lighting, like Carolina-style gas lanterns.
Mailbox Trend-Up
Add personality to your house-marker with brass numbers and/or letters, some paint, or even a brick or stone surround or stand. Planting flowers and plants at the base adds even more appeal. An upscale mailbox, architectural house numbers, or address plaques can make your house stand out.
Trim
Trees and Bushes
Trees can add value and character to your yard, but make sure your home is visible from the curb, in order to have curb appeal. Cut overgrown bushes and trees, removing branches that block walkways, windows, the driveway and views of the home from the street. Except for very large tree limbs, you most likely can use a pair of hedge or pruning shears for the job.
These are just a few ideas that will get you going, that are easy to achieve, and have a high impact. Home ownership gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. It’s important to understand that as a home owner, home maintenance is a necessity—not an option. Keeping in mind that routine maintenance protects your investment and also increases the value of your neighborhood which ultimately helps your entire community.
