It’s easy to overlook the front of your property, but it’s worthwhile taking the time to ensure it’s as on-point as possible.
After all, strong curb appeal not only makes your home more inviting, but can also boost its value — remember: the front of your property sets the tone for what people will find once they walk through your front door.
Looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal, but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll run through a bunch of curb-appeal-boosting strategies that can transform the look and feel of your home.
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A little can go a long way when it comes to your front yard’s landscaping. Even adding some plants and shrubs to the edge of your yard can make a big difference, though if you’re going to focus on one particular element of the landscaping, make it the lawn. A wonderfully green, lush lawn of grass is the foundation of excellent curb appeal. If your lawn is looking a little uninspired, then pick up a bottle of fertilizer. If you lay it down in the fall, you’ll have a stunning lawn come springtime.
Deep Clean the Driveway
From oil marks to grime and beyond, driveways can take quite a beating over the years. Alas, the process is so slow and incremental that many homeowners fail to notice that their lawns have fallen into such a dirty state.
If the front of your property is lacking the wow factor but you’re not entirely sure why, then take a look at the driveway. It could be dirt and grime that’s making the front of your home look a little drab. If it is dirty, then look at going to town with a pressure washer. Even an hour or so of work can make a big difference. The fact that this work is pretty fun and satisfying — there’s nothing like blasting away stubborn stains — makes it even more recommended.
Refresh the Doors and Windows
Looking to boost your curb appeal, enhance energy efficiency, and all-around give your property a bit of a refresh? Then take a look at upgrading your doors and windows. A new garage door can improve both the functionality and aesthetics of your property, while a freshly painted front door is an easy and effective way to make your property stand out from the crowd. For your garage, look at classic designs such as stamped carriage or recessed panel doors; for your front door, black or navy can offer a sophisticated look, while yellow, red, and green doors can offer a healthy dose of fun. As for the windows, it’s best to choose a type that lets in as much light as possible.
Add Some Lighting
If you take every other tip on this list, then your property should look pretty inviting and picturesque on those lovely spring and summer evenings. But remember: the goal isn’t to have a property that looks great on its best days; it’s to have one that looks good on all days. One smart way to enhance your home’s curb appeal is to look at adding some walkway lighting, which not only makes the property more inviting once the sun goes down but also offers a security boost.
There are battery and solar-powered outdoor lighting options that can help you achieve the desired results without breaking the bank, and they’re energy-efficient, too.
Incorporate Seating
This won’t work for all properties, but if you have a porch then think about adding (or upgrading) your seating. It’s an effective way to increase your home’s comfort levels while also making your home more social.
Even a small bench can be a nice touch and make it easier to have short conversations with your neighbors, though you can also push the boat out and create a larger seating area. Some chairs, a table, a rug, and some plants will effectively create a heading-turning outdoor living area.
Make the Most of Potted Plants
Looking for an easy and quick way to increase the aesthetic appeal of the front of your home? Then take a look at buying some potted plants and place them — strategically — in the walkway to your front door. Aim for around 6 – 8 plants, in pots that are big enough to be noticed from the street (though you can also add a couple of small ones too to keep things interesting).
In truth, you’ll likely find that adding any collection of plants will work to make things more visually appealing, but for the best results, look at choosing plants with colors that work together. It’ll help create a more cohesive look.
Consider Trees
In our view, not enough homeowners make the most of trees in their front yards. Placed correctly, they can look amazing. There are two different approaches to planting trees in your front yard. One is to plant ornamental, short trees — this approach instantly makes the yard look better and is especially recommended if you’re planning to put your home on the market soon. The other approach is to play the long game and grow large trees that are native to your area. You’ll need to wait some time to get the full effects of this strategy, but if you’re planning to stay in your home for many years, then it can be a fun project that really pays off.
Exterior Paint
Finally, if you’re looking to really improve the look of the front of your home, then take a look at refreshing the exterior part by undertaking a new paint or siding project. As with the dirty driveway, the diminishing quality of a home’s exterior happens so slowly that it can be easy to miss. In fact, it’s usually only when the paint is showing visible wear and tear that homeowners decide to take action.
Take a look at the front of your home, and if it’s looking a little tired, then give it a refresh even if it’s still in passable condition.
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