Your home is your personal space. It’s the place you always return to, an oasis of peace in the hurly-burly of everyday life. However, what does this haven reveal to the outside world?
Does it reflect the warmth and comfort found within its walls?
If the exterior of your home has peeling paint, missing street numbers, and a drab front door, the curb appeal inevitably suffers. It might seem small, but the impact of these details is far from insignificant.
Many homeowners focus primarily on enhancing their home’s interior, which makes sense – after all, that’s where they spend most of their time. However, the exterior of a home warrants just as much attention, if not more. After all, it’s the exterior that makes the first impression.
Let’s explore why improving your home’s curb appeal is so crucial.
- Add Some Green
Want a quick way to instantly boost curb appeal? Bring in the plants! The simplest houseplant can add a lively, natural touch to your patio. If you’re considering a bigger project like a new deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen, consulting with local deck experts in your area, such as those associated with Deck Experts, can ensure your outdoor project harmonizes with your overall landscape and significantly enhances curb appeal.
Enhancing curb appeal isn’t limited to large-scale projects. Small improvements such as adding planters, window boxes, potted plants, or even climbing vines can make a big difference if you need a proper garden. These elements add a touch of green and accentuate focal points like entryways and windows. Start with one easy-to-maintain plant and gradually build up your collection for an ever-evolving curb appeal.
- Pay Attention to the Lawn
Adding greenery to your lawn is an excellent way to boost curb appeal; an empty lawn or yard will not do. Here are a few tips for maximizing this feature:
- Have a regular lawn maintenance routine, including mowing grass, pulling weeds, raking leaves, etc.
- Water the ground well to stave off brown spots
- Invest in some landscaping services
- Work on a rock garden, herb garden, or pond
You might live in a very dry area that doesn’t support natural lawns. In that case, you may have to go for alternatives such as artificial turf, shrub beds, or a display of succulents.
- Make the Door Attractive
The front door is one of the first things anyone sees when approaching your home. When potential buyers or visitors open your front door, they grab the doorknob or use the knocker. They might also stand and look at the door while waiting for an answer.
Instead of letting your door blend into the exterior, make it stand out and pop with color! If you’re currently thinking about whether to DIY, painting a door is the perfect beginner job.
Use a bold, contrasting color to enhance your home’s exterior. Hold some paint samples on the wall, then decide whether the paint complements or clashes with the rest of the facade.
- Lighten Up!
A dark entrance does not appeal to the guests. Many people may have a single porch light near their front door, with nothing lighting up the walkway to the home itself.
Get a unique and interesting light fixture for an economical yet instant upgrade to your home’s curb appeal. If you already have several outdoor fixtures to keep things bright, clean them regularly.
Consider string lights, solar-powered lights, or even retro options like lava lamps for more lighting options. Having a little more light around your home can enhance anyone’s experience of the place.
- Try to Establish Symmetry
Symmetry is one of the main design principles to remember when working on your home. It’s an important part of the best landscaping styles, so focus on it as much as possible. Here are some of the top advantages of symmetrical patterns in a home exterior:
- They create some focal points that present a pleasant appearance
- They make a home look neat and put together
- They promote a sense of harmony and balance
- A balanced layout means more efficient use of space
- More suitable for formal settings (in case someone wants an outdoor event in the yard)
- Symmetry is a timeless design that will rarely go out of style
- Complements the landscape for a more cohesive outdoor space
How to achieve symmetry
Achieving symmetry for your home’s curb appeal is not very hard. Below are some ideas on how to fulfill this goal:
- Put matching lanterns, plants, or other structures on either side of the front or garage door.
- Make your landscaping symmetrical, with flower beds on the same side on either side of the walkway, identical shrubs, etc.
- Get matching shades for the house numbers, mailbox, and light fixtures outside your home.
- Have a symmetrical rooftop.
- Use similar colors on either side of the home’s facade.
- Add symmetrical accents like shutters, window boxes, steps, or outdoor furniture to create a harmonious look.
- Hide Unsightly Spots
Every home exterior will have potential eyesores like electric fixtures, utility boxes, trash cans, etc. Make sure to hide these displeasure sights as soon as possible. For electric boxes, a camouflage paint job might do the trick. You can also invest in an aesthetically pleasing trash can (they do exist) or hide it behind some furniture.
Conclusion
Enhancing curb appeal makes a house look attractive from the outside. However, the benefits don’t end there. A home that looks appealing will have higher property value, more interest from buyers, and a better experience for its residents. Overall, this is an important investment that helps you make the most of your homeownership.
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