When you’re driving through a neighborhood, what’s the first thing you notice about a house? Is it the architectural detail, well-manicured lawn, the perfect porch setup or perhaps the brightly colored door? Curb appeal is key to making a great first impression with friends, family, neighbors or just people driving by. So how do you make your home stand out from the rest? Here are some simple tips for creating the best look on your block.
Tend to your landscape
Make your front yard more attractive by maintaining your lawn and bushes. That means mowing and edging the grass, trimming the shrubs and, of course, removing weeds. Laying down fresh mulch can give your landscaping a nice, finished look, too.
Add plants and flowers
As you landscape, buy flowers or plants to add to the front or side of your house. Maybe even choose some native or pollinator-friendly greenery to incorporate. They provide color, bring the yard to life and can even reduce pest problems. You can also install window boxes — an easy way to create charm and make your home feel more welcoming. Mix your favorite flowers and plants and add them to the window boxes.
Install outdoor lighting
No one will be able to see those beautiful flowers or the fresh-cut lawn at night without lighting. Outdoor lights can illuminate trees, a walking path or the façade of your house. And there are so many options to choose from. We love the efficiency of solar-powered LED lights and the charm of string lights around the top of the front porch. While you’re at it, you can upgrade the overhead light fixture to one with distinctive style or one that’s unique and personal.
Paint the front door
Your front door is one of the first things that guests or neighbors will notice. Make a statement by giving it a fresh coat of paint. And don’t be afraid to choose a bold color to make it pop. Once you’re done, you can add a wreath or other decorative items to reflect your style. You can also add a fun door knocker, a modern house number and a unique mailbox (Just make sure to first check with your HOA).
Get a new doormat
You can’t have a freshly painted door without a new doormat. Get a mat that’s fun and will leave an impression on guests when they come in. Make sure it’s made of sisal, seagrass or coir because those materials tend to be more durable and stain resistant.
Dress up your porch with seating
Whether it’s a rocking chair, a porch swing or a set of chairs with a table, porch seating welcomes guests and gives you a spot to sit outside for people-watching, drinking your coffee or even catching up with neighbors. Of course, it also beautifies your porch and adds charm.
Clean the windows
It may seem like a minute detail, but having clear, shiny windows makes a difference. Not only does it make your house look cleaner from the outside, but it’ll also let bright light in. (Make sure to clean the inside AND outside of those windows.)
Power-wash the outside
You may not realize how dirty your driveway, walkway, siding and patio really are until you pressure wash them. The powerful cleaning machine will help get rid of grime, mold, algae and dirt and give your home a fresh new look.
Remove dirt and debris from your roof
It’s rare that we go up on our roofs to give them a thorough cleaning. That’s why it’s important to (carefully) remove stains, leaves and any other dirt and debris that may be gathering there. While you’re up there, make sure to give your gutters some attention as well.
We spend a lot of time perfecting the inside of our homes, and it’s just as important to do the same for the outside. Creating curb appeal doesn’t just make your house turn people’s heads as they walk or drive by. It also adds value to it and gives it a fresh, clean look.
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