You know you’ve done it. When on your evening walk around the neighborhood, there’s always a house or two you linger in front of just a little longer, peering into the windows to get a glimpse of the interior because surely it’s just as amazing as the home’s exterior. A home’s curb appeal is its introduction. With a little creativity, a pop of color, and some elbow grease, your home could be next up for most envied on the block. This is how you do it.
This is unarguably one aspect of a home’s exterior that can make or break its curb appeal. “The door is a very relevant style element, and front doors deserve special attention,” says Barbara Gilbert, interior designer and principal of Barbara Gilbert Interiors in Dallas. She often uses Masonite Doors when designing exteriors and equates the entry door to the cover of a book, saying, “It should be attractive enough to command attention, and then entice you to walk through it to see what’s on the other side.”
“This is key,” says Michael Wong, a Dallas real estate agent with Dave Perry Miller. “Landscaping is where you get your wow factor.” Try a contrast of different-colored plants against the house for a pop. For example, if your house is painted a dark color, try mixing lighter-colored perennials and shrubs in the flower beds. Try balancing different shades of green in your plants, and choose eye-catching pots and planters to place near the front door.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the front door and porch, keep going. Having the windows professionally cleaned will add some sparkle to the home. If you never open your windows, remove the unnecessary screens to show off those new-to-you windows.
This is an often overlooked aspect of a home’s exterior. Swapping out old, outdated, or worn numbers for some that are more modern is a small change that can make a big impact.
While outdoor light fixtures need to be cleaned and polished along with the rest of the exterior’s hardware, be sure the style is updated and goes well with the home’s overall look. Add lighting along pathways and the entrance so the home is a showstopper at night as well as during the day.
If you’re lucky enough to have a front porch or an entry area large enough for seating, make sure it’s clean, well-maintained, and updated. New cushions with a modern pattern or bright colors and a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into the patio furniture you’ve had for years.
Even a simple swap of the mailbox that has been there since the house was built with a brand-new one from your local hardware store can make a big difference in the home’s drive-up appeal.
If your home has a front-entry garage, make sure the paint is updated and fresh. This is one area where you don’t want to make a statement, so paint the garage door the same shade as your home’s exterior so it blends in seamlessly.
First impressions matter.
The door is a very relevant style element, and front doors deserve special attention.
This is unarguably one aspect of a home’s exterior that can make or break its curb appeal. “The door is a very relevant style element, and front doors deserve special attention,” says Barbara Gilbert, interior designer and principal of Barbara Gilbert Interiors in Dallas. She often uses Masonite Doors when designing exteriors and equates the entry door to the cover of a book, saying, “It should be attractive enough to command attention, and then entice you to walk through it to see what’s on the other side.”
Make them say ‘Wow’.
“This is key,” says Michael Wong, a Dallas real estate agent with Dave Perry Miller. “Landscaping is where you get your wow factor.” Try a contrast of different-colored plants against the house for a pop. For example, if your house is painted a dark color, try mixing lighter-colored perennials and shrubs in the flower beds. Try balancing different shades of green in your plants, and choose eye-catching pots and planters to place near the front door.
Put in some elbow grease.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the front door and porch, keep going. Having the windows professionally cleaned will add some sparkle to the home. If you never open your windows, remove the unnecessary screens to show off those new-to-you windows.
Easy as 1, 2, 3.
This is an often overlooked aspect of a home’s exterior. Swapping out old, outdated, or worn numbers for some that are more modern is a small change that can make a big impact.
Light the way.
While outdoor light fixtures need to be cleaned and polished along with the rest of the exterior’s hardware, be sure the style is updated and goes well with the home’s overall look. Add lighting along pathways and the entrance so the home is a showstopper at night as well as during the day.
Make sure it feels welcoming.
If you’re lucky enough to have a front porch or an entry area large enough for seating, make sure it’s clean, well-maintained, and updated. New cushions with a modern pattern or bright colors and a fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into the patio furniture you’ve had for years.
Snail mail needs love, too.
Even a simple swap of the mailbox that has been there since the house was built with a brand-new one from your local hardware store can make a big difference in the home’s drive-up appeal.
Hidden in plain sight.
This is one area where you don’t want to make a statement.
If your home has a front-entry garage, make sure the paint is updated and fresh. This is one area where you don’t want to make a statement, so paint the garage door the same shade as your home’s exterior so it blends in seamlessly.
