You can add curb appeal to your house with these simple upgrades that you can complete in one day, a weekend or a month. From replacing your mailbox to refreshing your garden, there are many options. If your home’s curb appeal makes a great first impression, everyone (including potential homebuyers) will want to see what’s inside.
Replace Old Hardware
House Numbers, an entry door lockset and a wall mounted mailbox are just a few of the elements that can enhance your home’s curb appeal. If they are outdated or dirty, it may not be the look you want. The most effective way to use these elements is as a cohesive group, rather than as individual pieces. The oil-bronze finish is best for traditional houses while the brushed nickel finishes are better suited to more contemporary homes.
Install Window Boxes
Window boxes are a quick and easy way to add color and charm to the curb appeal of your home. For a more traditional look, choose boxes made of copper or iron. Choose painted wood to give your display a cottage look. You can mix and match plants and flowers depending on the color scheme of your home and whether or not you receive full sun.
Paint the Front Door
The front entrance of your home is the main focus for curb appeal. Give your front door a new look with paint or a wood door. Use metal polish to clean off any dirty spots on the knob and door fixtures. Choose a wreath, swag or flag that matches your home’s style.
Create Perfect Symmetry
It’s easy to arrange a symmetrical layout. Light fixtures and accents on the front door can be arranged in a symmetrical way to create welcoming entrances, and increase curb appeal. Lantern-style wall sconces guide guests safely to the front door. They can also coordinate with the hardware and urns.
Dress Up Your Porch with Seating
You can use a bench or small chair on the porch as a place to rest or remove dirty shoes. You can also increase curb appeal by adding comfortable outdoor seating. This will encourage people to interact with their neighbors and take part in street activities.
Install Outdoor Lighting
Low-voltage landscaping lighting can have a significant impact on the curb appeal of your home, while also improving safety and security. Accent lighting can be used to highlight trees, the house or a path. Plan to use a variety fixtures and lighting styles for the best landscaping lighting. Install solar lights if you can’t use fixtures that require wiring. Solar outdoor lights are easy to install and affordable.
Do a Mailbox Makeover
Mailboxes are a great way to express your personality and complement the house. Choose a style that complements your home trimmings if your mailbox is attached. If your mailbox is closer to the road you can surround it with beautiful flowering gardens . This will instantly make your yard look more inviting and approachable. Consider painting your mailbox and post in a color that matches your home, or adding vinyl decals with your address.
Add Shutters or Accent Trim
Shutters, trim and other decorative elements can add beauty and curb appeal. Exterior shutters are available in wood or aluminum, as well as composite, fiberglass, and vinyl. Trim details can be made durable and low-maintenance using composite materials such as PVC or polyurethane.
Replace Gutters and Downspouts
It’s likely that your gutter system is old and in need of maintenance . Peeling paint, rust marks, drooping gutters and other issues indicate that repair or upgrading is required. Replace the old gutters with new ones.
You can save money by installing your own vinyl gutter system. They are known to crack and become brittle in cold weather. Copper systems are more expensive, but they have a beautiful curb appeal and a look of quality.
Add Arbors or Fence Panels
The curb appeal and garden of your home will be enhanced by arbors, garden gates and short sections of decorative fencing panels. These simple additions will provide a beautiful backdrop for your garden. Kits are easy to assemble or come in prefabricated sections you can connect. Paint or stain the items in colors that match your home.
Add Outdoor Art
Add some whimsy to your yard by incorporating artwork that is resistant to the weather. Select pieces that compliment your home’s exterior and natural color palette. Outdoor art can include metal cutouts and sculptures. Birdbaths are a great option, and feature nice colorful designs. The gurgling sound of water sculptures can be soothing on hot days and help to cool you down. Place water fountains in an area with good visibility and hearing.
Upgrade Railings
If not maintained properly, porch and stoop railings will deteriorate very quickly. If your railings have reached their peak, replace them with quality wood or metal components and increase curb appeal. The color, size, design, detail, and material should all be compatible with your home’s primary features. Porch railings are a key component of the exterior aesthetic of a house, and help to enhance its style.
Renew Paint, Siding, and Trim
A new exterior update, such as paint, siding or trim, can instantly transform the appearance of a house. Maintaining exterior surfaces is the best way to maintain your home’s curb appeal. A home’s curb appeal can be negatively affected by visible defects such as cracked or decayed material. This will turn off potential buyers. After repairing the weaknesses, add color to trim or shingles.
Dress Up the Driveway
You can upgrade or clean up your driveway if it is cracked, stained or has plants growing on the surface. Then, you can dress up the driveway by applying a stain to the concrete. Add stone, pavers, or bricks to the side of your driveway to make it wider. This will give you more space to park or move around. Setting off a driveway by creating a clear, crisp transition between the paved and non-paved surfaces will enhance curb appeal.
Build a Walkway
A well-designed pathway can make your home more inviting and warm. Replace a concrete path with a stone or a brick curved pathway to make a dramatic difference. Apply a colored concrete resurfacer and then border it with bricks or stones. Brick paving adds a classic, traditional look to any landscape.
Original Blog: https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/ways-to-add-curb-appeal/