When you first move into a new home, it’s normal to prioritize the inside of the house before spending time making improvements on the exterior. But once you live there for a while, you may find that your original excitement about updating the interior begins to wane, and instead, your interests have turned toward sprucing up what can be seen from outside.
This transformation is completely natural because a home’s curb appeal has a great impact on how people see it from their cars or when they walk by. It makes sense why any homeowner would want to increase his or her home’s curb appeal as quickly and inexpensively as possible!
1. Incorporate Natural Elements
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your home look natural and appealing. Consider adding natural elements like natural stone and gravel to your landscaping.
Adding plants is a great way to improve curb appeal because they provide color and life to the space. Flowers are especially effective because they come in a variety of colors and sizes, and you can find plants suited for any climate. When choosing plants, be sure to pick varieties that will bloom at different times of the year so that your yard always looks fresh.
However, avoid boring foliage. There’s more to landscaping than flowers and grass! Trees add shade and curb appeal while bushes provide privacy from neighbors. There are even varieties of bushes designed for warmer climates that maintain their color year-round instead of dying back in winter like most other types do.
2. Take Care of the Entryway
A front door is typically one of the first things someone notices if they pass by a house – even before the overall architecture catches their eye! A simple coat of paint will give your front door tremendous impact that adds instant curb appeal.
Choose colors that coordinate with the natural colors around your home and allow while making your property stand out from its surroundings. For example, a bright red door will add a pop of color to a front yard that contains mostly neutral colors.
Your entryway is the perfect opportunity to add accessories that you can’t use anywhere else in your house. A large wreath or other decorative items on your front door will make it clear that you take pride in your home and want visitors to feel welcome. It only costs a few dollars for an effective wreath, but there are also many pricier options if you want something more ornate.
3. Spruce Up the Fence Area
If you have a fence around your yard, you can still improve its appearance without breaking the bank. Flower beds are a great way to add color and life to your fence. You can plant flowers right against the surface of your fence or along one side of it for added oomph. If you’re short on space, opt for plants that grow vertically rather than spreading across the ground.
Your mailbox is another accessory that people will notice immediately when they first approach your home. Instead of being an eyesore, upgrade yours into something more beautiful with just a little bit of paint! Coordinate the color to match any other upgrades you’ve made in this area, like planting additional flowers or building plan boxes next to your mailbox post.
4. Add a Focal Point to Your Yard
If you’re limited for space, adding a focal point can help you maximize curb appeal in an area that’s otherwise too small for big design changes. A focal point doesn’t have to be complicated. If your yard has plenty of flowers or other plants, consider placing a birdbath or stone statue in the middle of them as the main attraction. If your yard lacks foliage, try building a deck or patio instead.
New lighting can also have a big impact on how people see your home from the outside at night and highlight your focal point, and it only costs a few dollars!
Replace dingy old light fixtures with new ones that coordinate with your home’s color scheme and add an outdoor light over your front door for increased security. If you don’t want to make any permanent changes, consider stringing LED lights around the exterior of your home for a festive look without doing too much damage.
Your front yard is often the first thing people see when they approach your house, so it better look good! With just a few simple design choices, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that adds value to your home as well as curb appeal.
