Giving your home’s exterior a facelift is one of the best ways to spend your money. For one, a boost in curb appeal can increase property value. Secondly, it gives you a sense of renewed pride in your home. But where do you start, and what changes can make the biggest impact?
1. Painting or Updating Siding
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for your home’s appearance. Whether you’re sticking with the current color or choosing a new palette, painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home’s exterior.
When selecting colors, consider those that complement your home’s architectural style and fit in with the neighborhood. If painting isn’t sufficient or if your siding is showing signs of wear, updating your siding can be a big step. Materials like fiber cement or vinyl offer durability and come in various colors and textures, allowing you to customize the look of your home.
2. Choosing the Right Materials and Colors
The materials and colors you choose for your exterior should not only look good but also withstand your local climate.
For example, if you live in a coastal area, you’ll need materials and paint that can resist salt spray and humidity. Similarly, homes in sunnier climes should have UV-resistant paint to prevent fading.
The best rule of thumb is to opt for high-quality materials that balance aesthetic appeal with functional durability. That’s how you ensure your home’s exterior remains both fresh and durable over time.
3. Updating Entryways and Porches
The entrance to your home is often the focal point of the exterior. Making changes to your entryway or porch can have a dramatic effect on your home’s overall appeal.
Consider upgrading your front door with a new style or color that stands out or complements your home’s exterior. Adding or updating porch lighting can enhance the ambiance and improve safety, while new house numbers, a mailbox, or a welcome mat can add some charm.
If you have a porch or deck, make sure it’s in good condition (and consider refinishing or staining if necessary). Comfortable seating, outdoor rugs, and potted plants can make these spaces more welcoming and functional, creating an inviting entry point into your home.
4. Landscaping Enhancements
The right landscaping improvements can enhance your home’s curb appeal in some pretty big ways. Start by assessing your current setup and identifying areas for improvement.
- Could your front yard benefit from more color or variety in plant life?
- Would your walkway look more inviting with border plants or lighting?
Even simple changes like adding flower beds, planting trees, or installing decorative planters can add life and charm to your property.
When selecting plants, consider ones that are native to your region as they are more likely to thrive and require less maintenance. Trees offer both aesthetic appeal and shade, which can improve energy efficiency inside your home – so be sure to consider adding trees alongside smaller shrubs and flowers.
At the end of the day, the goal of landscaping is to complement your home’s overall appearance. Anything you do to have a positive impact on the overall look of the home is going to be advantageous.
5. Lighting and Decorative Elements
Good lighting can transform the look of your home at night, highlighting architectural features, and enhancing the landscaping. Think about adding path lighting for walkways, as well as spotlights for trees or architectural details. You can also layer in some ambient lighting for porches and sitting areas.
Decorative elements like shutters, trim, or unique architectural details can also add character and depth to your home’s exterior. We recommend selecting accents that fit the architectural style of your home and complement the overall color scheme. These elements can draw attention to the best features of your house and make it stand out on the block.
Give Your House a Fresh Look
A lot of people think that the only way to be happy in a home is to trade out their current one for a newer, “better” option. But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is give your current home a few upgrades. And in terms of curb appeal, a small ‘facelift’ can go a long way. Use these five tips to get started!
