10 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

When it comes to curb appeal, landscaping is the most obvious way to improve your look. And because it’s the most noticeable change you can make to your home’s exterior, how you go about it really matters. Landscape architects and designers are great resources to look toward if you have the means to do so. However, if you’re working with a smaller budget, there are plenty of affordable ways to improve your curb appeal landscaping. One of the easiest? Keep it groomed. If you have a grass lawn, make sure you’re watering it and fertilizing as needed. If you have an overgrown garden, rip out the weeds and plant new flowers or greenery to keep it looking lush. Trim bushes, trees, and any dead branches regularly.

The front door is the face of your home! And because it goes through so much wear and tear, it can get banged up pretty easily. Luckily, a little bit of paint is all it takes to get it shining again. Take a moment to inspect your front door. Is it looking washed out, drab, or dull? It’s probably time for a new coat of paint. The color you choose for your front door can say so much about your style, and it has the power to give a whole new look to your house. So make sure you go with a hue that you’re drawn to. A bold, matte black door looks sleek and modern, while a red door is the perfect mix of classic and bold. Greys, whites, pinks, blues, and greens will all have different impacts, so keep that in mind as you’re browsing colors.

Yes, everything! This includes gutters (remove those old leaves!), shutters, siding, walkways, windows, the front door, and the roof. When the exterior of your house is clean, it makes an impact. You might not even notice what’s dirty or covered in grime until you look up close, so take the time to inspect the whole facade. Washing the exterior of your windows with soap and water, power-washing the patio, and even wiping down the outside of the door are all simple ways to make your house sparkle, literally.

It might seem like a small detail that doesn’t matter, but trust us when we say that it does! In fact, small details have the power to make or break the overall look of your home. So if you have a rusted doorknob, chipped door knocker, or mismatched hinges, then it’s time to replace them. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a fabulous matching set, either. Build.com has a bounty of sleek door entry sets ranging from low- to high-end prices.

Lighting is crucial—inside and out! But oftentimes, we don’t give enough attention to exterior lighting. However, incorporating ground lighting, outdoor sconces, accent spotlights, and garden lighting can instantly turn your front yard from cute to elegant. That’s because well-placed outdoor lighting is a curb appeal landscaping tool that can highlight your yard’s natural beauty and even call attention to your home’s architecture. When used correctly, outdoor lighting can completely change your home’s visual impact.

There are so many benefits to planting flowers and foliage in your yard that are native to your climate. First, it’s far better for your local environment. Depending on where you live, there will be a variety of different insects, animals, and wildlife. And native plants and foliage provide those wildlife with the right shelter, ecosystem, food, and habitats that they need to thrive. Birds, pollinators, and small mammals are crucial to keeping a safe and healthy ecosystem, no matter where you live. Growing native plants also helps conserve water and protect soil from erosion, too. In the end, native plants are not only beneficial to our local ecosystems, but also to the infrastructure of our landscapes.

That damaged siding, rotted stair, or broken screen? Dedicate a weekend or two to fixing them. Something as small as a lopsided shutter can easily tarnish the overall look of your house’s exterior. Regular upkeep, as well as keeping track of the things that need replacing or fixing, will keep your house looking well-maintained.

One of the easiest ways to make your house feel more welcoming on the outside is by incorporating comfortable seating. A couple of rocking chairs on the front porch, a hanging bench, or even just a couple of rattan chairs with cushions can make all the difference. Your home will look cozier and more inviting to guests, and it also makes the perfect excuse to stay outside and enjoy a good book or cup of coffee in the warm months.

A striking entryway doesn’t have to be overtly bold or unique—in fact, you can make a big impact even with subtle changes. Something as simple as adding nice planters, painting your door a fun color that you love, or swapping out your house numbers or mailbox can make all the difference. If you have a transom window above your doorway, you could also add a stylish chandelier inside the house (see above) to add dimension and detail.

Be it a window box full of blooms, a beautiful bird bath, or some outdoor decor that just fits your style, adding those special touches brings the whole look together. Seasonally, you can swap out wreaths on the front door or your doormats. And once a year or so, consider your style and whether or not it’s changed. Have you grown to love more color? Are you over roses and really enjoying the look of hydrangeas? Make your home’s exterior reflect your style just as much as the inside does. It’ll make your house feel like you, and that makes all the difference.