First Impressions: 4 Way to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal
The front of your house is the first thing that guests see, whether they be visiting friends and family, home inspectors, or even potential buyers. It’s also one of the views that you see every day when you come home from work or a weekend away. You want your curb appeal to remain high not just for the property value increase, but for your own peace of mind, as well. There are always many projects around the house that you might like to do, but here are for essential elements to your home’s exterior that must be maintained for a visually beautiful home.
Front Door
You’ve probably heard that the front door should be painted a bold color to create an inviting aesthetic. A lot of people suggest that the house should be painted red, and this is a great color, but if you want your house to stand out from the rest on the block, try working with complementary colors. If your home has a blue exterior, consider orange as a stark contrast, or maybe yellow or orange-red to create a more subtle complement. Don’t feel the need to limit yourself to just one color, either. There are many effects that you can use, such as patterns painted in, or stained glass with a variety of colors. Some even utilize glazes to give a textured pattern for a more exotic style.
Pathway
The standard concrete pathway leading up to the door is too reminiscent of rental properties. If you want to make your house look like a home that the owner takes pride in, there are many materials that you can use to customize the look. Flagstone can give your pathway a more old-fashioned style, or even a modernized appearance if you opt for darker colors and geometric patterns. If you want something that requires less maintenance, however, try stamped concrete. It can be made to look like stone, brick, or a variety of other materials to present the same luxurious style at a more affordable cost.
Garage Door
Your garage door takes up a large portion of the front of your house. If you want your garage door to make an attractive impression, make sure that the material and style are in line with the rest of your house. Wooden garage doors can match almost any house style, as can the classic plain, white door. Keep in mind, however, that white doors are harder to keep looking clean, and it’s a simple matter to add a splash of color. However, the most important thing is that your garage door works. Nothing is more off-putting, or more dangerous to your home security, than a garage door that is stuck open or shudders dangerously when used. If you aren’t replacing your garage door, then take care of any garage door repairs first. After that, you can consider adding color, windows, or other aesthetics to increase visual appeal of the door itself.
Landscaping
Many homes have barren front porches and yards with nothing but a lawn to distinguish it from the landscape. If you really want to add visual appeal to your home, try adding a bar of lively plants along the front of your home. Hostas, for example, are a type of plant that is used in many regions of the country, and they are very low maintenance. For more inspiration, consider incorporating plants native to your region. Pines and firs are beautiful all-year round, and will grow in many regions. Japanese maples are also a lovely addition if you’re looking for a splash of color, but also don’t want to worry about a large tree taking over your yard. Talk to a professional landscaper or flora expert to know what plants will grow best in your yard and soil type, then let Mother Nature take care of the rest.
If you’re looking for some ways to increase your home’s exterior visual appeal, there are many aspects that can be upgraded. Your garage, yard, walkways, and front door are just four major places to start, and there are many resources to choose from to improve them. If you’re stuck on ideas, check out pictures online for inspiration, and make sure that the designs you choose all work together rather than stand alone.