You have probably fallen in love with a home, just based on its exterior, at some point in time (I think we all have). First impressions matter. Whether you are walking up to your own front door, or a potential buyer is looking at your house for sale, curb appeal is key. Take these tips for creating a clear and stylish path to your front door.
Potted plants
Create beautiful symmetry by adding a plant on either side of the door or porch entry. This is a true one-day project that can cost you less than $100. Not sure what type of plant to get? There is nothing wrong with a good-ol’ Boxwood. They are low maintenance, can be shaped according to your whims and stay green throughout the year.
Accessorize
A home’s entry should reflect its interior and offer a little personal touch. Accessories can be the finishing touch to the curb appeal of your home. Find or create a wreath that reflects the season or an upcoming holiday. Play around with fonts, colors and materials for the numbers on your house. Select a nice little welcome sign or floor mat or choose a stand-alone mailbox that matches the exterior of your home. Have you considered adding shutters or accent trim to your home?
Replace old hardware
House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall mounted-mailbox and overhead light fixtures. These are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior curb appeal. If they are old and dingy, your home might not be reaching its optimal ‘curb-appeal-potential’. These items will add the most appeal when they function collectively rather than as mix-and-match pieces.
Perfect Symmetry
Symmetry is not only pleasing to the eye, it is also the simplest to arrange. Symmetrical compositions of light fixtures and front-door accents create a welcome entryway.
Light the way
Landscape lighting makes it easy to get around at night. There are cheap solar powered landscape lights that will illuminate the path to your front door. Furthermore, no one likes to be fumbling for their keys in the dark. Double up on porch lights with a pair of lanterns or mounted lights.
Do you have a beautiful façade, gorgeous landscaping or stunning trees, feel free to make them stand out with accent lighting! It will do wonders for your home.
Window boxes
Would window planters enhance the look of your home? They are easy to install and can make a colorful, charming addition. BHG recommends choosing boxes made from copper or iron for a traditional look, or painted wood for a cottage feel. Mix and match flowers and plants to suit your lighting conditions and color scheme.
Renew your planters
Renewing your planters is an easy solution that will have a huge impact on your curb appeal. How often do we come across messy, overgrown planters? Is your planter bed ready for a renewal? Tear everything out (except for those rose bushes you’ve been slaving over for the last 15 years of course) and add some fresh new plants and flowers from your local nursery. Remember to look for plants that are native to California as they will grow and thrive even in the dry, hot summer.
Dress up the front door
A home’s front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. Make a statement by giving your door a blast of color or by installing a custom wood door. You’d be surprised at how effective this is in enhancing your curb appeal. The reflective sheen of a high-gloss color (think royal purple, deep blue, emerald green, crimson) will ensure that your house stands out from the crowd. This is another easy, economic way to add a little flair to your curb appeal.
Renew paint, siding and trim
An exterior face lift (new paint, siding or trim details) automatically transforms the look for a home. Periodic maintenance is the best way to keep up the curb appeal of your house and increase its perceived value. Any obvious defects such as cracked or rotting material can downgrade the aesthetic and quickly turn away potential home buyers. Once defects are repaired, look for ways to add personality with color, trim and shingles.
The economy might be back-to-basics, but that doesn’t mean your house should be anything less than a pleasure to come home to! A welcome exterior can put a spring in your step each time you drive up to your home.
What would you like to do to enhance your curb appeal?
About Jaleesa Peluso
Jaleesa Peluso is a Laguna Beach Realtor®. As a Laguna Beach Realtor Jaleesa specializes in coastal homes and luxury home marketing. For more information about Orange County Real Estate or Laguna Beach Real Estate, visit: www.jaleesapeluso.com
Contact: (949) 395-0960 or Jaleesa@JaleesaPeluso.com
Grеat article!