They say your home says a lot about you. They also say that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But honestly, we can’t help it sometimes. While your home’s interior is what’s most important, like it or not, it also matters what it looks like from the outside. Is it a sight for sore eyes at the end of a long workday? Do you feel a sense of relief when you pull up into the driveway? Do your kids look forward to playing on the lawn? It doesn’t take a fortune or years of handiwork experience to make your home look more appealing. Here’s a list of affordable ways to boost your home’s curb appeal.
Grow a garden
One of the most instant ways to make your home look more appealing is to make it greener. Plant an outdoor garden if you haven’t already. Gardening is a great outdoor activity that the whole family can participate in. It’s a form of exercise, so it’ll boost your mood and help you relax.
If you already have a garden in place, you could consider extending it. If you’re unsure of how far your property extends, a land inspector will be able to tell you its exact boundaries. You could also add a vegetable patch to make way for homemade greens on your table. Asking your kids to help you with this can educate them on how food is grown and can even encourage them to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Vegetable patches and flower beds aren’t the only way to make your home greener. You can also install a trellis on your exterior walls so you can hang pots or let vines grow freely.
Add window boxes
There’s nothing that says rustic charm like window boxes. Using plants to call attention to structural focal points like windows and doors makes your home look more inviting. Fill the boxes with the season’s blossoms and see your home’s charm increase tenfold.
Spruce up your entryway
Your walkway is what beckons you and your guests to come into your home. You can spice it up by re-tiling it or simply by washing away years’ worth of grime off of it. Finish it off by adding some planters to line both sides to ensure a lush and vibrant appearance.
Aim for symmetry
In an evolutionary sense, humans respond positively to symmetry. There’s a feeling of harmony that can be gleaned from the visual balance that it offers. You can easily achieve this by placing planters or porch lights on either side of your door.
Add porch seating
Chairs are part of what makes a house feel like a home. A place to sit or lie down on the porch is an invitation for guests to stay a bit longer. It beckons household members to sit outside and have a few moments of peace. Whether it’s a swing bench or a rocking chair, outdoor seating rewards your home with extra comfort points. And what is a home if it doesn’t offer comfort?
Give your front door a pop of color
Hugh Grant’s apartment with the blue door from 1999’s Notting Hill is an iconic image in cinema. Its charm is reliant on its bright blue shade, which easily sets it apart from the other residences along the street.
Following in the steps of this classic romantic comedy could help you revamp your home’s facade. Refreshing your front door with a fresh coat of bright paint is easier and more affordable than changing the door itself. Even a small change can make a big difference.
Consider outdoor art and decor
A quick fix for a drab-looking front door is a wreath. Its circular shape is a symbol of continuity and wholeness. It’s also another way to add symmetry to your home’s facade.
Wreaths aren’t just for the winter holidays – there are designs for every season. Hanging a seasonal wreath outside ensures a happy welcome for any household member or guest.
There are other decorative pieces you can place outside, such as statues and wall art.
Clean your roof
Of course, if your roof is showing considerable structural weakness, you should change it. But sometimes a good cleaning is all that’s needed. Washing off the grime that’s accumulated over the years will make your roof look as good as new. For safety reasons, it may be better to hire a professional to do this.
Upgrade your mailbox
While not a key part of your home, a fresh-looking mailbox can increase your home’s curb appeal. You can give it a fresh coat of paint or swap it out for something new. Mailboxes are an easy D.I.Y. project. They can add a lot of personality to your home’s facade, so there’s a lot of room to be creative with them.
Making your home’s facade look better doesn’t have to take a lot of money or extensive handiwork experience. There are a lot of little things you can do that will still make a big difference. Attention to detail can go a long way.