Curb Appeal
Appearances can often be deceiving but when it comes to your home, the entrance that your guests see can really set the tone for what is within. This starts from the road leading to your home, to the walkway, and right up to your door. Depending on your living situation there may be a limit to what you have control over changing, but this area is not something to be overlooked.
Upping your curb appeal has many advantages. First, a beautiful home is a wonderful way for you to be welcomed home every day. Secondly, your guests will feel excited too. And another reason this can be critically important is if you are wanting to sell your home. Potential buyers may judge their feelings and their willingness to buy solely based on how they first perceive the space.
So, how do you change the landscape of your home without breaking the bank? The following ideas are great ways to add value to your home and increase the curb appeal for your enjoyment as well as your community.
Color Choices
Just as you would make a conscious decision on how to decorate the interior of your home, you should do the same for the exterior. This includes making a mindful color choice. This begins with the actual color of the house itself, as well as the trim, and continues to the furniture and landscaping choices you make. If you want to make your home stand out as unique, consider an unexpected color. Keep in mind that you may not want to go too bold if you are attempting to sell the home as it might not be to the liking of a buyer.
Upgrade the Mailbox
This may seem so simple, but it is a great affordable way to make a difference. So many homes have rusted or dented mailboxes on the curb and this does nothing for you, the mailman, or your neighbors. Think of something that suits your style. Maybe a more modern design fits your aesthetic, or perhaps something more whimsical. Don’t be afraid to get creative. These same principles can be applied if you have a mail slot attached to the house.
Lighting
There are some simple ways to install outdoor lighting without spending a lot of time and money. Increasing the lighting is not only aesthetically pleasing but can increase your safety as well, especially in those winter months when getting home before dark is almost impossible. There are certainly some complex lighting options, but solar lights are a fraction of the cost and are easy to install.
Diversify your Plants
You may not have a green thumb, but one of the most common ways to increase curb appeal is with strategic planting in garden beds and planters. A trick I have found over the years is finding used pots at thrift stores. Even ones that have seen better days can be painted a vibrant color for a refresh. Assess what type of lighting the space gets and ask your local plant or hardware store what would work best with little maintenance in those conditions. Even if you only add two planters to your porch, it is guaranteed to make a difference.
You may think that curb appeal is just a term that realtors use, but it means so much more than that. If you are selling your home, make sure to pay attention to the outer appearance. If you just envision a beautiful space to greet you every day, try some of these tips to build the appreciation and pride you feel in your space.