Even if your house is immaculate on the inside, people’s first impressions will be formed by what your house looks like on the outside. Therefore, it’s important to take steps to improve the look of your home’s exterior when it has become drab and outdated if you want to keep up with modern trends.
Luckily, there are plenty of components you can update to totally transform your home’s appearance that won’t break your budget. To give you an idea of where to start, here are six ideas to refresh your home’s curb appeal.
Light It Up
An appealing exterior shouldn’t end when the sun goes down. That’s why updated exterior lighting is a great way to improve the look of your home. Since new LED light fixtures use very little energy, you can help save on your energy costs and ensure that electrical shorts are less likely when the fixtures become damp.
Plus, upgrading your exterior lighting helps to keep your home safer since there will be fewer spots for potential criminals to hide around your home. The main concern when installing new lighting is to ensure that you bury the electrical cables so that they don’t detract from your home’s curb appeal during the day.
Choose lighting that either blends in during daylight or stands out with attractive light fixtures. For this, either a string of café lights or visually appealing sconces would look great during the day and the night. Hidden lighting features might include spot lights that highlight trees in your yard or focal points on your home.
Mail Call
If you have a mailbox that is located by the street, then it is one of the first features of your home that people will encounter. Therefore, by adding some pizzazz to its appearance, you can help set a good tone for the rest of your home’s exterior.
A construction material supplier can provide you with basics such as concrete to anchor your mailbox and crushed stone to place around it. You can use wood to create your mailbox for a one-of-a-kind look or use brick to create a stately, polished appearance.
Look around the neighborhood or browse online for a style that will look great with your home. If you are doing the install yourself, make sure to do it right the first time with a bit of research. Failing to anchor your mailbox property will result in a tilt or shift after the ground settles around it.
Add Plants
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can get the garden you want by using native plants. They are adapted to your climate and won’t require as much maintenance as non-native plants. Be sure to plant them in areas with the right level of light, such as full-sun or part-sun. Look for colors that stand out against your home’s exterior.
Start by planting taller things like shrubs or tall grasses closer to your home or a focal point in your yard. Border these with mid-height perennials. Plant smaller annuals around the edges. You can replace these as the season changes to make sure your garden is always in bloom.
Driveway Update
If it’s been a while since your driveway was last paved, you might notice crumbling asphalt or cracked concrete. Sometimes you can get away with a topcoat to renew your driveway and make it look good as new again. If the damage is too deep, it might be time to replace your driveway. If you do, there are so many options available to match the look of your home while elevating your curb appeal.
Colored or stamped concrete is a popular option for an updated twist on traditional concrete. Another way enhance your driveway is adding a border to the sides. Pavers and bricks give a nice, clean edge, while stones and plants lend a more natural accent.
Patio Hangout
Patios are a must-have for people who like spending time outdoors. They are perfect spot for a coffee break, a gardening station, or a nice place to enjoy time with family and friends. They don’t have to cost a lot and you can do it yourself if you have the time.
The easiest way to create a patio would be using pavers and filling in the gaps with pebbles or crushed rock. If you opt for poured concrete, you can get a variety of options. You can build a patio deck with lumber and raise your patio off the ground slightly for drainage. And with a little more effort, you can top it off with a pergola for added shade and architecture.
Add Some Outdoor Furniture
If your home has a porch, even a small one, adding a few pieces of outdoor furniture can transform the look of the front of your home, turning it into an inviting place for friends and family alike. If you took the time to add a patio to your home or were lucky enough to have a home with a patio, just adding a few places to sit can help you get more from your yard. And a well-furnished porch in the front yard can look amazing from the street.
For example, a couple of rocking chairs placed on a long covered porch creates a sense of a relaxed lifestyle and lets visitors know that they have a place to belong when they come to your house. Plus, these additions will make a great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful evening outside.
To Be Continued
What’s vital when you upgrade your home’s exterior is to create a look that matches the overall feeling of the interior. It could come as quite a shock to visitors, for example, if the outside of your home appears warm and inviting but the inside looks cold and stark. To help create a nice flow and a welcoming atmosphere, you can pick up on the design cues that you have placed outside and continue them throughout the rest of your home.
