The first impression of a home starts from the street. Everything about the home’s exterior plays a part in telling its story to a guest or potential buyer when they drive up. Even the smallest elements have an impact on the overall impression.
My first piece of advice whenever someone is thinking of sprucing up their home or putting it on the market is to go out to the street and look back on your property. Really look at it as a whole and then at each individual detail. What is it missing? What could be improved? What would you like to accentuate more?
Then, slowly walk up the driveway and to the front door, looking at everything. You’ll be amazed at what you spot when you take the time to do this.
Here are some more tips on improving your home’s entrance and making sure it says “welcome” from curb appeal to front porch.
MAILBOX ─ Make sure the mailbox is clean, in good shape, and the numbers on the side are clear. If it has seen better days, refurbish it with a coat of paint or replace it altogether.
Source: Home Depot
DRIVEWAY ─ Fill in any cracks in the driveway and pressure-wash off the stains it has accumulated over time.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
LAWN ─ If your grass is patchy or brown, bring it back to life with fertilizer or re-sod if necessary.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
LANDSCAPING ─ Clean out any weeds and dead plants and trim the bushes. If anything is hanging too far into the path or blocking any windows, consider removing them altogether. Also trim off any dead branches on palm trees.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
PATHWAY ─ Like the driveway, patch up any cracks and pressure-wash it. If you don’t already have lights following the path, consider installing some. You can get solar ones very inexpensively and they look great at night.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
HOUSE NUMBERS ─ Your house numbers should be very visible from the street and in good shape. Consider polishing, repainting, or replacing them altogether if they’ve seen better days or are simply outdated.
Source: Country Living
PORCH ─ Look for any needed repairs on the porch, such as in the flooring, pillars, roof, or facade. Clean out cob webs and bug residue. This is another area that may need pressure-washing to be spruced up.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
FRONT DOOR ─ Check to see if there is any weather damage or wear and tear on the door(s). Could it do with a new coat of paint? Maybe a new knob? Perhaps the trim just needs some refreshing.
Source: Better Home & Gardens
LIGHTING ─ Exterior lights can get worn out from dirt, bugs, and weather. If your house is older, it may be an outdated fixture, too. Consider cleaning it up or replacing it with something new.
Source: Real Simple
DECOR ─ I recommend keeping things simple in terms of decor, such as a welcome mat, a potted plant or two, and a few pieces of furniture if you have a porch. These elements can make it feel a lot more inviting without crowding the space.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
Looking at your home from a guest or buyer’s standpoint can reveal a lot of things you may have overlooked. Even the smallest elements can make a big difference.
Warm regards,
Megan
Uplighting on these house numbers spotlights them in an understated, elegant way.
Uplighting on the trees creates a stunning glow around this seating area.
Uplighting is very subtle, so it’s perfect for a minimalist space like this. Here, it was used on the trees and even beneath the seating.
Areas of the garden were highlighted by uplighting to draw your eye to the landscaping and bring depth to this space.
Uplighting on the fountain creates a romantic mood and shows off the beautiful architecture.
Bring depth to your curb appeal by positioning uplighting under a beautiful tree.
Lights in the walls are subtle and out of the way while supplying a beautiful glow to this contemporary space. Even the trees have a bit of uplighting to pull it all together.
Uplighting throughout this space creates dimension. They even switched it up with a bit of red lighting by the deck.
If you have a stone facade or feature, uplighting enhances the look and highlights the great texture.
This curves of this cool seating area are enhanced the subtle lights inviting you into the space.
A colorful outdoor area rug is a great way to define an area and infuse it with color. Introduce a variety of plants in pretty pots to get a garden feel.
Get creative with your seating. This daybed brings a unique, cottage vibe to this outdoor space.
New table settings are inexpensive and can totally transform your table. To save money, use white plates and only switch out the table runner, napkins and centerpiece.
Pillows aren’t only for the inside ─ they add a ton of comfort and style to your outdoor living areas, too.
Switch out your cushions to a bold new color to transform the palette. Don’t shy away from hanging art on the walls or even a chic mirror to make it feel more cozy.
String lights add a festive vibe to any outdoor space and can be purchased very inexpensively.
If you are feeling bold and want a change, painting the ceiling could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Striped lanterns add a chic, festive appeal and take only minutes to hang.
Simple touches like lanterns and a basket for towels will make you feel like you’re at an upscale resort.
The yellow wooden screen is an easy touch that helps define this adorable outdoor vignette.
A grey-blue on the shutters brightens up the exterior on this home and plays well off the crisp white windows and trim.
Mint green pops against the red brick and gives the traditional look a fresh vibe.
Deep blue shutters contrast beautifully against the white exterior of the home.
Soft green shutters play well off the orange doors for some Key West character.
Grey shutters look crisp and clean on this comfortable front porch and set the stage for the turquoise ceiling to pop.
Burnt red shutters give this barn-style home some chic country charm.
Green shutters look sophisticated and play into a French country vibe.
Yellow shutters match the front door and pop on the blue siding of this adorable cottage home.
An understated blue looks charming against white siding and red brick steps.
Off-white shutters blend with the home’s distressed brick exterior for a classic look.