It's Spring and it's time to spruce up your home on the inside BUT don't forget the outside too! If your home's curb appeal makes a great first impression, everyone (including potential home buyers if that is your circumstance) will want to see what's inside. Check out these simple, low-cost improvements that you can do in a day or a weekend to create the appeal everyone will envy.
Create an instant garden ~ Container gardens add a welcoming feel and colorful appeal to any home exterior -- quickly and affordably. You can buy ready-made containers from garden centers or create your own with your favorite plants. For most landscapes, a staggered, asymmetrical arrangement works best to create a dynamic setting.
Do a mailbox makeover ~ Mailboxes should complement the home and express the homeowner's personality. When choosing a hanging drop box, pick a box that mirrors your home's trimmings. Dress up mail boxes by painting the wooden post to match the house's exterior color, or by surrounding it by a beautiful flowering garden.
Add arbors or fence panels ~ Arbors, garden gates, and short sections of decorative fence panels will enhance your garden and the value of your home. These amenities can be found in easy-to-build kits or prefab sections you simply connect together. For best results, paint or stain these items with colors already on your house.
Dress up the front door ~Your home's front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. Make a statement by giving your front door a blast of color with paint or by installing a custom wood door. Clean off any dirty spots around the knob, and use metal polish on the door fixtures. Your entry should also reflect the home's interior, so choose a swag or a wreath that reflects your personal style.
Renew planter beds ~ Get garden beds into shape by pruning growth, pulling weeds, planting flowers, and adding new mulch to restore color that was taken away by sunlight and harsh weather. If stone or brick borders your bed, consider cleaning and resetting any pieces that are soiled or dislodged. If your border is old or tired-looking, try upgrading to stone or a decorative cast-concrete edging system.
Replace old hardware ~ House numbers, the entry door lock set, a wall-mounted mailbox, an overhead light fixture and even a handrail, are all elements that can add style and interest to your home's exterior. If they're out of date or dingy, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones.
Comments
Post a Comment