For many folks summer brings more time outdoors. Playing with your kids in the yard, pool parties or just hosting a family BBQ, are all reasons we may find ourselves outside more these days.
Being outdoors you are likely noticing even more about the way your home looks on the outside.
Unsightly cracks or dead plants got you down?
Today, let’s walk through 24 ways you can update your home’s curb appeal.
The result?
You will feel excited and proud of the home you live in.
Remove Dead Plants and Weeds
No one likes weeds ruining their beautiful yard. Be sure to do some regular maintenance to keep weeds and other unsightly growth at bay.
If you have plants that are dead or lackluster, remove them and consider replacing with a beautiful low-maintenance plant.
Mulch or Remulch
If you don’t have mulch in your garden, definitely consider making this addition!
There are pros and cons to mulch, but the pros outweigh the negatives.
Firstly, if you don’t want to constantly pluck weeds, mulch helps prevent weeds from popping up.
Why is that?
Mulch blocks the soil from the sun and therefore weeds and seeds can’t germinate.
Mulch is also helpful for insulating. Water will stay locked in longer and the result is less watering on your part.
Finally, mulch will even help keep your plants protected and lessen the risk of them dying. Roots stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Again, this means less work on your part!
For a modern and sophisticated look, consider black or a dark brown mulch. I love how nice this garden bed pops against the brick wall.
Paint or Install New Garage Doors
Garage doors are often seen from the street and are an important part of your home’s look.
If you want a simple and cost saving option, paint your doors. However, you may find the garage doors are in need of more than just paint. In that case, replacing your door(s) is the best route.
Regardless, garage doors can help your home’s resale value. If you are looking to sell, consider a garage door replacement.
Install a New Front Door or Paint
Just like garage doors, your front door is one of the very first things people see from the street.
A beautiful front door can help your home standout and even add some value, depending on the style and material.
Black doors are desirable and in many cases result in higher resale.
Power Wash Your Home
Nothing ruins curb appeal quite like a dirty house. Be sure to give your home a good cleaning once a year (if not more) to remove grime and keep your home looking it’s best.
Clean the Windows
Once you do some power washing, your windows will definitely stand out if they aren’t cleaned.
Give your windows a good scrub and be sure to do it from the inside and outside!
Replace Old House Numbers
House numbers can make a statement and we often don’t notice them because we know where we live! However, when someone is coming to your house for the very first time, you can be assured they are looking for those numbers.
You can really make a statement with the style, size, and font used. Definitely be sure to invest in some house numbers if you don’t have any prominently displayed!
Update the House Lights
This update really doesn’t need to be expensive, but taking into account your home’s style, new house lights can make a big statement.
Not to mention, exterior lights serve to welcome your family and guests in the evening.
Install Uplighting
Want to create some real ambiance for your home?
Install uplighting and place lights strategically around your home. Consider different lights for different needs and be sure to consider how the lights will impact your family from the inside.
You don’t want a giant light beaming into a kid bedroom or an uplight emphasizing a tree that looks bare for six months of the year.
Replace the Old Mailbox
Every now and then it is a good idea to replace your mailbox as it gets old and weathered. Consider the style of your home and the neighborhood.
Paint the Exterior
A fresh coat of paint will absolutely transform your home’s curb appeal. There are several factors to sonsider when choosing paint, but just know that neutral colors tend to sell faster and are more popular with potential buyers.
A classic white is always a good choice if you are in doubt.
Install Stone Facade
Want to breathe new life into your home?
Consider installing a stone veneer to give your home’s exterior a brand new look. You don’t need to do the entire house, just choose some strategic areas or ways to incorporate it to make it feel special.
Pro Tip: Buyers will pay more for a home with a stone facade than a home without.
Install New Shutters
If windows are the eyes of your home, consider shutters to be like an eyeshadow or mascara. Shutters can really pull together the exterior of your house.
Shutters aren’t for every home, but if your home is more traditional in style, this may just be the update you need!
Create or Update Your Walkway
An inviting walkway really sets the tone for guests as they enter your home.
When it comes to appeal from the street, a beautiful walkway can truly upgrade the entire look of your home.
Large stone slabs or brick pavers are great choices if you want more than just a concrete path.
If you do have an existing concrete walkway, clean it up and repair it. Concrete is prone to cracking over time, so be sure to fix it and seal it.
Repair and Seal Your Driveway
Just like the walkway to your front door, you shouldn’t neglect your driveway. Given the size and material of your driveway, you may need to give it an overhaul. If you have a concrete or asphalt driveway like the vast majority of homeowners, do clean it, repair it and then seal!
Pea Gravel
Personally I love the look and versatility of pea gravel. It comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.
You can use pea gravel for walkways, gardens, driveways and as a border along your home. While there are pros and cons to a pea gravel driveway, this is one material that is cheaper to install than concrete or asphalt.
If you want pea gravel, but don’t want a large driveway of it, use it in your walkway or along a side of your home for some curb appeal.
Window Boxes
Window boxes are charming and look great. Not to mention you can enjoy them from the inside whenever you look out the window. Always keep in mind the style of your home when choosing a color and material.
If you install window boxes, be sure to regularly water and care for your plants. A window box full of dead plants will decrease your home’s beauty, no one wants that!
Welcome Mat with Planters
This feels like a no brainer, but always have a nice welcome mat and some planters to frame your front door.
The planters can hold faux plants! There I said it.
Add Seating
Is there anything more memorable than a home with a front porch swing?
I would argue, no.
Even if you don’t have the set-up for a porch swing, an outdoor chair or a small seating arrangement can truly make your home look inviting. Pair a chair or two with an outdoor grade side table, and you have a recipe for success.
Plant Ivy or a Beautiful Vine
For a striking look, have ivy or any pretty species of vine, placed on your home or a trellis leading to your house.
Lay Sod or Seed to Fill in Spots of Missing Grass
Sod is great for an instant boost to your yard. However, sod is not available in as many grass varieties. Depending on the size of your lawn and how much you need, it can be costly.
Seeds will be cheaper, but just know that it will take longer for the grass to fill in and it isn’t fool proof. You need to be sure you prepare the area properly to give seeds the best chance for taking hold and growing.
Install a Fence or Wall
A fence or wall can be beautiful and practical. Depending on the size of your yard, you may find it is rather expensive.
If you are worried about the cost, look at installing a split rail or x style fence. With the gaps in spacing, it will require less material, but still enhance the look of your home.
Install a Motorized Gate
Want to really create a wow factor? Put in a motorized gate for privacy, aesthetic and convenience. Not to mention, a motorized gate will increase your home’s value at resale.
Buyers love this feature and for good reason. A gate serves a purpose and enhances the presence of your home.
Plant Boxwoods and Trees
Boxwoods are hardy plants that can thrive in various conditions and have low water needs. Plus, they’re relatively easy to care for and maintain once established.
The main drawback of boxwood is it’s potentially invasive root system, which may spread far beyond the planting area if left unchecked.
If boxwoods aren’t your thing or you need to add some more layers, consider planting some nice trees. A tree lined driveway is absolutely gorgeous if you can get away with it. Trees, even if just a handful, can really make a home’s exterior feel complete.
Conclusion
In the end, putting some effort into the exterior of your home is important. Regular maintenance and care is vital for mitigating bigger issues and keeping costs down.
Taking care of our homes is important and we should never neglect the outside. Let me know which of these ideas you love in the comments below. Was there a great tip I missed?
If you are interested in being featured on Kinsale Home, let’s connect!
From the time I was a young child, I have loved interior design and beautiful things. Ten-year-old me would create “floor plans” on notebook paper and design the dream homes of my siblings. We would have an initial meeting and after jotting down their wish list, I got to work creating the home of their dreams.
After designing the layout, I would take the Sunday newspaper ads (are those still a thing?) and cut out pictures of furniture, lamps, and accessories to create mood boards for each room in the home. When I was all done, weeks and weeks later, I would showcase my work and pitch my design ideas to a sibling.
If you too enjoy beautiful things and the process of turning a vision into a reality, welcome! If you love watching homes transform, but just don’t know how to start or have the resources to buy everything you like, stick around. I love finding affordable and practical design solutions to give YOU a gorgeous home you can be proud of.
Together, let’s reveal what’s possible.
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