10 Ways to Boost your Curb Appeal

It's spring and it's that time of year when we all want to get out of the house, stretch, yawn and breathe in the spring air. I have people ask what they can do to spruce up the exterior of their homes, front yards, back yards, porches pools and gardens. Well, I thought let's just dive right in and talk about curb appeal.

1.  Paint or replace your front door

Having a beautiful front door is welcoming & inviting. It can change the overall appearance of a house & is low cost home improvement. I like to see a pop of colour on the front door, something that 'wows' you, draws you in and provides a great first impression. You can change the colour of your door for under $20.

Personalize your door with some great hardware, or spraypaint what you currently have, add a great knocker and mailbox.

2. Add some planters

Nothing says 'welcome' or 'welcome home' like flowers or greenery. If you have the space, have planters flank your freshly painted door. The containers can be anything from empty coffee cans for country whimsy to  polished stainless steel for a modern feel. Use your imagination, anything goes.

Hanging baskets add colour, softness and are great for small entrances as they are up off the ground.

3. Landscape

Landscaping can be costly at the beginning but proper planting of perennials, shrubs & trees makes for a lasting impression and a lasting investment. A property with great curb appeal can increase the value of your home and inspire neighbours to do the same thus increasing the property value in the entire neighbourhood.

4. Front path

Everyone has some type of path that leads you to the front door. Ensure yours is in great shape and if necessary, upgrade to a beatuiful interlock, brick or concrete walkway. DIY it and save yourself some money, many  big box stores have associates with experience to help guide you along the way.

A. Betterbuilding.ca B. pinterest C. intelcrete D. Landscaping network E. Trimmer landscaping F. Concrete network

Google DIY walkways and you'll be inundated with inexpensive weekend projects, novice or professional you'll be inspired by what can be done.

5. Lighting

Outdoor lighting provides ambience and security.

Highlight your homes gardens,entrance and features.

Light up your walkways and steps for interest and safety.

via : Lowes

via : Lowes

via : landcan

7.  Details

You may have.......

 great bones

via : Houzz

or no bones

With the addition of architectural details, you can dramatically change the look of the front of your home. New lamps, added door hardware, new kick plate, new door colour, mat and planters.

via : 320 Sycamore

via ; real simple

via ; decoration channel

via : Frankiln signs

via : houzz

Again for safety reasons and pizza delivery  :) you should ensure your house numbers are easily read from the road and at night.

Chairs on the front porch say 'home' and are reminiscent of days gone by. In the past 30 years or so, homes haven't been designed with porches,  and we seem to be losing our connection with the neighbourhood. More people commute to jobs and less people spend time at the front of their home. I say...bring a chair or two out front and start talking to passer-bys.

via : pinterest

Chairs can be affordable $22............ via : Target

via : The Rocking Chair Company

via: adirondack chair company

Don't forget the extras, the little personal touches. Watering cans, statues, birdhouses, flags and more.

via : centsational girl

via : Pottery Barn

8. Healthy lawn

via: http://gotcompost.blogspot.ca

A healthy lawn is an important component to curb appeal. A lush lawn portrays a well cared for home. Weed and feed your lawn regularily, mow with a sharp blade and speak to the experts if you have any pest issues.
A great website in Canada is Scotts Company or in the USA Scotts.

9. Driveway

Whether your driveway is gravel, interlock, concrete or asphalt it should be maintained and in good condition. Pull weeds from gravel and interlock, wash down concrete and asphalt. Repair cracks and holes and for an instant and inexpensive 'pop', seal your asphalt.

10. Garage doors

I left driveways and garage doors as the last two improvements for curb appeal as on average, they are the most expensive to repair or replace.
If your garage is in good shape, it may only need a quick coat of paint but think about adding some inexpensive hardware and take your garage from sad to sexy, from boring to BAM!

You can see the tutorial for this quick change HERE.

I have a few rules I follow when painting garage doors. 

1. If the garage is prominent and closer to the curb than your front door,, paint it out to match the brick or siding., The focus will remain where it should be....on your front door.

2. If your front door and garage door are similiar distance from road or curb you can paint some detail on your garage, add some interest.

3. If your garage is on the side of your house or separate from the house this is when you can have some fun and show some personality and go nuts and paint with a brighter colour.

via : Texas Garage Doors

Grab your hubby, grab your wife or grab a friend, neighbour sister brother and in one weekend you can transform the look of your home and create some awesome CURB APPEAL. If you have any questions Just contact me or email your photos to me - Michelle@DaytoDayDreams.com.