Spring is here again, and a fantastic way to welcome the warm weather is by updating your home’s curb appeal with a fresh, vibrant look. Here are some ideas to get you started.
The Front Door.
One of the best ways to add some panache to the façade of a home is by painting the front door. Also consider installing new hardware offering a decorative look. For example, painting a door red and replacing a silver door knob with black, or going blue-gray and using a brushed nickel door knob and knocker. Brightly colored doors are instantly eye-catching and give off an inviting and stylish feel.
The Power Wash.
Another simple DIY project that can make a noticeable change and up curb appeal is power washing. A power washer can be rented from your local hardware store and be used to clean off siding, brick, garage doors, sidewalks, porches and more. Dirt and grime frequently build up in these areas during the colder months and some areas of a house may not get washed for several years. It’s amazing what just a few hours of high-pressure washing can accomplish.
The Greens.
The first thing that comes to mind most of the time when looking to improve a home’s look is the landscaping in the front of the house. With everything turning green in the spring, it’s no small wonder that one may want in on nature’s action when it comes to improving the look of their own space. Aside from common tasks like trimming hedges, mowing grass and planting flowers, consider adding symmetrical planters to either side of a front or garage door. These can be large or small and filled with many different plants depending on the desired look. Keep the plants the same in matching planters to maintain a symmetrical look.
The Lights.
The porch light sits there year after year, discoloring and collecting a myriad of bugs and cobwebs inside. Not only does it look ugly and in need of an upgrade, but better lighting can increase your home’s safety, too. A brighter light, an energy efficient LED bulb and an easy-to-clean, but stylish, cover can really change the way a home looks from the street, during the day and at night. Anything from vintage, to sleek, modern style lights are easy to find on a trip to your local lighting or hardware store.
The Mulch.
Add mulch around plants and shrubbery. Create an outline using bricks, stone landscape edging, wood beams or even small rocks. Dark mulch lends a strong contrast, while red mulch can be more subtle, yet colorful. Mulch has the added benefit of retaining moisture and slowing weed growth around your plants. Large mulch beds can even cut down on the amount of grass that needs to be mowed, especially in a small front yard.
The Small Things.
Something as simple as updating the mailbox, or buying new house numbers that really stand out, can go a long in adding a finishing touch. Washing windows, adding flower boxes and finding porch furniture will drastically improve your home’s look and make it feel new, fresh and appealing.
Did you know? There are apps available for your smartphone that allow you to visualize what your house would look like with a different color front door. Check out Paint My Place, Project Color and Front Door Paint.
