Fast and Affordable Curb Appeal Ideas

Homeowners usually focus more on the aesthetics and appeal of the interior spaces on their property and consider exteriors to be a secondary concern. That’s understandable because you want to make sure your indoor décor is beautiful, welcoming, and that it enhances the overall environment of your home. However, the exterior design of the property is just as important, especially if you intend to sell your home in the near future. If your home doesn’t have good curb appeal, it won’t attract many buyers.

What is Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal relates to the exterior beauty and appeal of your home and its immediate surroundings when viewed from the street. When someone drives by your home, notices its design and appreciates it, your home is said to have good curb appeal. Contrastingly, if your home looks dull or unkempt from the street, it has low curb appeal. Good curb appeal:

• Has a positive impact on the overall value of the property.
• Contributes to the first impression visitors and guests have when they visit your home.
• Enhances the overall beauty of the neighborhood.
• Makes your home more appealing to prospective buyers.

Curb Appeal Ideas – How to Improve it

If you feel that your home looks disorganized, drab or unkempt from the street, you need to plan how to improve its curb appeal. This might sound like a complex and expensive undertaking, but it doesn’t need to be. You can enhance the exterior beauty of your home even on a limited budget. Here are some ideas that’ll help you improve the exterior beauty of your home:

1. Paint the Exteriors – This is the easiest way to give your home a facelift. You’ll be amazed by how much of a difference a simple paint job can make. You don’t need to paint the entire exterior siding if you’re on a very tight budget. Simply paint the doors, windows and framing, and any support beams on your property. You can wash and clean the siding instead of painting it. These steps will improve the beauty of your home by a considerable margin with very little investment. A full paint job is recommended, especially if the siding is in a poor condition. Paint and other coatings protect the siding underneath and if they’re worn off, the material will be vulnerable to the elements.
2. Focus on the Door – The front door is a big part of your home’s overall aesthetic. Most people don’t realize just how much of an impact it can have on the curb appeal and focus only on other areas of their home. Simple alterations to your door and the surrounding spaces can significantly improve the curb appeal of your home. Here’s a list of ways you can improve your front door:
   • Clean and scrub the door if you’re not inclined to paint it.
   • Refinish all the hardware, such as locks and handles, with a fresh coat of spray paint. All you need to do is remove the hardware from the door, scrub the metal, purchase metal spray paint cans from your local hardware store, and apply an even coat. You can reinstall it after the paint is dry.
   • Change the font of the home address numbers near your door and gate. If you have an old-fashioned or faded plaque, you should upgrade it. Use a crisp and modern font with bold and clean colors.
   • Install a stylish door-knocker. The intricate design of the knocker will draw people’s attention and add to the visual appeal of the door.
3. Upgrade the Lights – Experienced designers consider lighting to be the most important aspect of exterior décor. Strategically-placed lights can enhance the appearance of the attractive areas on your property and mask ones you might want to hide. Stark and bright outdoor lights tend to highlight all flaws and make your home look unkempt. The few things you can do while upgrading the lights are:
   • Install lamps on either side of your door and on the porch.
   • Place lights along the stairs and walkways. Ensure you highlight the walking space as well as any textural and decorative elements such as plants and gravel near the lights.
   • Install lights near trees, fountains, bushes, large boulders, etc. This adds dimension to your landscaping and draws attention away from any unflattering elements present on your property.
4. Plant Trees and Planters – Greenery can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere around your home and can add appeal to the property. You don’t have to plant large trees or create a full garden on your front yard; instead simply install some planters, small herb or succulent gardens, or some shrubs to enhance the overall beauty of your exteriors. Plants and flowers will create a lively environment outside your home and draw the visitor’s attention. The color and vibrancy will improve your home’s curb appeal and make it more attractive to buyers.