Your Home and Lifestyle

When it comes to curb appeal, your house may not need a complete overhaul. The little things you do around its perimeter can make a big impact. Modifications might include replacing your existing outdoor lighting or adding an architectural element, like an arbor or a fence, for extra ambience. • Try one or more of the ten following improvements that are sure to give your house’s frontage a much-needed boost. They might even increase your property value when it comes time to sell.

Freshen Things Up

It’s been said time and time again that paint is the least expensive way to change a room. The same might be true for parts of the exterior of your home. Paint your door, porch, or whatever else could use a little pick-me-up. Red may be a popular choice for front doors, but you should always go with whatever makes you feel good. Stick to a shade that best suits the architectural style and period of your home. A smaller project might involve painting an old mailbox for a whole new look.

Make a Statement

You don’t need to splurge on a fenced-in yard to conjure up the welcoming image of a white picket fence. Add an arbor over an entrance gate to better define your walkway and charm visitors before they reach your entryway. A small section of fencing gives the illusion of something more while providing visitors with a focal point before they focus their attention on your home’s façade.

Clean Up Your Act

There’s nothing quite so lovely as the vision of a well-manicured and well-maintained lawn and garden. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still do some weeding and trimming on a regular basis. Keep an eye on outdoor clutter, such as lawn equipment and the like, which should be stored whenever possible.

Light the Way

Outdoor lighting has expanded to include beautiful options, many of which are eco-friendly, too. Whether you opt for solar- or electric-powered sources, find something that looks as good as it works for the exterior of your home. Entryways should stay well-lit after dark for safety, and walkways can always use some extra lighting. Motion detectors save energy and are ideal for specific locations, such as a side entrance or garage.

Take Care of Repairs

No matter how beautiful your front yard might be, all you need is one eyesore to take away all the attention. If you have a porch with rotting wood or chipped paint, make that a top priority. Something as simple as replacing a damaged screen door will help improve a first impression.