Curb appeal isn’t reserved for people selling their homes. Someone who wants to update their home’s exterior, or simply wants to feel more like they are arriving at an Oasis when they return home every day an all benefit from applying a few curb appeal tips.
We’ve put together a list of changes that can be made over a week-end to make your home look great – either for yourself or a potential buyer.
Create a Focal Point
Many people would consider the home itself a focal point, but you can call attention to a specific feature of the home, or the yard. This especially comes in handy if a certain area of the home needs some TLC. Focal points can be a vibrant flower bed, a well-kept tree or topiary, or even a beautifully painted door. Adding a bird bath, fountain or small statue can also create a striking focal point.
Add Lighting
Lighting is both functional and decorative. Lights can lead the way to the front door, light up dark corners of landscaping or high light a focal point. Solar lights are becoming more popular and easy to install. As you install your lighting, keep your goal in mind. If you are highlighting a focal point, lights should point toward it. Likewise, if you are lighting a path, make sure the lights are close to the path and pointed toward it when possible. Finally, if you are using lighting for security you may want to experiment with the brightness to find the level that effectively lights a space, but isn’t glaring.
Lead to the Door
If you are getting ready to list your home for sale, you want it to look welcoming. So why not create a look in your front yard that highlights the front door? Flower gardens and paths can all point the way for people visiting and make them exciting to see what other delights your home offers.
Clean Windows, Driveways and Sidewalks
Clean windows can make a home truly stand out, even if it doesn’t have a lot of landscaping. The sparkle from a clean window can be very inviting and show off the scale of the home. Likewise, clean driveways and sidewalks are welcoming and can make the path to the front door especially welcoming.
Hardscapes
Curb appeal isn’t just green grass and fresh flowers. If you don’t have a green thumb, or have a small yard, hardscapes are a nice alternative. Hardscapes include rocks, paving stones and even water features like fountains and ponds. Hardscapes can also be used to highlight architectural features of the home.
Curb appeal may sound like a big project, but as you can see, there are lots of small things that can make a big impact. Are there other things you can think of to improve curb appeal? Share with us!