simple ideas to add Curb Appeal
I’ve always been big on the exterior of houses. A few years ago, we moved to a smaller, simple cape; I knew I wanted to dial up the curb appeal. It took a little time and some muscle, but it was well worth the effort. If you ever look at houses with me, my favorite line is, “That house would be cuter with shutters!” I’m laughing, thinking about the people nodding their heads right now!
I made simple changes, like changing the light fixture. This made a huge difference, and I could splurge and buy something nice, since I only needed one. It instantly elevates the charm. I got a new house number (Etsy), and a full glass/ screen door. Then, I added a fresh new flag, pots, plants, brick edging, and porch railings.
Before
I had a simple foundation to work with, but I knew I could improve the curb appeal.
I wish I’d taken a video of my nursery visits. I pulled all the plants I liked and maneuvered them until I came up with the basic layout and doubled my picks! It was a lot of fun. I dug all the holes myself. For the border, I roughly measured the beds' outlines for the bricks. I went to a local builder supply store and was able to buy just what I needed. I loaded the bricks into my trunk and off I went! My dad helped me dig a small trench. I laid them in the trench, narrow side down as if I were laying a brick wall, if that makes sense.
I also added new shutters (the old ones didn’t run the length of the window), redid the trim around the windows, and added a small architectural detail over the door.
The overall investment was small for the impact it made. Plus, most of these things were a one-time purchase, changes that should hold up for years. My goal was for it to feel welcoming, and the best compliment I got was that the house looked like me!
After
It came to life with a bit of imagination and elbow grease.
My top five tips for adding curb appeal:
Update your door; doors can date a house, and a new door can make a difference. If you can’t replace it or yours needs a bit of a pickup, paint it. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way. I love a good wreath, too, I have a few that I change with the seasons.
Add plants; you can see there was little landscaping when I bought the house; the plants give it life, add color and texture, and you don’t have to have a big budget to do this.
Keep things tidy; this is an easy one: mow the lawn, trim, weed, and keep things neat.
Keeping up with repairs makes a difference in the house's overall look.
Much love,
Susan
P.S. A few of the products I used are linked in my Amazon storefront. (Affiliate link — thanks for supporting my work!)
P.P.S. This outdoor refresh inspired Day 7: Porch Love in my upcoming 7-Day Home Reset. It’s a simple, doable plan to help you fall in love with your home again. It's coming soon, and I think you’re going to love it.