Curb Appeal: 3 Ways to Update Your Home's Exterior

BHG

Curb Appeal

"Curb appeal is a term used to describe the general attractiveness of a house or other piece of property from the sidewalk to a prospective buyer".

Investopedia

As homeowners, we sometimes neglect the exterior of our homes. You know the saying, "it's what's in the inside that counts?" Well, when it comes to the topic of architectural curb appeal, our exteriors are often the first impression. Enhancing the curb appeal of your home will not only make your home aesthetically pleasing, but it will also help to attract potential buyers if you are looking to sell in the future.

Just like a thoughtfully designed interior can improve the functionality of our everyday lives, our exteriors can too by tailoring to each of our unique lifestyles. The great thing is that you don't need to spend a fortune to spruce up your home's exterior. We've rounded up easy and simple, ways to enhance the exterior of your home.

Repaint

The Creativity Exchange

Repainting is probably the most simple and obvious way most people will resort to when it comes to changing things up. There are endless options ranging from affordable and easy DIYs to high-end options for the exterior colour of your house. Among the easiest and affordable include painting the front door, garage door, and window trims. Something as little as painting your front door can definitely enhance the look of your home without spending a fortune.

Pictured: coloured front door

Young House Love

Consider hiring a local paint company that specializes in exterior paint jobs for a professional finish. Depending on where you're located, a simple search will provide you with a list of companies that offer these particular services. We always recommend Wow 1-Day Painting for their excellent painting services (with locations throughout Canada and the US!). If you need help with some ideas or can't decide on a paint color, get in touch with us. We offer affordable online design packages catered specifically to exterior designs, providing full visuals so that you can make decisions with confidence. If you're eager to tackle this project on your own make sure you do the proper preparation and purchase the appropriate materials in order to achieve the best possible results.

Before you pick up your paint roller make sure to consider the following:

1. Time of year - clear sunny days are the most ideal temperatures for allowing the paint to fully dry.

2. Preparation - appropriate supplies are needed such as primer, sander to remove imperfections, painters tape for clean edges, a tarp to protect surrounding surfaces, and even a drill depending on whether or not you plan to paint the door in place or removed. Head to your local hardware store with a picture of your door and speak with an associate so they can direct you to the tools needed.

3. Paint Type (Finish) - For doors and trim, you want to opt for a glossy finish since they last longer and tend to do better with dents and scrapes. Another tip is to stick with either oil or latex paint with your paint colour and base.

4. Paint Color - Look at the existing colour scheme and architectural style you have and pick a paint colour that will complement it. For example, if you already have cooler undertones pick a shade with cooler undertones to match.

Pictured: Exterior House Paint Ideas

The Creativity Exchange

When it comes to the architectural siding of your home, your best bet is to get quotes from local trades to access the exterior material and to give you some options. Some materials can easily be painted without the help of a professional while others cannot.

Pictured: Before & After (design development) exterior house colour ideas

White Dahlia Design

Freshen Up Exterior Decor and Architectural Elements

Whether you've decided to paint or not paint the exterior of your home, another alternative to enhance curb appeal is by switching up the exterior decor and architectural elements. This can include but are not limited to: lighting, house numbers, potted plants, outdoor furniture, deck-patio, or railings. These little switches can help to elevate the architectural style of your home and of course, bring the exterior of your home to the next level.

Pictured: monochromatic colour pallet and updated decor (design development)

White Dahlia Design

1. BM Trought Gray 2. Wayfair Exterior Sconce 3. BM Chantilly Lace

4. CB2 Outdoor Planter 5. CB2 White Metal Chair 6. CB2 Black Chair

Spruce Up the Greenery

There's nothing like sprucing up your front yard to get a conversation started with passers-by. Landscaping for curb appeal whether it's minor or drastic changes don't have to be a daunting task. Even if you don't quite have the green thumb, little things can be done to keep your front yard, front porch or steps looking in tip-top shape. A little investment in the greenery in front of your home is all it takes. Here are a few simple and not so obvious front yard landscaping ideas.

Modern Landscaping Vs. Rustic Cottage Style Landscaping

Pinterest

Consider the house style. Modern often means neutral, simple, and minimalism. The landscaping for this modern home is just that. It's a rock garden which means less maintenance and less greenery. A cottage style home's landscape would complement a lush garden, lots of greenery, and plenty of florals.

It's also important to think of scale and proportion. For instance, a small home with oversized trees can envelop the home and hide the exterior facade itself. A large house with small shrubs or trees can look too bare and lonely. A pro tip is to emphasize the passageway that leads to the door. Rather than have guests walk through your front lawn or garage way, lead them in the direction to the front door with greenery that's planted in the ground or in decorative planters like the image below.

Pictured: landscaping ideas (design development)

White Dahlia Design

Add to the beauty of your home's exterior with simple changes. You don't need to start from scratch. Dress up the exterior of your home by starting with one thing at a time. Make sure to keep these tips in mind or let us know if you need a designer's eye. Subscribe down below for weekly decor and interior design blogs. :)