Katronis Blog

Outdoor Improvements That Add Value To Your Home

You know curb appeal when you see it. A house with curb appeal looks loved and nurtured, designed with integrity and accented with creative details. It has healthy, beautiful landscaping, attention to color and a welcoming approach. Your home’s exterior is like the cover of a book, setting the stage for what’s inside. And whether you’re interested in selling or just want to make some improvements for your own enjoyment, adding curb appeal is often an easy and inexpensive way to make your house look nicer and boost its value. A fresh and welcoming exterior is a wonderful thing to come home to each day. From front doors and porch furnishings, to landscaping and basic repairs, here are a few ideas that will positively inspire a few changes around your own home.

Power washing is amazing

There are very few things in life more satisfying than power washing years of dirt and grime off your siding, porch, walkway, and driveway. If you don’t own a power washer, you can rent one from a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or you can hire a professional to do the job.

Clean your gutters

Clean gutters both inside and out, clearing out any debris and really scrubbing the outsides until they look good as new. A little elbow grease can go a very long way.

Breath new life into your old garage door

A new garage door is expensive, but you can get the look of a new door for a lot less money simply by staining it a new color, or adding new hardware. Start by power washing the door to get the surface completely clean, then paint your stain on, it’s just that simple.

Landscaping

One of the most impactful ways to boost curb appeal is to add some fresh greenery and flowers. Don’t worry if you don’t have the time or money to spend on putting in a garden—you can get the same effect by adding some planters and window boxes. Use plants to accentuate and frame significant visual points, like windows and entryways, and if you don’t have room for a standing planter, attach a hanging one. Just one nice-looking plant arrangement can significantly add to your home’s curb appeal.

Regularly care for your lawn by mowing the grass, raking off leaves, and pulling weeds. Keep it well watered to prevent brown spots. As long as you keep up with it, lawn care won’t become a huge project.

Use lighting to accentuate the front entryway

There’s nothing welcoming about a dark entryway. If you already have a sconce or hanging pendant by your front door, replace it with something a bit more fun and fresh. Clean off all cobwebs and debris around outdoor light fixtures, which will instantly make the space appear more bright and clean. If you need some additional light sources, hang some porch string lights or use solar powered lanterns to light up a walkway.

Decorate the front door

Boost curb appeal by having your front door stand out instead of blend in. Painting a front door is very inexpensive, and is a pretty easy do-it-yourself job, even for beginners. Try a bold color that accentuates and enhances the other colors of your home’s exterior for a pop that will wow the neighbours. Don’t be afraid to go bright and bold here. You can also try the Front Door Paint app, which lets you virtually test out different colors.

When it comes to a welcoming front door, wreaths aren’t only for Christmas. You can find wreaths year-round that add an exceptional dose of added beauty to your front door. Look for wreaths made from dried or preserved greens and florals, or make your life even easier by purchasing one made from faux plants. Avoid seasonal elements that can date a wreath and make it appear out of place. In its place, go with something simple that can add elegance throughout an entire season.

Spice up your house numbers

Quickly modernize the look of your home by removing your old house numbers and replacing them with something that has a bit more pizzazz. Choose a font that compliments the architecture of your home but that is also distinctive enough to really grab the eye. Even if you’re not super handy, replacing the numbers is an easy job that can be done in about half an hour or less.

It’s all in the details, freshen up old hardware

Replace your front door’s existing hardware with something new for a quick and noticeable upgrade. Choose a color that contrasts with your door’s paint color, such as black hardware on a white door or brass hardware on a black door. Take it a step further by adding a fun door knocker.

Design an inviting walkway

A well-defined path makes your home look more inviting and put together. You can go big and build one out of stone or brick, or you can just use visual cues like lighting and plants to line a clear path to your front door through the grass or around an existing walkway.

Create some symmetry

Symmetrical patterns create focal points that are pleasing to look at and instantly make your home look more put together. Achieve a symmetrical look by putting matching wall lanterns or plants on either side of your front door. If you don’t have room at your entryway, you can do the same thing around your garage door.

Don’t over do it with outdoor furniture

Too much outdoor furniture can clutter your home’s appearance, and too little can make it look scarce or neglected. Try to find a good balance, and be sure that all outdoor furniture you have is clean and in good condition. For small yards, think about putting in simple ceramic stools for seating and add some extra charm by setting up a small table with a pretty planter on the top.

Chances are, your home already has plenty of beautiful elements that just need some finishing touches to really bring it to life.

Read about Indoor Improvements That Add Value To Your Home

Keep informed with the Katronis monthly newsletter. Direct and concise, this detail oriented newsletter will make sure you are the first to know about changes in the market. We will never send you additional, unwanted emails.

Sign up HERE!