Five Easy Ways to Add Interest To Your Home’s Exterior

Written by Posted On Monday, 31 December 2018 18:34

When it comes to home design, we tend to focus much of our efforts on the interior of our home. We spend hours poring over the right upholstery fabrics, window coverings, carpet types and paint colors. This energy is not spent in vain, as we’re then able to enjoy those furnishings we invest in.

 

Yet, equal attention must then be given to our home’s exterior. Curb appeal isn’t just about planting flowers near the mailbox or making sure to keep shrubbery trimmed back. If we spend time considering how we can best beautify the area surrounding our property, we can extend our living space outdoors and enjoy it year-round. This applies to any budget, as well as any plot of land.

 

Today, we’re discussing five simple and cost-effective ways to transform your home’s exterior from drab to dynamic. Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.

 

1. Construct a simple portico.

You’ve likely seen plenty of porticos as you drive around neighborhoods, but you weren’t sure what they were or what about them caught your eye. Put simply, porticos are overhangs that cover your front entrance, keeping visitors out of the cold, wind and rain as they wait at your front door. They look especially charming on Colonial-style homes or bungalows.

 

A home without a portico isn’t lacking in charm or interest per se, but adding one instantly elevates its look. You can choose from a variety of materials to construct yours in, but most consist of a simple siding or metal roof, with supporting columns on either side. Add a few decorative planters at the foot of each column and you’ll be surprised at how this simple addition can totally transform the look of your home.

 

2. Upgrade your front door.

Maybe you love the shape and style of your front door, but it’s lacking in the color department. If that’s the case, simply grab a can of bright paint at the hardware store and go to town! A classic cherry red makes any exterior pop and is a great way to bring character to an otherwise neutral property.

 

Or, maybe it’s time to totally switch out your door. Consider a style that lets in light, has woodwork details and fits the construction of your home. If your facade is particularly heavy, you can also incorporate glass details to lighten it up and let in sunshine.

 

3. Install the right kind of window boxes.

Sure, window boxes add a sweet touch to your exterior and they’re one of the most economical upgrades you can do to your home’s exterior. Yet, while it might be true that you can buy materials to construct one at the store, or you can even purchase premade versions, think before you commit.

 

Ensure that the ones you install are congruent with the architectural style of your home. When installed, they should look seamless with the rest of your exterior. That means they should be painted and built to look like other elements along your property. Any different, and they might stick out like a sore thumb rather than serve as the complementing features they’re meant to be.

 

4. Add a pool.

Everyone dreams of having a backyard pool. They add resale value to your property, amplify your hangout spot, and are downright fun. If funds allow, consider adding one to your property. If not, an attractive fountain or other water feature is often enough to add ambiance while still keeping within the budget.

 

Do you already own a backyard pool? If so, you’re already ahead of the game. Yet, take a look at its condition. Is it cleaned and covered for the winter, or are leaves collecting on its surface? How is the deck area surrounding it? Are there cracks in the cement or tile that has corroded away?

 

You can learn more info here on how to give your pool a makeover. It’s worth taking the time to clean it up, enhance it where possible and give it the TLC it needs. It’s meant to be a lifelong investment in your home, and should be treated as such.

 

5. Amplify your garage doors.

It might seem insignificant to invest much time, money and effort into your garage doors, but consider their importance. They are often some of the very first features of your home that guests see, and they’re ones that you use on a daily basis.

 

If they currently don’t match the rest of your exterior, paint them to do so. You can also add decorative lighting, such as lanterns, on both sides for a rustic and traditional look. You can also add a pergola over the garage or install decorative door hinges if your budget allows.

 

While you might spend a majority of your time within the exterior of your home, it’s important to remember the exterior as well. These simple steps and projects can help elevate your space, encouraging you to entertain, relax and play outside for longer than you used to. That alone makes them worthy of a second look! Consider your budget, time allowance and priority list, then get to work beautifying your property.

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