Let’s Talk REAL About Curb Appeal
By: Cassie McDowell
Let’s talk real about curb appeal. Curb appeal is a real thing and I had any advice it would be this… don’t wait until you absolutely hate your home’s exterior before you make a change. Then, you’re frustrated, you’re tired, and you just want to forget it or move! There are simple changes you can make today to increase your curb appeal a million times. Our brick&batten designers know a ton about houses, have inspired and helped thousands, know color like the back of their hands, love what they do, and aren’t afraid to be honest. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.
Curb appeal is a real thing. There are simple changes you can make today to increase the value of your home and to create a space you love.
#1. Your Front Door is the Key to Curb Appeal
Yup. I said it. You read it. Your front door is hugely important. It has several really important jobs. Your front door greets your guests, tells them a little about you and your style, and offers protection against outside elements. It’s the heart of your home, so why wouldn’t you want your door to be beautiful? Whether you paint your existing door or buying a new door, your front door is a must…and it returns over 100% on your investment!
Pro TIP: A red door is out, so if you are searching colors try wood, grays, blacks, or even green.
Cost: Costs vary depending on if you do the painting or hire it out. $100-$300.
Skill Level: Easy
#2. Appropriately Sized and Style Lighting
Lighting is another multi purpose essential. Lighting helps with security of course. Nobody wants to walk up to a dark house without exterior lighting! That’s just frightening and unsafe. But, beyond being functional, your lighting should be gorgeous. That said, you can buy the gold standard, Bevolo or you can buy knock offs from your local hardware. Are the knock offs going to be perfect. No. Is anyone else going to know but you? No. Buy the knock off if you must…but be sure to buy the right light. Your light should be sized correctly, ⅓ to ¼ the size of your door, and the correct style for your home’s architecture.
Pro TIP: Your lights don’t have to match. They can look different but complement one another. That’s even better.
Cost: Costs vary. You can find great options in the $200 to $300 range.
Skill Level: Medium
#3. House Numbers
House numbers are the most neglected design element on your house; however, they are probably the most looked at by strangers, neighbors, visitors, mail and delivery drivers. They are an inexpensive way to amp up your curb appeal and literally takes 15 minutes to obtain. House numbers are now made in different styles, colors, sizes and fonts. Our favorite house numbers at the moment come from Modern House Numbers. You can actually see your house number in the different fonts. I just recently ordered the powder coated black and I’m really happy! I measured and drilled them into a wood column…and the whole process took less than 15 minutes.
Pro TIP: Some numbers come with a template you can use to size and start holes. Hold the template to the area being used and drill holes into your template markings first.
Cost: Costs vary. My numbers were $70.
Skill Level: Easy
#4. Planters
Planters are an easy way to add seasonal color around your front porch. Easy. I don’t have a green thumb; therefore, everything I try to replant, I generally kill….until recently. I bought ferns for my side porch and miraculously, after graciously watering, they are still alive! That said, I’m not usually that lucky.
Pro TIP: Buy a gorgeous plant and just place it in your existing planter. It may die, but it’s an easy fix!
Cost: Costs vary. Generally $20 will do it!
Skill Level: Easy
#5. Last but not least… Outdoor Curtains
It wasn’t until recently that I decided to buy outdoor curtains for my porch. I have a 1920’s bungalow with an amazing side porch. I needed something for privacy, so I consulted my fellow designers… and spoke with an interior designer in the area. Did I want to do something permanent like screens or shades? Or possibly a more modern horizontal wood or even a living wall? What I realized in all my research and searching is that I wanted something I can use sometimes but not all the time. Screens were definitely an option but they didn’t look very pretty in my space. That said, I decided on Ballard, Sunbrella, outdoor curtains. They are heavy, excellent for privacy, look beautiful, removable, and add the flair I wanted. Don’t disregard the right curtains… it may be just the thing you need for a curb appeal change.
Pro TIP: Curtains should be heavy. If they’re around, the effect and function are lost.
Cost: Costs vary. I bought 6 panels and spent $800. More than I wanted to spend but worth it!
Skill Level: Easy
In conclusion, curb appeal is a real thing and if I had any advice I would say, don’t wait until you hate your house to make a change. You can make simple changes today that will improve your curb appeal a million times. Whether you paint your front door, replace your lights, update your house numbers, or buy a plant to drop in your planter, these changes make a difference!
If you need help, you don’t have to go it alone. Our brick&batten designers would love to partner with you to make these simple changes. We will give you honest feedback and make recommendations based on what you currently have and what you need. Above all, we want you to love your house and curb appeal will help make that happen. Let’s get started on your exterior design project.
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