Simple House Exterior Updates That Won’t Break the Bank
By: Britteny
Some exterior home renovations are massive undertakings that people complete over the course of many months (or even years!). But not all homeowners have the time, money, or desire to completely overhaul their exterior. Sometimes, a few simple house upgrades are all that’s needed to achieve someone’s dream exterior.
We work with clients on both ends of this spectrum, and the variety of projects we tackle is part of what makes our jobs so rewarding. Recently, however, we’ve noticed an increase in requests from clients for simpler upgrades they can make to their homes that will still make a major difference in the overall look of their property. With this trend in mind, we’re highlighting some simple house updates that prove transforming your exterior doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming endeavor. Keep reading to learn more.
Whether you want to make some simple house updates or desire a more extensive overhaul, our team of expert exterior designers is here for you. We’ll help you visualize changes to any and all aspects of your exterior, from the front door to the siding to the backyard. Learn more about our exterior design services.
Our designers only use and recommend products that we know, love, or would use on our own properties. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
#1 // Focus on the front door
The front door is one of the first elements of your home exterior many people notice, so ensuring it’s aesthetically pleasing is key to great curb appeal. If your budget allows and your door is super dated, replacing it is a smart move. (Check out some of our favorite exterior doors here.)
Painting your existing front door is a more affordable option that can be just as effective as replacing it. A black front door is a safe bet as it will pair nicely with a wide variety of exterior paint colors, natural wood, and stone accents. Or, you can take a more bold approach and paint your door a fun shade of blue.
Not interested in painting? Don’t worry. There are other ways you can refresh your front door. Updating your door’s hardware is a quick and easy way to improve its appearance. Decorating your door with a year-round wreath will also elevate it without taking up much of your time or money. Finally, adding a door mat in front of your door is another super-simple upgrade that’s easy on your wallet.
Our final recommendation for updating your front door is to add an awning overtop. Not only will an awning prevent weather-related damage to your door, but it can also add visual interest to your entry area.
#2 // Dress up your garage door
Garage doors typically take up a lot more real estate than an entry door, but they’re often neglected or overlooked. If a new garage door isn’t feasible, consider dressing up your existing one. We’re big fans of garage pergolas, but something as simple as swapping out your old garage door hardware can be effective too.
#3 // Decorate your porch or patio
If you’re fortunate enough to have a front porch or patio, ensure you’re making the most of the space by decorating it appropriately. Accessories like planters, outdoor rugs, and light fixtures can drastically transform your outdoor space.
Don’t forget about seating options! Whether it’s a couple of chairs or an outdoor swing, having ample seating on your porch or patio is crucial.
#4 // Upgrade your gutters
Gutters are an essential, functional component of a home exterior, but they can also act as an attractive design element that adds to your curb appeal. Most gutters can be painted pretty easily. If you’re interested in painting your gutters, check out these 10 gutter colors our designers love.
You can also enhance the look of your gutter system with rain chains. A rain chain is an attractive downspout alternative that’s gaining popularity with homeowners across the country. In the design above, the rain chain is located to the right of the glass front door.
#5 // Have fun with house numbers
House numbers do more than just let others know what your address is. They can also make your home’s aesthetic more interesting and appealing. House numbers come in all sorts of styles, sizes, and colors, so customizing them to fit your exterior is simple. You can also get creative with placement and display them in a classic location near your front door or on a large planter box or retaining wall.
#6 // Add — or remove — shutters
Does your façade feel a little bare? Adding shutters can fill in some blank space on your exterior and add lots of visual interest without much effort. There are tons of shutter styles and colors to choose from — just make sure to consider your home’s other elements and overall style when making your choice.
Similarly, if your façade seems cluttered, removing shutters can create a cleaner, more attractive aesthetic.
#7 // Window boxes
While we’re on the topic of windows, planters, or window boxes, are an inexpensive way to spruce up your exterior. Window boxes come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials and can even be custom made. Installation can easily be done in a weekend, and the results can be enjoyed year round.
#8 // Play with paint
Repainting your exterior can be expensive — but the power of the right color palette is pretty much unrivaled when it comes to reinventing your curb appeal. Plus, if you’re thinking of selling your home, painting the exterior can provide a 152 percent return on your investment. Additionally, it’s cheaper than replacing your siding altogether.
From earth tones and greiges to darker hues and off-whites, there are plenty of options to explore.
Only interested in refreshing your home’s paint colors? Our paint-only package was created for homeowners looking to do exactly that. Learn more here!
We always recommend sampling and testing paint colors before committing. Factors such as natural lighting, undertones, and your property’s fixed elements will have a significant impact on how a color will appear on your exterior. Our friends at Samplize offer extra-large 9 x 14.75 inch peel-and-stick paint samples of the colors we love for exteriors. Order your ‘Real Paint, No Mess’ samples from Samplize here.
#9 // Light it up
We like to think of lighting as the jewelry that accessorizes our exterior designs. Details like the perfect pendant hanging over your entry or a set of sconces framing your front door can really elevate your exterior.
The design above features two prominently displayed wall lanterns on each side of the door surround and another to the left of the garage. The wood ceiling also features recessed lighting to further illuminate the entrance.
When selecting light fixtures for your home, be sure to pay attention to things like style and size. For additional outdoor lighting inspiration, check out some of our favorite ideas here.
Simple house exterior updates for a big impact
We hope this roundup of simple house updates has shown you that transforming your exterior doesn’t have to break the bank or take up months of your time. There are plenty of ways to take your home from bland to beautiful that are also easy and affordable to complete.
Simple house updates can have a dramatic impact on your curb appeal. So can a variety of other changes. We’ll help you determine what elements of your home need a refresh and show you what your property will look like with our recommendations implemented. Begin your exterior design project today.
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