When you choose a contractor to remodel your home, you want it to sparkle on the inside and out. One of the most common things we hear is that homeowner’s want their home to look like “a picture out of a magazine.”
It turns out, the same concepts and design principles used by interior designers can be applied to the outside of your home to give it greater curb appeal and a clean, magazine-like look and feel.
1.) Declutter! Do you have a series of plants on your front porch? Consider consolidating or getting rid of all but one. Put your best plant in a big, bold and solid-color container. Do the same for other yard ornaments, garden globes and more. This of each piece as a focal point that you want to choose very carefully. Leaves are another common form of driveway clutter, especially in the autumn months, so it would be worth investing in a good leaf blower to keep your driveway clear of leaves. If you are unsure what constitutes a “good leaf blower”, then I’d recommend you look at sites similar to thebestleafblowers.com to aid you in your search for the perfect leaf blower that meets your needs. Clearing leaves is something a lot of homeowners neglect, waiting for them to blow away naturally, but this just results in collections rotten mulch in the corners of your driveway, which certainly wouldn’t be featured in a magazine.
2.) Check your Mailbox. Mailboxes are typically the first thing your visitors see as they approach your home. Neighbors on a stroll will also see it up close. Take some time to make your mailbox shine by considering brass lettering, a copper post cap, planted flowers or decorative grass. Gather some ideas on your favorite site, such as Pinterest, and craft a space for your mailbox that compliments, not detracts from, the curb appeal of your home.
3.) Go for a drive! Your driveway can set the tone for your visitors in a unique way. Different concrete stains and brick patterns can be used to make your driveway more welcoming. Aggregate concrete is becoming more popular as a driveway material. If you are thinking about using this material but are concerned about exposed aggregate price then click on the link to see a break down of the cost of exposed aggregate. Of course, there are many different materials you could use for your driveway if you are looking to give it a make over. If you aren’t interested in changing the driveway altogether, then think about the many creative ways it could be manicured to delight your guests. When constructing your driveway for your mini house, consider using something like concrete pavers.
4.) Design flaws. Take an honest look at your home from the outside. Are there any major eyesores or design flaws? What architectural features are currently serving as the focal points (intentionally or unintentionally)? For example, consider getting rid of the window screens on windows you never open if they are adding a dark and dingy look to your windows. If a protruding garage or wing of your home is stealing the spotlight from your main entryway, what design feature could you add that might restore the balance? Is one overgrown shrub calling unnecessary attention to itself? Consider replacing it with something more appropriate for that space.
5.) Knock, knock. For most homes, the front door is the most important focal point. If yours is not, you might be missing out on a great opportunity to make it stand out. Consider bold colors, unique design features and more for a design that will add to your home’s curb appeal. Visit design inspiration sites such as Pinterest for ideas.
6.) Lovely landscaping. Even beautiful flowers like roses need regular maintenance and trimming to stay beautiful when serving as a focal point for your curb appeal. Dedicate time to learn about best practices for maintaining the plants in your lawn and garden and ensure you have an attractive mix of plant types that will look great in all seasons. Consider having your lawn maintenance team cut your grass in a diagonal or criss-cross pattern to give your lawn a stately and well-groomed look. Avoid clutter in your garden and front lawn to keep things looking clean, green and professional.
