Making significant changes to your home’s exterior may increase both its curb appeal and value. A careful exterior design may make all the difference, whether you’re getting ready to sell or just want a new appearance. This process is about creating a unified, welcoming look that embodies your style, not merely applying a fresh coat of paint.

Here are some professional pointers to help you complete a house exterior makeover with success.

The Importance of Curb Appeal

The first impression that people get of your house is its curb appeal, which has a big impact on how they see it. Both neighbors and prospective purchasers may find a well-kept home appealing if it has a well-maintained exterior.

A survey found that 75% of homeowners believe that their property’s exterior should look impeccable. Moreover, around 39% of the people surveyed said that a home’s curb appeal is what encourages them to purchase it. GenZ, with 47%, and millennials, with 46%, were most likely to cite the importance of curb appeal.

Enhancing curb appeal may raise the total worth of your house even if you don’t intend to sell. It will also make you feel good about yourself every time you pull into your driveway. Your home’s facade gives a glimpse of what’s within by reflecting the interior. When properly executed, an external makeover may give your house a pleasant, harmonic vibe that blends in with the surroundings.

Choosing the Right Color Scheme

Changing the color scheme is one of the most significant exterior house design updates you can make. The correct color scheme may draw attention to architectural details and express a sense of style that is consistent with your individuality. Selecting the appropriate colors, though, might be difficult.

Take into account the surrounding landscape and your home’s architectural style when choosing a color palette. Classic, subdued hues might work best in a traditional home while striking, contrasting colors could work better in a modern one. To make sure your selections blend in with the surroundings, it’s also important to take into account the colors of nearby residences.

Picking three different colors, one each for the following aspects, is a solid general rule of thumb.

  • The house’s body
  • The trim
  • Highlights like the front door or shutters

This gives the appearance of harmony and balance. Try experimenting with brighter colors for accents; they can give something special without overpowering the whole design.

Here are some of the most popular color combinations recommended by Forbes:

  • White, black, and red
  • Light gray, white, and lemon
  • Pale sage and copper
  • Butter yellow, avocado green, and russet
  • Greige, red, and cream
  • White, slate gray, and light blue

Adding Window Trim

Although window trim is sometimes disregarded, it is essential for framing windows and giving the facade of a house depth. A well-maintained and well-chosen window trim may dramatically improve the curb appeal of your house and give it a more polished and finished appearance.

Selecting an exterior window trim style that blends well with your home’s architectural style is important. Modern homes often have clean, uncomplicated lines that work well, but traditional homes may benefit from more elaborate trim and ornamental molding. The design should be subtle so that it goes well with the rest of the property.

Another important component of window trim is color. White is a popular color because of its classic and clean appearance. However, you should think about creating visual interest by matching or contrasting the trim color with the siding color of your home. To produce a stunning impact, dark trim on a light-colored house might highlight the windows.

Belco Forest Products suggests some excellent ideas for exterior window trims. One idea is to keep it simple with a color that is similar to the home’s exterior. The window trim color doesn’t have to be in contrast to the rest of the house to stand out. On the contrary, you can also go with a substantially bold exterior window trim color.

Investing in Quality Landscaping

An important factor in the exterior appeal of your house is landscaping. A thoughtfully planned landscape may harmonize with the architectural style and color palette of your home. This will establish a pleasing relationship between it and its surroundings.

Assess the state of your garden and lawn first. Mowing, pruning, and weeding are examples of regular care that’s necessary to maintain the best-looking landscape. Consider planting new plants, trees, or shrubs that complement the design and climate of your house if your yard appears worn out or barren.

Use a range of plants to offer color and texture all year round. Evergreens offer year-round foliage, and flowering plants can contribute colorful bursts at specific seasons. You can also give your yard a polished look by defining edges with metal or stone borders and mulching garden beds.

According to The Spruce, Boxwood is one plant that you can grow for landscaping. It needs Loamy soil and is ideal for growing in USDA hardiness zones from 5-9. Once established, the bushes require little maintenance other than occasional trimming to keep their form. Additionally, you can also go for the following plants:

  • Liriope
  • Hosta
  • Azalea
  • Rhododendron
  • Blueberry
  • Caladium
  • Dianthus
  • Zinnia
  • Indian Hawthorn

The addition of paths, lights, and garden accents like seats or fountains may improve your landscape even further. These components enhance the look of your outdoor areas while also increasing their usability and coziness.

Updating the Front Door

A home’s front door sets the tone for the whole house and serves as a welcome gateway. This makes it one of the main features of the exterior design. The look of your house may be greatly enhanced by updating your front door.

Think about replacing a worn-out or outdated door with a new one that complements the design of your house. If purchasing a new door is out of your price range, painting might be a great alternative. Select a hue that blends in with your home’s general color scheme while still being striking enough to catch people’s attention.

Better Homes & Gardens suggests adopting the classics when selecting door color. Black, dark gray, or dark brown are examples of bold, fundamental colors that are constantly in trend. It also states that you should consider the overall aesthetics and architecture of your property. This will help get you a cue to find the right color for the front door.

Adding Exterior Lighting

An attractive and useful addition to the exterior of your house is external lighting. In addition to enhancing safety and creating a cozy and welcoming ambiance, proper lighting may draw attention to architectural details.

Examine the lighting that is currently installed in your house first. Are there any places, such as the driveway, the doorway, or the walks, that might benefit from more lighting? These spaces may be made safer and more visible by adding lighting.

Here’s a list of some stylish outdoor lighting ideas recommended by House Beautiful:

  • Recessed lighting
  • Chic pendant light
  • Tree pendants
  • Bistro lights
  • Floor lamps
  • Oversized chandeliers
  • Sconces
  • Lanterns

Frequently Asked Questions

What does nice curb appeal mean?

The overall way a home looks from the outside to a potential buyer is referred to as its curb appeal. Curb appeal gives prospective buyers, or just anyone passing by, a first impression of the kind of property you could have inside.

What adds the most curb appeal?

Your property may get a whole new look by repainting the siding, trim, or the house itself. Additionally, you may fix any flaws like broken or decaying materials. You may also trim plants, water flower boxes, and mow the yard. Additionally, you might place planters or potted plants on either side of the entrance door.

Why add outdoor lighting?

Outside wall lights brighten entrances and make gateways and exits easier to see. Address lights make it simple for guests to locate your property, while step and path lights brighten walkways and steps. Timers that activate your outside lighting assist in deterring burglars from breaking into your house.

Redesigning the outside of your house may significantly raise its value, look, and utility. It’s a satisfying endeavor. By following the above tips, you can design an exterior that not only looks amazing but also feels unified and welcoming. Increased curb appeal and personal pleasure are two benefits of investing in your home’s exterior.