So, you are done painting the house and now the rest of the front yard is looking old and outdated.
After giving your home a much needed fresh coat of paint, there are several outdoor upgrades that can further boost its curb appeal. These enhancements not only make your home more attractive but also create a welcoming atmosphere for the family, friends, and neighbors.
This article explores five outdoor home improvement ideas to complement your newly painted exterior. From upgrading your driveway and walkways to refreshing your landscaping, we'll cover affordable and effective ways to transform your home's outdoor space. These projects range from simple DIY tasks to more substantial renovations, offering options for various budgets and skill levels.
1. Upgrade Your Driveway and Walkways
Upgrading driveways and walkways can have a significant impact on a home's curb appeal. These areas are often the first things visitors notice, setting the tone for the entire property. Concrete driveways are a popular choice due to their durability and longevity. With proper care, they can last 30 years or more, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
For those looking to refresh their existing concrete surfaces without a complete overhaul, there are several affordable options. One such solution is resurfacing, which can breathe new life into worn or damaged concrete at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Resurface with Like-Nu Concrete Kit
The Like-Nu Concrete Restoration Kit offers an innovative approach to driveway and walkway upgrades. This DIY-friendly product allows homeowners to restore concrete surfaces to their original appearance without the need for professional help. The kit covers over 400 square feet and includes all necessary materials for application.
Unlike traditional resurfacing products that may chip or peel, Like-Nu uses a proprietary formula that blends with existing concrete. This creates a durable finish that looks and feels like standard concrete. The spray-on application is quick and easy, typically taking only 1 to 2 hours to complete. It dries rapidly, allowing foot traffic within 30 minutes.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Like-Nu system is its cost-effectiveness, coming in at under $1 per square foot. Compared to other resurfacing products at $3 to $7 per square foot, this makes Like_Nu an attractive option for homeowners looking to enhance their curb appeal without breaking the bank. The result is a renewed surface that resists peeling and blistering, effectively hiding stains, repairs, and discoloration.
2. Install Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is a simple yet effective way to enhance a home's curb appeal and security. It not only welcomes guests but also adds visual interest to the property. When planning outdoor lighting, it's crucial to consider energy efficiency and proper placement for maximum impact.
Illuminate walkways and entrances
To improve safety and create a welcoming atmosphere, homeowners should focus on lighting walkways and entrances. LED lights are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they are energy-efficient and long-lasting. Placing lights along the edges of pathways guides visitors and enhances safety. For the front door, installing wall lights or lanterns on either side creates an inviting look.
Add accent lighting to landscaping
Accent lighting can highlight key features of the landscaping, such as trees, shrubs, and flower beds. This technique adds depth and visual interest to the outdoor space. Low voltage landscape lighting is becoming increasingly popular for its energy efficiency and versatility. Downlighting, where lights are mounted above and shine downward, is an effective way to illuminate both pathways and landscaping features.
Installing landscape lighting is another way to elevate your home's appearance. Strategic lighting can highlight key features of your property while improving safety and security. Use a combination of uplights for trees and architectural details, and path lights to illuminate walkways.
Install decorative fixtures
Decorative lighting fixtures can significantly boost a home's curb appeal. Options include wall sconces, gooseneck lights, and lanterns. These fixtures not only provide illumination but also serve as attractive design elements during the day. When selecting decorative fixtures, it's important to choose styles that complement the home's architecture and overall esthetic.
3. Refresh Your Landscaping
Enhancing curb appeal through landscaping is a cost-effective home improvement that can significantly boost a property's value. To revitalize your outdoor space, start by adding colorful plants and flowers. Choose a mix of annuals and perennials that complement your home's exterior. Marigolds, petunias, and geraniums are easy-to-grow options that provide vibrant splashes of color. For cooler months, consider pansies, mums, or ornamental kale.
Creating defined garden beds adds structure and visual interest to your landscape. Use border edging to maintain a neat appearance and separate different areas of your yard. Consider incorporating drought-tolerant plants like lavender or sedum for low-maintenance beauty. These plants not only save water but also provide year-round interest.
Remember to maintain a balance between esthetics and practicality. Avoid overcrowding your landscape with plants that require extensive upkeep. Instead, opt for a design that's attractive yet manageable, ensuring your home improvements continue to enhance curb appeal for years to come.
4. Upgrade Your Front Door
The front door serves as the focal point of a home's exterior, making a significant impact on curb appeal. Upgrading this essential element can transform the entire facade. Homeowners have several options to enhance their front door's appearance and functionality.
Choose a stylish new door
Selecting a new door offers an opportunity to make a statement. Popular choices include traditional wood doors, which provide a classic look and excellent durability. For a more modern approach, fiberglass or steel doors offer energy efficiency and low maintenance. When choosing a new door, consider the home's architectural style and color scheme to ensure a cohesive look.
Add a decorative glass insert
Installing a decorative glass insert can add elegance and personality to a front door. These inserts come in various styles, from simple frosted panels to intricate stained glass designs. Glass inserts not only enhance esthetics but also allow natural light to enter the entryway. When selecting a glass insert, balance the desire for visual appeal with privacy concerns.
Update door hardware
Replacing outdated hardware is a simple yet effective way to upgrade a front door. Modern options include sleek lever handles, traditional knobs, and stylish grip latches. Choose finishes that complement the door's color and the home's overall style. Popular finishes include brushed nickel, antique brass, and matte black. Don't forget to update the lockset for improved security and a cohesive look.
5. Update Exterior Hardware and Accents
Updating exterior hardware and accents is a simple yet effective way to enhance a home's curb appeal. These small changes can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of a property. Homeowners can focus on three key areas to refresh their home's exterior: house numbers, mailboxes, and decorative shutters.
Replace old house numbers
House numbers are often the first thing visitors notice when looking for a home. Replacing old, rusty numbers with modern, eye-catching ones can make a big difference. Homeowners can choose from various styles, materials, and finishes to complement their home's architecture. For a contemporary look, consider sleek, floating numbers in a contrasting finish to the exterior. Traditional homes may benefit from refined serif fonts or ceramic number plaques. Installation can be horizontal or vertical, depending on the desired effect.
Install new mailbox
A new mailbox can significantly boost curb appeal. When selecting a mailbox, homeowners should consider one that complements their home's style and expresses their personality. For attached mailboxes, choose a style and finish that matches the home's trimmings. Freestanding mailboxes can be updated with a fresh coat of paint or replaced entirely. Some homeowners opt to personalize their mailboxes with vinyl decals displaying their address.
Add decorative shutters
Decorative shutters can add a welcoming layer of beauty to a home's exterior. Available in various materials such as wood, aluminum, vinyl, composite, or fiberglass, shutters can be customized to match the home's color scheme and architectural style. When selecting shutters, consider the overall esthetic of the home and choose a style that enhances its character. Properly installed and maintained shutters can significantly improve a home's curb appeal and potentially increase its value.
Onto the Next DIY Home Improvement Project
Enhancing a home's curb appeal goes beyond a fresh coat of paint. The outdoor improvements discussed in this article offer homeowners a range of options to boost their property's esthetic appeal and value. From upgrading driveways and walkways to refreshing landscaping and updating exterior hardware, these enhancements create a welcoming atmosphere and leave a lasting impression on visitors and potential buyers alike.
By implementing these improvements, homeowners can transform their outdoor spaces and create a cohesive look that complements their newly painted exterior. To start your home improvement journey, consider trying out the Like-Nu Concrete Restoration Kit to revitalize your driveway and walkways. Remember, small changes can have a big impact, so even tackling one or two of these projects can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal and create a space you'll love coming home to.