Easy Ways to Boost Curb Appeal

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com
June 01, 2012
Spruce up the curb appeal of your home by adding touches reflecting your personality and style.
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Plant close to home

Design garden spaces close to the house so they connect to-and become extensions of-interior rooms. At the home of Ohio garden designer Kevin Reiner, bushy green boxwood, cactus-filled urns and tall canna with orange blooms frame the short distance from the sidewalk to the front steps of the Greek Revival-style home.

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Little touches add up

Container plants, a pretty ruffled wreath, summery blue paint on the door and a rocking chair all create a welcoming front door area.

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Mid-century reimagined

A complete remodel included a reimagined entry to this 1959 Chicago-area ranch house. The wood, stone and stained brick on the new wider porch create a cabinesque feel that continues into the foyer.

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Flowers galore

Flowers give a home instant warmth and personality. The porch of this Illinois house brims with hanging baskets of begonias, while a long planter chock-full of flowers and foliage substitutes for a window box on the porch railing. More flowers and foliage of varying heights fill the front yard.

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Color pops

Pops of red on the garage and two large containers add just enough color to this entrance. The wood railing, decorative planks above the porch and wood shingles share a basic neutral color but have intriguingly different shapes and lines. A path curves through garden-like landscaping to the front porch.

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Bench decor

Benches aren't just for sitting. Here, a bench serves as a display area for container plants, watering cans and other gardening tools, lending an earthy, casual feel to the front entrance.

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Hang a window box

Pretty posies in a sunny window box make a cheerful hello.

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Dutch door

A cottage-style Dutch door swings open at the top to let in fresh air and create a connection between inside and outside. The vibrant yellow color makes an eye-catching statement on the otherwise all-white home. A bench, large wall lamp and assortment of plants give the entrance more welcoming touches.

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Mail order

Country or classic, choose a mailbox style that matches your home's architecture. Large house numbers ensure first-time guests find you easily. Pretty plantings at the base finish the look.

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Screen door charm

A wooden screen door adds old-fashioned charm, but the spicy hue keeps the look from being tame.

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Walkway lighting

Walkway lighting adds a soft glow at night while safely leading visitors to your door. If you use solar versions, there is no wiring.

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All-American appeal

A large American flag, lush hanging ferns and front porch rockers combine for a welcoming entrance.

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Upgrade hardware

Changing out the hardware-even in subtle places like on shutters-enhances a home's exterior. Renewed locks, bells or knockers revitalize a look.

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Stair-step plants

Container plants climbing the steps draw eyes to your door. Art tucked in adds whimsy.

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Sturdy statement

Solid and safe, railings also add beauty when they are dressed as smart as these. Pristine white contrasts sharply with the wood steps and darker door.

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Personal welcome

Welcome mats come in all shapes and sizes. Make sure the one you put down fits your style. This wood one is engraved with the homeowner's name, others come with initials, images of favorite pets, and more.

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Add a splash of color

The front door is the perfect spot for a jolt of color that might otherwise overwhelm your home.

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Add antique shutters

Two antique shutters add shady style to this sunny front door. If you don't have antiques, use paint to re-create the look.

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Overall update

New sconces and matching aged-bronze hardware, a coat of golden yellow paint, easy-to-apply house numbers and a pair of easy-care planters gave this front door a thorough update. Click here for more details on this project.

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Happy hellos

Hanging artwork in bright shades says welcome in a happy way.

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Charming details

Contrasting green trim and log-lattice porch railings add charming cottage character to this cabin's facade.

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Ornate touch

For added elegance on an old door, add an ornate screen or carving as the homeowner's did over this mirrored door.

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Paint a doormat

Personalize your entry with a hand-painted doormat! We used a 24x36" sisal doormat, stencils and white matte outdoor spray paint to create our design.

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Monogram your door

Use your initials to monogram your front door. Not only is the initial on the planters and hanging, it's also etched into the glass.

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Extra elements

Birdbaths, fountains, bubblers-water elements add a cooling touch of nature to a sunny front.

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Old-fashioned charm

A white picket fence and breezy porch lend old-fashioned appeal to this home.

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Personalize your space

A driftwood hanger to the side of the door makes a pretty-and practical-personal addition to the entrance. The bright red door pops against the neutral tones on the rest of the exterior.

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Patriotic flair

Red, white and blue goes with every home style!

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By The editors of MidwestLiving.com