Contributed by Abby Drexler

Whether you’re looking to sell or just wanting to freshen up the appearance of your house, there are numerous simple and easy ways to increase the exterior of your house.

From landscape improvements to simple façade upgrades, the following list includes practical ideas for leaving a great first impression on visitors to your home.

1. Refresh architectural accents with new paint

Adding a fresh coat of paint to the trim, shutters or other accents is a quick and affordable way to update the façade of your house without the cost of a full paint job.

Opt for hues such as cool green and pale blue to provide a welcoming effect. Olive green is a subtle option that works well with many neutral colour palettes. If you’re going for a monochromatic look, consider using a different paint finish for your accents, such as a glossy or satin finish that will contrast with a matte finish.

Painting your front door can also make an eye-catching impression. Bold coloured doors are becoming increasingly popular, with many homeowners selecting shades of deep reds, rich greens, and cheerful yellows to provide a pop of contrast.

2. Replace or enhance lighting

Fixtures such as wall lights and flush mount lights are easy to switch out and will allow the exterior of your home to be seen in a new light. Outdoor lighting can be added to help define the edge of the driveway and planting beds.

Consider adding dramatic up lighting to mature trees or landscape focal points in your front yard. Solar-charged lights are an easy addition as they don’t require any wiring and are placed into the ground on stakes, making these lights ideal for delineating pathways and landscape features.

3. Build a statement entrance

Adding an arch or trellis over the walkway leading to your front door will create a more presentable front entry point. Arches and trellises can be softened with climbing vines, such as clematis or trumpet vine, and can give your yard an idyllic appearance.

Gates and low picket fences can also be added for a sense of privacy and to help define the space, both of which are property assets in family-oriented neighbourhoods. Placing corner fences with thoughtful landscape massing can transform a small lot without filling too much frontage by creating a more distinct property boundary.

4. Plants for added colour

Flower boxes and containers are becoming an increasingly popular way for green thumbs to indulge in small-scale garden interventions. Window boxes are a classic add-on for many styles of homes and can be enjoyed from the inside and outside of your house.

For areas such as porches and front patios, consider arranging colourful pots and planter boxes to create a container garden. For areas with a lot of light, plant flashy perennials such as verbena or calibrachoa.

For the shady areas around your house, plants with lower light requirements such as begonias and violas would brighten and cheer up the place.

5. Bring your driveway up-to-date

The driveway is usually the first part of a property that is visible from the outside of the house, so ensure yours is not an eyesore. Seal any significant cracks in the pavement and make sure the surface is maintained regularly.

Add edging, such as bricks or stone pavers, to give your driveway a classic and tidy look. To take this idea further, make a statement with your driveway by opting for an upgraded surface such as plantable pavers or stamped concrete.

6. Deep clean surfaces and windows

Pressure-washing is a budget-friendly way to transform the appearance of your property. Over time, many exteriors accrue dirt and grime that makes them look dull. Using a pressure washer to clean decks, siding, and driveways will leave your home looking brand new.

These machines can usually be rented from hardware stores. Be sure to research the appropriate pressure level and technique for the surface you are cleaning before beginning work.

Dirty windows can also give a dulled appearance to a home. Keep your house looking bright by ensuring windows are adequately cleaned. Use a strip applicator or sponge to clean the grime off the windows, followed by a squeegee and chamois to dry to prevent any streaks appearing.

7. Add seasonal interest

Changing the front door décor for each season is a festive way to improve your curb appeal. Wreaths and garlands are a tasteful option to change the appearance of your porch with the shifting seasons and bring a bit of life to your entryway.

Pine and conifer wreaths are a popular door decoration option for winter, but wreathes can be appropriate at all times of the year. A drought-tolerant succulent wreath is an ideal decoration for warm summer months, and a cheerful tulip wreath celebrates the excitement of springtime. Planting bulbs is also a family-friendly container garden project and add extra seasonal significance to front porch areas.

About the Contributor

Abby Drexler is a contributing writer and media specialist for Panels4Less. She regularly produces content for a variety of home improvement blogs.

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