Curb Appeal

You know the house in your neighborhood, the one with the perfect entry, warm lighting, tidy landscaping. It has that certain something known as curb appeal. Here is our secret recipe for becoming the best looking face on the block.

The front door is a great starting point and can provide a huge change with minimal disruption. If you have the time and budget, a new front door with welcoming glass and substantial hardware can’t be beat. Need to work with what you have? Paint cures all and if your existing door is plain Jane, try a bold color. Black and red are classics but how about pumpkin, canary yellow, minty green, Tiffany box blue?  Hardware can provide the jewelry for your mini makeover and door numbers, mail slots, and door knockers can add to the accessories. Think about your nearby lighting. Are these fixtures you would like to keep? Do you want the door hardware to match? There’s no rule that says it needs to. Oil rubbed bronze or black light fixtures look beautiful with an aged brass door knob.

Exterior features like window boxes and shutters can add character and charm to your exterior elevation.  Details like these don’t need to be traditional in style. A modern cement planter with sculptural plantings can soften a home’s contemporary edges.

Lighting can be an often overlooked feature when renovating. Running electrical outside for a sconce or landscape light is an easy add on when the electricians are working elsewhere in your home. Don’t let the opportunity get away to subtly light a beautiful maple or cast a warm glow over an entrance.

Stone or slate steps, a shelter or covering over a door, a small patio area or porch are all features that can be added without huge expense. Green grass and well maintained plantings of course contribute to your home’s appeal.