We could talk about interiors all day. We can go through, room-by-room, looking at remodeling trends, how to make the home more comfortable, creating more better living spaces, and so on. But the interior isn’t the only part of the home. Whether it’s to improve value with some curb appeal, to make it more welcoming, or simply to give you a sense of pride in the home, the exterior matters just as much as the interior. Here, we’re going to look at how you give your house the outer-beauty to match the inner.
Add a dash of color
First of all, let’s talk about the simple maintenance you can do to your home. For the walls and windows, an occasional once-over with a power washer can clear even years’ worth of old dirt and grime. You should endeavor to take as much care of your patio, porch, or front step leading to the home, as well. But if you’re looking for a simple way to update the home’s look and make it seem fresh and new, then a new coat of paint can do wonders. Just be careful choosing colors if you’re part of a homeowner’s association, there may be some rules on how “out there” you can go.
Give it a new look
If you are hoping to update the aesthetic of the interior and you’re not as limited by things like a homeowner’s association, then you can also go a lot further than just a new lick of paint. Just like your interior walls, you can attach new materials across the entire of the exterior if you’re not as fond as the bare wall approach. Exterior cladding has become a lot more popular in modern architecture as of late. It can entirely transform the first impression of the home, but it can also improve the insulation of a home and offer a little more protection to the brickwork beneath it.
Feature those windows
Another part of the home worth improving from time to time is the windows. If you’re living in an older home with truly antique windows, then it might be worth looking at upgrades you can make without replacing them. Otherwise, however, new windows are more than worth the investment. As they are the eyes of the home, even if you don’t replace them you should think about prettying them up some. Adding more colorful frames, giving them some warmth with plantation shutters, choosing more decorative glass types, these can all make them dramatically more eye-catching. Even the windowsill can be used to great effect. Potted plants on the exterior sill can add a dash of life while also providing a little privacy for the interior of the home.
Look high and low
The entirety of the exterior matters, not just what’s on eye-level. People will be looking up, and if the roof of the home gives a bad impression, it affects the rest of the aesthetic as well. This is especially true of homes with lower roofs. Adding some curb appeal is just one of the reasons to update your roof. It protects the home from the weather and improves energy efficiency. But designer shingle choices are some of the most beautiful roofing options available as well as the most practical. Adding a bit of 3D texture to the top gives the roof and thus the rest of the home a little character. Don’t forget the guttering, either. If you don’t take care to clean it twice a year, then not only does it look clogged up, it can lead to unsightly leaks down the walls of home, mold, and mildew.
Add a little direction
If you have a front garden, then what is the purpose that it lends to the rest of the home? Keeping the grass neat, the bushes trimmed, and the fences painted are all important. But if it’s looking a little directionless it may be time for a bigger chance. Landscaping services can be a great help when your garden needs to match the design of the exterior some more. Use it to lead the way more effective with a paved garden path, new steps, or even some path-side lighting.
Step it up
If you have the space for it, it may be worth considering a new porch or a patio for the home. For one, it makes the home look a lot more welcoming. But it has plenty of practical uses, too. For one, it gives you and the family somewhere new to sit when the weather is fine. If you live in or near the country, it can be used as an exterior mudroom, too. A new porch or patio is one of the bigger projects in updating your exterior, but it is also one of the most effective at improving the value of the home. Consider your budget and the different types, whether you want a roof or not, for instance.
Give it a warm welcome
The porch is just one of the ways to make the actual entrance of the home look a lot more welcoming and it’s worth focusing your attention on this space in particular. It’s the part of the exterior likely to have the most emotional impact on anyone who visits. The welcome mat is just the start, as well. Keep any brass, glass or metal on your front-door well-polished. Consider hanging planter baskets on either side if you have a roof extending over the patio. You can frame either side of the door with a little more lighting to make it feel warmer and safer by increasing the visibility. The front door is the true first impression for anyone that’s going to be coming inside, so don’t neglect it.
There are plenty of ways, little and large, to help your home look just as good as the interior. Even if you don’t have the budget or time for the big changes, it’s wise to keep maintaining and updating the essentials like the paint and roof. First impressions matter, after all.