Do you ever stop to admire a random house as you’re walking or driving by, and wonder to yourself how they made their home look so darn good? Maybe it’s the perfectly manicured lawn, the way the flowers in the garden are blooming or the way the outdoor furniture is arranged. Whatever it is, there’s no doubt that first impressions count—especially when it comes to your home.
This is what is commonly known as curb appeal – the outside appearance of a property that is bound to turn heads, for all the right reasons. If you want to make your home stand out from the rest on the street (and increase its value while you’re at it), there are a few simple ways you can do so.
How Can You Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal?
It’s worth noting that any adjustments you make to your front yard aren’t just for the benefit of passersby. It’s true that every time someone drives or walks past your property, they’re subconsciously making judgments based on what they see, but that’s not the only driving force.
After all, you and your family are the ones who have to live there, so making sure that it looks and feels like somewhere you want to be is important too. Besides, having a well-kept front yard can make everyday tasks such as fetching the mail or taking out the trash a lot more pleasant.
So, without further ado, here are some of the best ways to upgrade your home’s curb appeal, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your well-deserved oasis.
House Numbers
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the outside of any property is the design of the house number sign. Not only does this make your home easier to find for visitors, but it also says a lot about the type of person who lives there. A weathered and cracked sign that’s hanging off the side of the house is going to create a very different impression from a sleek and modern design.
In a nutshell, there are two basic kinds of house number signs – screw on and stick on. The former is the more traditional option and is what you would typically find on an older property. These signs usually have raised numbers or letters that have been screwed onto a backing plate.
The latter option, on the other hand, is more commonly found in newer homes. As the name suggests, this type of house number simply sticks onto the surface of the wall, usually with some kind of adhesive. These are generally considered to be more attractive and can be easier to install. Stick-on house signs can be installed on brick, render or timber surfaces depending on your wish.
Generally speaking, house numbers are placed on the front of a building so that it’s easily visible from the street. If the digits are small and hard to see, or if they’re not placed in a central and visible location, then your guests may have trouble finding your home.
It’s a good idea to use numbers that contrast well with the colour of your house so that they stand out. That said, it’s also worth considering using reflective materials so that they’re more noticeable at night.
Letterbox
The humble letterbox is often overlooked as a curb appeal asset, but it plays an important role in the overall look and feel of your property. After all, it’s one of the first things that visitors will see when they approach your home, so it’s worth giving some thought to what kind of impression you want it to make.
With that in mind, you won’t be short of options when browsing through the range of letterboxes available. If you’re looking for a more traditional approach, opt for the classic post-mount design, with its self-supporting frame and hinged door. This type of letterbox is usually made from metal or plastic and placed on a stand.
If you’re after something a bit more modern, consider a recessed letterbox, which is designed to be installed into an existing wall. These are ideal for properties with a contemporary design and they help you save up on space too.
When it comes to choosing a letterbox, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is the size – make sure that it’s large enough to accommodate all the mail you receive on a daily basis as well as the space you have available in your front yard.
The second is security – if you live in an area with a high crime rate, or if you simply want to be extra cautious, then a lockable letterbox is definitely the way to go.
And finally, think about the material it’s made from. Metal letterboxes are very durable but they can get dented easily, while plastic ones are more lightweight but have a tendency to fade over time. There are also wooden letterboxes made of the exceptionally durable, rot- and pest-resistant Accoya wood.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s curb appeal since it makes it more visible at night and helps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to give your property a facelift, then this is definitely it.
There are two main types of outdoor lighting fixtures on the market – functional and decorative.
- Functional lighting, as the name suggests, is designed to serve a specific purpose, such as providing illumination for entryways and walkways.
- In contrast, decorative lighting is all about creating an aesthetically pleasing surrounding. It can be used to highlight features such as gardens and landscaping, or simply to add a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space.
In terms of choosing the right type of lighting for your home, you should consider a couple of major factors. The first is the level of illumination you need. Larger front yards, for example, will require more powerful lights than smaller ones. In this case, spotlights that throw a wide beam of light that can illuminate a larger surface are ideal.
The second is the style of lighting you prefer. Do you want something that’s understated and subtle, or are you looking for something that makes a more dramatic statement? This is really a matter of personal preference, so it’s worth taking some time to browse through different options before making your final decision.
And lastly, think about the energy efficiency of the lights you choose. This is especially important if you plan on leaving them on for long periods of time, as it will help to keep your energy bills down. That said, it’s important to stick to the latest LED technology when choosing your outdoor lights.
Plants
Showing off some greenery is surely going to people’s interest and leave a good impression. Pittosporum plants, in particular, are excellent for this purpose as they are evergreen, have Variegated leaves, and will grow in sun or shade. They may be up to 3 metres tall but can easily be kept smaller with annual pruning.
