I’ve sure you’re aware of the saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. It’s a saying that applies to many different things, including your home. In this case, it is your front yard that gives that first impression. An appealing yard not only increases the resale value of your house, but it also tells your neighbors and family that you care about the physical appearance of your home. Now that the temperature outside is comfortable, many of us spend a lot of time outdoors going for walks around our neighborhood. When I walk, I love to stop and admire a yard that the homeowner has cared for and has pride in. It makes me want to see the interior of the home and to meet the homeowner!
Just as you need to plan the decorating details of your interior space, you also need to plan the landscaping of your yard. Your yard should reflect your personality and the style of your interior space. It should be inviting and make those looking at it wish it were theirs. If it has these qualities, then your home has some real curb appeal. If you’re still unsure of how you want it to look, I have some design ideas that will help guide you to a beautiful yard that will make you the envy of the neighborhood!
1. Declutter the lawn
Clear the lawn of all the unattractive things that somehow migrate there, such as kid’s toys or mismatched lawn furniture or garden ornaments. This is a perfect opportunity to donate to charity items that you no longer want or need.
2. Structural repairs
Pay attention to the condition of your driveways, front porch and stoops. Look for cracks in the cement, peeling paint, shingle damage, gutter and downspouts damage, and have them repaired or replaced. If you have the resources, repaint your home, as this greatly increases its curb appeal. Pressure-wash the front stoop and sidewalk; it makes the whole front yard look fresh and clean.
2. Paint the front door and upgrade your hardware
Welcome your guests with a bold color on your front door. It’s the teaser to the interior so go ahead and let it be the focal point. Upgrade the display of your house address number, giving it a fresh new look. While you’re at it, add another level of color to the front door by painting or polishing your existing door hardware. If you’re planning on upgrading the hardware, go for silver or brass for contrast.
1. Andrea Brooks Interiors; 2. House Beautiful; 3. Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction; 4. Designs Northwest Architects
3. Let their be light
Make your yard look inviting even during the evening by installing light fixtures that cast a glow over your front door and lawn. Let your light fixtures accentuate any particularly interesting features of your yard.
1. Noel Cross+Architects; 2. Sprague Construction; 3. Spinnaker Development; 4; Better Homes and Gardens
4. Container gardens: A fun DIY project
If you have a front stoop with some steps, place containers such as terra cotta pots or urns on them to add appeal to your doorstep. This is a fun and creative DIY project that you can do year round. Don’t overwhelm the area with too much. Pick the color scheme that best complements your garden and front door. In today’s gardening world you can find flowering plants that don’t require a lot of water. These plants are great, especially when you’re on vacation. Do an internet research or visit your local nursery for ideas on which plants work best in your area.
1. Better Homes and Gardens; 2. Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture; 3. liquidscapes; 4. Mari Kirwood Design Associates
5. Dress up your windows
When planning your outdoor decorations, don’t neglect the windows! Give them their own garden with the addition of flower boxes. The combination of flower boxes and shutters makes a wonderful frame for a window!
1. Eberlein Design Consultants; 2. Murphy & Co. Design; 3. House Plans and More; 4. Change Your Space
These are just a few decorating ideas that are inexpensive and can be done in a short period of time. There are many more ways to increase your curb appeal. Examples are adding welcome mats, whimsy door knockers to your front door, as well as bird baths, wind chimes, and water sculptures to your yard. Improving your yard doesn’t all happen overnight; it takes time, hard work, and patience. The end result, however, will fill you with pride and your neighbors with admiration.
Simone
