Improving Your Home's Curb Appeal

 

With home improvement, a lot of homeowners only focus on interior design. Though the interior design is important because that is where you spend the majority of your time, your home’s curb appeal should also be at the top of your mind. Curb appeal is the act of improving the exterior of your home to make it more appealing from the curb, hence the name. Making the exterior of your home look nice can invite you home at the end of the day, welcome guests, and provide a preview of the interior to future buyers. Not sure where to start? Here are seven ideas for improving your home’s curb appeal.

1. Architectural Columns

Create some dimension and create focal points on the exterior of your home with architectural columns. Architectural columns make a statement. Whether you have a porch or just an entryway, adding columns brings more dimension and interest than simple wood supports. Best of all is that there are so many architectural columns to choose from. Synthetic stone columns come in a variety of integral colors and PVC columns come in a white color and do not need to be painted. Additionally, they can be sleek, detailed, round, square, and more. There are tons of styles to choose from so that you can ensure they will look great with your already existing home exterior elements.

2. Siding

The siding of a home has a large impact on the style and appeal because it covers the most area. Steel siding is a great upgrade for curb appeal because it is modern. Steel siding is also highly durable and requires little maintenance. Of course, there are plenty of steel siding colors to choose from so that you can add a pop of color or keep it neutral depending on your style. Another siding that people love to look at is stone. Including stone finishes in your home can provide a lot of interest and make it look more elegant. However, keep in mind that stone is harder to install and can be more expensive than some other siding types. 

3. Fiberglass Pergolas

Fiberglass pergolas are a superior exterior addition to provide structure to an outdoor area and an option for shade as well as creating a visually appealing element. Fiberglass is a superior material for pergolas because they hold up to the weather much better than wood. Wood fades and breaks down over time, but fiberglass remains unaffected making fiberglass pergolas last a lot longer. There are many things you can do with pergolas including lining them with vines, adding sun shades, adding lighting or fans, and even hanging curtains for privacy. Many people think that pergolas are only for the backyard. While they are a great backyard element, they can be used in the front of your home as well in the landscaping, over a porch area, or to add interest to the entryway. There are several designs and sizes which means that you are sure to find one that fits your needs. 

4. Windows

All windows do not look the same. Old windows can bring down the look of your home on the exterior and make the whole home look old. Switching out your current windows for historic storm windows will not only will improve the energy efficiency of your home but also looks great from the curb. You can also add a variety of shutter options to draw attention to the windows and add some color. 

5. Balustrades

Bring in the romance of vintage architecture with balustrade systems. Balustrade systems are something that many don’t think of adding when talking about the exterior style of their home. However, balustrades can take your home from basic to luxury. Balustrade systems add architecture detail that you’ll definitely notice from the curb. Add them to upper-story windows or around your front patio to take your curb appeal to the next level. You’ll feel like you have a royal home.

6. Garage Door

The garage door is an exterior element that most do not even consider aesthetically. Garage doors are often seen as a functional part of the home but that doesn’t mean that they can’t add to your curb appeal. With the cost of a garage door relatively low as far as home improvement projects go, skip the plain white and opt for a faux wood finish, one with windows, or even just a beautiful color. The addition of a beautiful garage door will do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. 

7. Cornice

A cornice is a great way to add some adornments that will improve your home’s curb appeal. Cornice comes in multiple materials such as fiberglass, polyurethane, synthetic stone, cellular PVC, and more which means that you can select which is best for your idea and budget. You can also select colors, design, and location so that your curb appeal is just how you envisioned it. Bring dimension and interest to your home’s exterior using cornice and improve your home’s curb appeal. 

 

Andrea Erickson is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. She is a blogger and content writer. Andrea is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.