7 Simple Ways To Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal

Your home is a source of pride. You pour a lot of time and money into making it uniquely you, from the furnishings and finishings to the little details like artwork and the family photos on the mantle. But what about your home's exterior? When people drive by, do they see an appealing, eye-catching home or just another so-so house? Here are seven simple ways you can dress up your castle.

Try a New Coat of Paint

Painting the entire exterior of your home is a big undertaking; you wouldn't exactly call that "simple." Yet, you don't have to paint your house's entirety to make it look fresh. Paint the door and maybe the railings on the porch. If you have a wooden fence, give that a refresher, too. This is an easy project you can do yourself that adds instant appeal.

Pick Up Some Pretty Plants

You don't have to be a master gardener, but if you go a little further than just mowing your lawn, you can make plant life work for you. Think about installing a new flowerbed with some easy-to-grow plants like sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos, nasturtiums, and zinnias. If it isn't the season for colorful blossoms, try some year-round plants like green mountain boxwood, variegated red twig dogwood, and blue star juniper. Visit a local nursery for ideas and tips on starting a beautiful, low-maintenance garden.

If gardening really isn't your thing, you can try artificial plants. They look good from a distance, but keep in mind that they fade over time and end up looking tacky.

Spruce Up the Hardware

Oftentimes it is the details you don't think about that make a big impact on your house's curb appeal. You use the door handle, lock, and mailbox every day, but how do they look? If rust plagues them, or if they just look like they're in the wrong decade, replace them.

Pay special attention when you're upgrading your mailbox if it is on the sidewalk and not next to the door; it is one of the first things visitors see. Feel free to get creative with this; it's the perfect opportunity to show off your personality to the neighborhood.

Give Your Driveway a New Look

An uneven, undecorated driveway is bland and is far from the ideal resting place for your trusty vehicle. If you have a gravel driveway, put on a new layer of rocks for a fresh look, and be diligent about keeping weeds away.

Also, think about edging your driveway. You can use bricks, cinderblocks, natural stones, railroad ties, or a host of other materials to create a bold lining that sets off your driveway from the rest of the property.

Invite Your Flying Friends

Birds add a touch of serenity and happiness to any landscape. Attract your favorite flying friends with unique birdhouses. The birds will serve as a maintenance-free adornment for your property while the birdhouses will add permanent character and charm.

Birdhouses can be whimsical or elegant, small or big, subtle or flamboyant. Browse through sites like YardEnvy to gather ideas on what sort of birdhouses might be the perfect fit for your home's outdoors.

Install Lighting

Installing lights in your yard has some practical advantages; the lights make your outdoors safer, and they enable you to have some great late-night barbecues in the summer. They can also play a role in plumping up your home's curb appeal whether it is night or day.

An antique light by the door gives a sophisticated charm. Solar lights along the walkway are a simple way to say "welcome." Hanging lights make for a romantic ambiance. Go for a walk and gain inspiration from how your neighbors use lighting to their advantage or search websites like Pinterest for an even broader range of ideas.

Show Your Artsy Side

Some yard sculptures come with a price tag the size of a herd of elephants, but it is possible to come by yard art that won't cost you your life savings. Check out flea markets and antique stores. If you know someone with an artistic flair, you can have him or her paint some plywood and create a cool outdoor painting.

Your home has limitless potential, and it is your task to help it realize that potential. Give your outdoors a new look and increase curb appeal with these easy, simple projects.

JT Ripton is a freelance business, tech and lifestyle writer out of Tampa, FL. When he's not writing, he's consulting with start up businesses around the area helping them succeed, and checking out the newest things in tech.