Improving Curb Appeal - What would you do to improve curb appeal?
Patrick Solomon
3 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (15)
cawaps
3 years agoolychick
3 years agoRelated Discussions
what should I do to improve curb appeal?
Comments (10)Definitely some seating/styling on the front porch, like in Doug’s illustration, will help with curb appeal. Not sure about the kelly green door (maybe a darker green?) but a dark or bright color door (whichever you prefer) will definitely be a good upgrade. I’m wondering how a dark terra cotta color (pulled from the stone in your foundation) might look. Love the colorful hanging baskets too. And a small tree or larger shrub on the left will help alot. That one window on the far left doesn’t adhere to the rhythm and symmetry of the other windows of your fairly traditional home, and is creating an imbalance and discord with the look of your home overall. That can definitely be fixed with a little camouflage. Doug’s rendering of the little tree there is perfect. Note how it’s not obscuring the window completely, but it does enough to soften and balance that side of the house. Choose a small tree or shrub that does well in your area, and suits the amount of sun/shade it will get in that spot. Also be careful to select one that will not grow taller than the roofline of your house at full size, so that it will naturally stay at the right height and shape when it’s mature. Otherwise, it will require a lot more care and maintenance to continually fight against its natural size or shape to keep it looking right. Always better to start with the right plant for the right space. Possibilities to consider are crab apples, flowering plums, Japanese maple, dogwoods, etc. Consult with your local nursery for recommendations, and to get proper instructions on how to plant and care for it. Native shrubs and trees are also worthy to consider, because they frequently are more water-wise and disease resistant. I prefer to plant small and let things grow into place, but if you’re impatient and have the budget available, you can buy a larger specimen for more immediate impact, or you can look into options that are faster growers. Beverly’s idea to lighten the shutters and tone down the contrast with your siding also helps make the asymmetry of that far left window less obvious. If you like that idea, you can combine it with the tree/shrub suggestion. For your front beds, lots of possibilities... What kind of garden styles do you like? Formal, English cottage, low maintenance? What suits your tastes, and the amount of time you’re willing to spend on it? Knowing those things will help inform your choices. I would be inclined to create larger beds with some curves, for example, because I don’t like to feel boxed in. And maybe consider replacing at least some of the lawn with a ground cover or additional planting beds. Sloped lawns like yours can be a pain (or even dangerous) to mow. And grass is definitely a water hog. Maybe worth consulting a garden designer for ideas. If you don’t have the budget for a major landscaping makeover all at once, and/or want to do some work yourself, a lot of garden designers will create plans that you can implement over time....See MoreFront of house is on cement pad, so how do I improve curb appeal?
Comments (17)Here's a few more ideas and thoughts. Since you have a deck on the other side of the house (in 3rd photo) and generous land around you, I'm guessing this is not your main entertainment area. I agree with Yardvaark about the plantings. IN the quick sketch attached, I just cut away some of the excessive concrete and extended the bed, but (hopefully) left room to back the car into (or for the table in chairs if they need to remain). Also added a columnar evergreen on the corner to soften it. For the deck, I change the railings to metals railings for a lighter look for the deck, added screening below the deck, and added a color to the front door. The planters are larger and more of them to fill the corner. For the bare wall, there is a lot of art that is made for the outdoors these days. Pick something you love to use as a focal point. You can also add vertical house numbers, like comelyhomely suggested next to the door. Good luck with your project!...See MoreHow would you improve the curb appeal of this house design?
Comments (30)I would push back if the builder is suggesting that none of the window sizes can be changed on this elevation due to code. Codes do vary from place to place, but they generally have a few common features regarding windows: minimum open size for egress i bedrooms, and minimum natural light and ventilation in living spaces. Other than the bedroom, none of the other windows on this elevation should be tied to code in that they cannot be changed. I agree that at minimum the 1st floor bath and kitchen window should be the same height. I also think they should both be the same type of window. I understand the convenience of casement windows over a kitchen sink, so I would do a single casement in the bathroom too. On the second floor I would make the bathroom another casement (for rhythm and consistency) and make it the same size as the top half of the landing window. Beyond that, landscaping, exterior color choice, a nice window box under the first floor bathroom and kitchen windows, a small paver patio to expand the front porch, and some quality details on the porch posts, railing, door and outdoor lights can all improve and add character to a simple form....See MoreIf this was your house, what would you do to improve curb appeal?
Comments (19)I like the suggestions of @partim and others to add a roof of some sort (open for light or closed for shelter) to the blank wall area, and the suggestions of going dark with the siding/trim and refining the detailing on the bay window. The element that still bothers me after those changes is the very wide overhang of the main roof on the left side. Obviously it's okay structurally (it's still up there!), but to the eye it looks like it needs support. This would probably be more than $10k, but maybe someday the column of brick and the siding wall to the left of the blank area could be extended up to the roof to provide that visual impression of support and to balance the facade? Something like this?...See Morenickel_kg
last yearlaceyvail 6A, WV
last yearD M PNW
last yearcawaps
last yearlast modified: last yearPatrick Solomon
last yearShadyWillowFarm
last yearKate
last yearAkhilesh Joshi
last yearPatrick Solomon
last yearAllison0704
last yearPatrick Solomon
last year
Related Stories
HOUZZ TV LIVEDesigner Tips for Improving the Curb Appeal of Your Front Entry
Barbara Milner shares tips from four homes with stylish and inviting entries
Full StoryGREAT HOME PROJECTSHow to Give Your Driveway and Front Walk More Curb Appeal
Prevent injuries and tire damage while making a great first impression by replacing or repairing front paths
Full StoryEXTERIORS17 Ways to Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal
The word on the street? Homes with appealing front views can sell faster, lift moods and convey a warm welcome
Full StoryCURB APPEAL10 Surefire Ways to Boost Curb Appeal
A designer shares her top 10 tips for sprucing up the front of a house
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESDesigner's Touch: Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal
From pavers to plantings, these professional tips can help your home make an instant impact on the street
Full StoryGREAT HOME PROJECTSUpgrade Your Front Yard for Curb Appeal and More
New project for a new year: Revamp lackluster landscaping for resale value, water savings and everyday enjoyment
Full StoryMEDITERRANEAN-STYLE DESIGNNail Your Curb Appeal: Mediterranean Style
Earthy hues, low-water landscaping and architectural flourishes are characteristic of these homes
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGSpring Checklist: Freshen Up Your Home's Curb Appeal
Step outside and use these tips to show off your home to its best advantage this spring
Full StoryEXTERIORSCurb Appeal Feeling a Little Off? Some Questions to Consider
Color, scale, proportion, trim ... 14 things to think about if your exterior is bugging you
Full StoryRUSTIC STYLENail Your Curb Appeal: Rustic Style
Start with warm woods, rough stone and a touch of color to achieve this naturalistic look
Full Story
Patrick SolomonOriginal Author