First impressions are everything in many aspects of life, and whether you’re hoping to sell your home or simply inviting guests around, you’ll want to make sure that your property has maximum impact from the off – after all, what your home looks like from the outside can say a lot about what it may look like on the inside, not to mention about you as a person.
Whilst you might spend a lot of time making sure your kitchen and living areas look just so, for many, keeping the outside of your house looking clean, neat and well-manicured often falls by the wayside thanks to busy, fast-paced lives and lack of free time. But a good-looking house and garden will not only send off a positive message to neighbours, guests and visitors, it will also make your property somewhere you’re proud to come home to – so move it a little higher up on your ‘to do’ list. Sprucing up your home doesn’t have to be costly or time consuming – just try these simple tips for some small changes that will make a big difference.
1. Paint the front door
One of the simplest ways to ensure that your home looks well put together is by giving your front door a lick of paint. Doing so will instantly freshen up its look, requiring minimal time and effort on your part. Choose a colour that complements the façade of your house – pastel hues are hot right now if you fancy trying something that will set your house apart from the others on your street.
2. Make use of plants and flowers
Another simple, yet effective tip, plants and flowers are a quick and impactful way to give your property that homely feel, and the best thing is, you don’t even need to plant them yourself. Invest in a few pretty pot plants and arrange them on either side of your front door, or choose some colourful blooms and hang them in baskets.
Potted palms or orange trees can make for elegant touches that hint at the air of luxury your home exudes, while bright hydrangeas are a great way to make a statement. If you have more time on your hands, why not opt for some climber plants like wisteria or jasmine, which can be grown around the front door to make it a real centre-piece?
3. Replace old, tired, building materials
An aspect that is often over-looked when it comes to curb appeal, renewing your fascias, soffits, aluminium guttering, and even the soil pipes that run down the side of the house can make a huge difference to the overall look. Doing so is a relatively cheap way to make a difference, and you might be surprised at the minimal cost – so if you’re keen to avoid larger renovations then this is a great way to achieve that spruced up look. Have a look at Easymerchant for some great solutions to get you started.
4. Invest in some outdoor lighting
Some carefully chosen outdoor lamps or lanterns will ensure that your home is shown in the best light in the evenings – perfect for when those friends are coming around for your next dinner party. Wall lanterns or even fisherman-style pendant lights are a great way to make your home feel more welcoming, whilst solar-powered stake lights can be pushed into flowerbeds or planters for a simpler solution.
5. Tidy your driveway
Avoid storing anything unnecessary on your driveway at all costs, and be sure to dispose of any rubbish neatly to avoid an untidy look. If you don’t keep things organised, you can easily ruin the effect of your renovation efforts.
If the driveway itself is looking a little worn, then it might be time to repave or resurface – block paving, resin, tarmac or even polished concrete are all great options for achieving that polished look.
6. Dress your windows
Another great way of smartening up the exterior of your home is with smart looking window shutters, which can add a quaint feel and look utterly charming, setting your property apart from the competition. Shutterswestlondon.co.uk provide top quality shutters that elevate the look in any room, with great service every step of the way, too.
Another option is to use an obscure glass film, this provides privacy without blocking sunlight and makes a great alternative to frosted glass, but don’t forget the inside, either, as your choice of curtains and blinds can be seen from the outside. Those old net curtains won’t do the trick, so why not invest in some affordable roman shades or some beautiful handmade curtains instead?
7. De-clutter
Declutter your garage, shed and any other outdoor spaces during any renovation work to allow you the space to get the job done properly. Consider looking for some self storage to store your belongings until the work is done, and it’ll make all the difference. Sometimes, freeing up your physical space can allow you to think more clearly, too – so you’ll be able to take a step back and look at the overall impact of your home as work progresses, making any necessary additions or tweaks along the way.
