Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is a phrase you probably hear a lot. It pops up in real estate talk, on cable network home shows, and on magazine covers. But what, exactly, does “curb appeal” mean?
Curb appeal, at its most simple, refers to having a home that looks beautiful from the street. If someone is driving or walking past, they’d look at your front and think “that’s so pretty!” In real estate terms, it’s the first impression that the property makes on a potential buyer. However, curb appeal is just as important to homeowners. If your home is beautiful on the outside, you’ll feel happy when you come home; guests will feel welcome and it will make your time outside your home that much better.
Doors
Your front door is often the focal point of your home and sets the tone for your style. Red doors are classic and welcoming, while a glossy black door is chic. Blue, green, and yellow are fun and cheerful! Doors with side lights, transom windows, or glass in the door create a beautiful look from the outside and bring natural light into your entry. This is especially important for homes don’t have another option for a window in that space.
Front door with sidelights – Fox Group Construction
Decorative elements
If your door is the focal point, think of decorative accents as jewelry for the home. You can show off your personality through address numbers, lanterns, and planters. Even practical elements like mailboxes, railings, and door mats are ways to put your own personal stamp on your home, and set it apart from everyone else. Have you always loved stately, wrought iron railings? Maybe you always wanted a red mailbox, or you have a love of Art Deco-style address plaques. There are so many fun options to choose from!
Curb appeal – Rocky Mountain Hardware Mediterranean address numbers
Landscaping and hardscaping
Hardscaping helps to define areas of your outside space and can be enhanced with a retaining wall to allow for plantings and shrubbery. Landscaping depends on your space and locale, but grass, shrubs, and flowerbeds all boost curb appeal. For urban or drier areas, window boxes and planters are the perfect way to add some greenery and blooms! If you’re not sure where to start, consult a local nursery or gardener and they can steer you in the right direction.
Landscaping and hardscaping inspiration via Better Homes and Gardens
Lighting
Lighting is key to curb appeal, and it’s both decorative and useful. Choose sconces, pathway lighting, and light posts that enhance the style of your home – there are so many great options from traditional to modern! Uplighting on trees or the home itself creates more drama and impact. With regards to safety, good lighting illuminates walkways, the front door, and your address (which helps people to find you!).
Header image via Country Living
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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning residential and commercial Philadelphia interior designer creating spaces that are a harmonious marriage of beauty, function, and lifestyle. Whether for a home, vacation retreat, or place of business, our goal is to design statement surroundings that express who you are. We encourage you to visit our website, view our work, and keep up with the latest interior design concepts on our blog.
