15 Home Exterior Curb Appeal Ideas to Boost Your Property Value

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your home. Professional realtors estimate that excellent curb appeal can increase your home’s value by up to 7%. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy a more beautiful home exterior, these curb appeal ideas will transform your property’s appearance.

1. Refresh Your Front Door

Your front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior. Consider these impactful upgrades:

• Paint with a bold, contrasting color (navy blue, emerald green, or classic red)
• Upgrade to a stylish new door with glass inserts
• Add decorative hardware (knocker, handle, and hinges)
• Install matching sidelights or a transom window

2. Landscape with Purpose

Professional landscaping can increase your home’s value by 5-12%. Focus on:

• Creating defined garden beds with edging
• Planting native, low-maintenance shrubs
• Adding seasonal flowers for pops of color
• Incorporating evergreen plants for year-round appeal

3. Upgrade Your Lighting

Proper exterior lighting enhances safety and creates welcoming ambiance:

• Install matching sconces on either side of the garage
• Add pathway lighting for safety and visual appeal
• Consider LED smart lights that can be controlled remotely
• Highlight architectural features with uplighting

4. Refresh Your House Numbers

Often overlooked, house numbers make a significant impact:

• Choose modern, easy-to-read numbers
• Ensure proper scale (at least 6 inches tall)
• Consider illuminated numbers for nighttime visibility
• Coordinate with your home’s architectural style

5. Add Window Boxes or Shutters

These architectural details add charm and character:

• Install decorative (or functional) shutters in a contrasting color
• Add window boxes with seasonal flowers
• Ensure shutters are properly sized (should appear to cover window when closed)

6. Pressure Wash Surfaces

A deep clean can make your home look years younger:

• Rent or buy a pressure washer to clean siding, walkways, and driveways
• Remove mildew and stains from exterior surfaces
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Wash windows inside and out

7. Create an Inviting Entryway

Enhance the path to your front door:

• Define the walkway with pavers or landscaping
• Add a welcoming doormat
• Include seating (bench or chairs) if space allows
• Accessorize with potted plants or seasonal decor

8. Update Your Mailbox

A coordinated mailbox completes your exterior look:

• Choose a style that complements your home’s architecture
• Consider a brick or stone base for permanent mailboxes
• Add landscaping around the base
• Ensure it’s properly secured and functional

9. Add Architectural Interest

Enhance a plain facade with these elements:

• Install decorative brackets under eaves
• Add a pergola over the entryway
• Include corbels or other trim details
• Consider adding stone veneer to foundation or columns

10. Maintain Your Roof and Gutters

These functional elements affect your home’s appearance:

• Clean or replace damaged gutters and downspouts
• Replace missing or damaged shingles
• Consider roof cleaning if stained
• Ensure proper drainage away from the foundation

11. Create Symmetry

The human eye finds symmetrical arrangements pleasing:

• Flank your entry with matching planters or lights
• Balance landscaping on either side of the walkway
• Use pairs of chairs or decorations
• Maintain balanced proportions in your design

12. Add a Focal Point

Create visual interest with a standout feature:

• Install a water feature near the entry
• Create a small seating area
• Add an interesting sculpture or garden art
• Plant a specimen tree or shrub

13. Refresh Your Driveway

A well-maintained driveway improves overall appearance:

• Repair cracks and stains
• Consider decorative borders or pavers
• Add lighting along the edges
• For asphalt, consider sealcoating

14. Paint or Stain Exterior Elements

A fresh coat makes everything look cared for:

• Refresh faded trim and siding
• Consider staining rather than painting wood elements
• Paint the garage door to match or complement the front door
• Update outdated color schemes

15. Add Seasonal Touches

Keep your exterior looking fresh year-round:

• Rotate seasonal plants in containers
• Add holiday-appropriate decor (tastefully)
• Incorporate seasonal colors through accessories
• Keep decorations proportional to your home’s size