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Create curb appeal

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Create curb appeal

By
Karen Cole Banack

Check out some welcoming ideas that will enhance your home and create curb appeal.

A house with curb appeal stands out from the rest. We notice it because it provides us with simple aesthetic pleasure every time we pass by. Most homes have their own unique blend of charms. Even two identical homes can achieve very different looks with a combination of pleasing exterior elements. Here are some welcoming ideas that you can use to enhance your home and create curb appeal.

Colour
Colour is a powerful tool when used correctly. A facade with a beautiful colour combination is extremely pleasing.

• When choosing exterior paint, look to your landscape for inspiration. Also keep in mind that the colour of your trim should complement the colour of your roof.

• Bright sun will often make strong colours appear bolder and vibrant ones seem brighter. For a toned-down look, try historical paint colours with grey undertones.

• Save brights for outdoor accessories or small areas. A colourful market umbrella, porch chair, painted bird feeder or striped retractable awning are attractive ways to spruce up the front of your house.

Entrance
Treat yourself and your guests to a welcoming entrance area. Even a small area can offer a charming greeting.

• Paint your front door with a strong colour so that it stands out from the rest of the house. Embellish the door further with a knocker, polished-metal kickplate and an inviting, homey touch like a wreath, bunch of pussy willows or basket of flowers.

• A new railing will add panache to an old porch, as will attractive wicker or teak furniture and accessories like flower-filled planters.

• Make a small entryway more inviting with a pair of urns, planter boxes or ivy-covered trellis panels flanking the entrance, or display a hurricane lamp on a table next to the door.

2 Comments

  • by
    Nicole Marie
    on 2009-04-27
    Reply to this comment

    Hi there - I would love to improve our home's curb appeal. Has anyone heard of a company that will do exterior design consultations virtually? Ideally, it would be great to send a digital picture (or a few) and then have a designer create a virtual makeover picture for me to work from. I would assume for a flat fee/package price? I don't need an architect, this is more of a cosmetic effort. Paint/brick/stair rails/flower pots...etc. Thanks, Nicole

  • by
    aqualinda
    on 2009-06-15
    Reply to this comment

    although i did everything right(i think), painted door, added new hardware, bought new urns,etc. my front door is at the side and at the end of the driveway. my ? is how do you make this look attractive when my vehicle is parked there? Im on a very low budget so additions and such are out of the ? thanks

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