Homes - Exteriors

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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.

Facade
When making any structural changes, always remain true to the architectural integrity of your home. Don't try to make a country cottage look stately or a tall, handsome Georgian look cute.

• Use unique architectural details to enhance your home. A round stained-glass window, weather vane on a turret, portico painted in a rich colour or window boxes all offer lovely ways to bring interest to a home's exterior.

• When painting shutters, select a rich complementary shade that doesn't overpower the rest of your house's colour scheme.

Lighting
Even simple outdoor lighting will bring your home to life at night.

To create drama, install lighting along a walkway, between shrubbery or in trees.

• Mount a pair of beautiful coach lanterns on either side of French doors to give your home an elegant and stately appearance.

• Design indoor lighting to convey warmth and interest when viewed from outside. For instance, a light in a small round attic window lends character to a home's exterior.

Landscaping
Architectural landscaping is a very effective way to add colour, beauty, vitality and personality.

• Define a walkway by embedding stepping stones into the grass or gravel.

• A brick path surrounded by an overgrown all-white garden looks simple and elegant.

• A rose- or clematis-covered arbour or pergola makes a lasting impression.

• Fences are another option for creating individual style. Try a white picket fence for a cottage look, wrought iron for stately elegance and tall wood slats for privacy.

Read more in Homes and Exteriors

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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