You only have a few seconds to create that first impression. How do you make the right one?

You up your home’s curb appeal 

First impressions can be a huge deal. When a guest or even a potential homebuyer pulls up to your home for the first time, what are they seeing? Are they welcomed by the outside of your home?  

It might sound daunting. Maybe you don’t have a green thumb or aren’t that handy. Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to improve your home’s exterior.   

1. Less is More

How many times must we fall victim to the, “I’m going to start a garden this year” conundrum? Or, maybe it’s a flower bed. Or maybe it’s replacing mulch or picking weeds. Whatever it is, you don’t have to do it. You don’t need to bite off more than you can or want to chew. 

If you know you won’t water the rose bushes, don’t plant them. Dying plants will look far worse than thriving plants will look good. A tidy and kept home exterior is better than an unkempt one. A few low-maintenance plants to consider are ornamental grasses, Liriope, Geranium, or even a Juniper shrub. 

You might consider scaling back your ideas and holding off on some of your projects. It doesn’t have to be a “never.” But maybe it should be a “not now.” Less is more because less is easier to maintain and will look better.  

2. Make an Impact with the Front Door

When it comes to making a first impression with your home, few things will have a bigger impact than your front door. Whether it’s from the street or standing on your porch, the front door is where every eye is drawn. Color and style are critical to getting this part of your home’s curb appeal correct. 

You want something that matches your home and the rest of your landscaping, but you also want it to stand out. We have another post dedicated to helping you find the right color for your door. Check it out here and find the color that best fits you and your home! 

3. Let the Plants Climb

Shrubs and flowers are great, but if you’re looking to let your plants shine, then let them climb. A trellis with climbing plants can really help your home stand out. Bonus: most climbing plants are perennial, so they’ll come back year after year and often don’t need much attention. 

Not to mention, you can find the right trellis for your home. They come in a huge variety of shapes, colors, and even materials. If you’re going for a more modern look, consider a black metal trellis or even a wire trellis. For a more traditional look, go with a wooden trellis.  

Looking for the best, low-maintenance climbing plants? Opt for Boston Ivy for a classic look or the hardy Kiwi Vine for something a little more subtle. 

4. Don't Overlook the House

It’s easy to get wrapped up in mulch, flowers, and shrubs. But, one of the most crucial (and often overlooked) aspects of your home’s curb appeal is the home itself.  

We aren’t talking about broken windows, missing screens, or loose shingles. Yes, those are all important to your home’s overall exterior look and feel, but what about the actual home? When was the last time your siding was replaced or painted?  

Many homes can go from meh to WOWZA with a fresh coat of paint. If your home’s exterior is darker, try something a little lighter. A brown or even gray house can easily blend into the surrounding areas. Try a white, yellow, or a lighter gray for a real eye-please pop! 

Now it's your turn, what tips do you have for improving your home's curb appeal?