Coastal Living, Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn (photo), Lisa Knowlton (designer)
One of my most favorite things to consider in working on our outdoor spaces is curb appeal. Backyards are great for private living, but the front yard says a lot to your neighbors and guests about who lives inside and your joy for living.
Creating curb appeal is what makes our home authentic and personal. While we don’t need to be concerned with impressing others, taking time to tidy up our image is as much for your family as it is about caring for others who come to our door. You want to feel at home when you see your house, and make your invited guests to feel comfortable entering your world!
There are so many details that you can incorporate into the front of your house that really can transform your space from blah to beautiful.
Here are a few tips:
Cottage Living, Steven Randazzo
Define the edges of your space. Front yards can be wide open to the world, so it always helps to define borders. Using edging plants or fences to give a visual distinction between the road and your yard. This gives it the feeling of a private but friendly world that you are willing to share with invited friends.
Country Living, Keith Scott Morton
Utilize color. A pop of color on your door can give a focal point and point of distinction and personality.
Country Living, John Peden
Feature the seasons. The beauty of outdoor rooms is that you can enjoy the change in color. Use plants and window boxes to show off the season.
Country Living, David Lewis Taylor
Focus on Details! Give your home personality in the details. Accessories on a house are like jewelry.
Country Living, Keith Scott Morton
Create a welcoming and friendly entry. Door knockers, healthy plants, lighting, fresh paint, and welcoming features all make guests feel that you prepare for and look forward to their visits.
Country Living, Keith Scott Morton
Make ordinary things beautiful. Let’s face it, garage doors are not always our houses best feature. If you are going to replace yours, why not make them special?
Get creative with what you have! Even ordinary metal garage doors can be jazzed up with faux finishing by professionals (check out this lovely work by Off The Wall Home). Faux finishing can be much more affordable than new wood doors.
Pay attention to purpose, size and scale. For instance, if you add shutters, make them the proper size for the windows. You want them to appear to work, even if they are stationary. If your shutters are smaller than the windows, you lose the authenticity.
Related posts by The Inspired Room:
See more curb appeal on my Drive Bys: Outdoor Room Edition
Drive By Homes In Portland Oregon
Another Portland Drive By Tour
Visually Appealing: The Front Entry
