Easy Ways to Add Curb Appeal

Easy ways to add curb appeal. This post contains ideas for a picture perfect front yard and porch. After reading this post, I hope you are inspired to tackle some cleaning, decorating, or improvement projects of your own.

Each spring is a great time to take a look at the front of the house areas. For the purpose of this post, these areas include the front yard and front porch. Take inventory of what looks good, needs cleaning, replacing, which projects can be completed this year, or what can be add to the space.

Make a list of all the things you think you would like to do this year. Then make a time line and “due date” for each task to be completed. This will help keep you motivated. Be realistic when making the list and time line. Think about what is more important and pressing. Some things can wait until next year!

Personally.

I have been too excited this year about starting a major overhauling of the less than stellar landscaping I currently look at. In early March I inspected my front of house, took note, and made a plan / time line of what I would like to get done. I have many projects on this list. Completing this list will probably take me most of the summer. I’m good with that, no rush.

My list includes:

• Adding décor to the porch
  • Live flowers
  • Address planter box
  • Name plaque
  • Hanging basket planter
  • Window box
• Deep cleaning the porch and furniture
• Repainting the front door
• Removing lava rocks / replacing the are with black mulch
• Installing a paver border between mulched flower beds and lawn
• Removing stumps

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Curb Appeal Ideas.

The Power of Cleaning.

To start, the easiest and more inexpensive way to add curb appeal is by cleaning your space. Start by sweeping the porch free of dirt and debris (ceilings too). Then move onto the washing. Whether you use a power washer or good old soap, water, and scrub brush, take the time to get all surfaces thoroughly. Don’t forget about windows, ceilings, lights, doors, and furniture.

Power Washing.

A power washer is a miracle worker for cement porches (good bye stains), side walks, and the exterior of the house. Do give care when using a power washer. Protect anything; such as, light fixtures and plants, that may get damaged. Wear proper protective equipment (goggles, boots, etc.) and use the correct setting for the correct surface. Power washing bricks to often can cause excessive wear.

Patio Furniture.

Patio furniture collects some gross things. Wash cushions with a mild soap and water, scrub as needed and rinse. Easy. Mine were covered in cat hair and dirt. I don’t even have a cat. Once rinsed, set them out in the sun; they will dry rather quickly. Hose down he chairs and tables too!

Door.

I painted my door in a gloss black paint last year and am loving how easily it cleans up! I wipe the door with a gently dish soap and water at least once a week. There is a lot of pollen and dirt that blow onto the door as well as finger prints. This task takes 90 seconds and makes the door look beautiful and new again.

Concrete.

If concrete is looking a little drab even after power washing, you could try a brightening agent. There was some staining left over after trying a few methods of cleaning naturally. I moved onto trying muriatic acid. Stinky. This stuff is powerful, but the concrete does look much brighter. Follow the directions on the bottle for use.

Painting

Oh how I love paint. Almost anything can be painted. Paint is a relatively inexpensive way to make things look new or different. Some things that can be easily painted to add curb appeal include: front door, trim around doors and windows, light fixtures, hardware, décor, concrete, and patio furniture.

A painted front door can make a statement from across the neighborhood. The options are endless; neutrals, bights, whites, and my fav: black.

A wooden or concrete porch can be stenciled, stained, or painted to create a unique look that reflects your personal style.

A rusty faded light fixture can be given new life with a good cleaning and a couple coats of paint. I did this last year and was amazed how my light fixture turned out. Also, it saved me about $100 for a new one. I prefer this paint for outdoor fixtures.

New Hardware

If it’s in the budget or the old ones are not in good working order, another statement piece is door hardware. A new handle, door bell, light fixture, or knocker can draw attention to the porch. I love keyless entry door handles, saves on the hassle of digging for keys a the bottom of my bag.

Porch Décor

Through DIY projects, ones bought at craft shows, or through ETSY, there are so many cute pieces to add to your front porch. Signs, planters, wreaths, and flowers all make beautiful additions. Look how cute this DIY Address Number Planter looks against the brick. Signs and wreaths can be changed out each season for simple décor variation.

Patio Furniture.

Another item you may not think of that draws attention to your front of house area is patio furniture. If after washing them they still look a little drab consider changing out the cushions and painting (or staining) the frames. If it’s in the budget buy a new set (end of season they are usually on clearance).

Flower Power.

The best way to add curb appeal to your yard and porch is though fresh flowers. Potted, planted, hanging, window boxes; they all look stunning and draw your eye to them. I have been loving all of the DIY planters lately; they look gorgeous filled with flowers. Not to mention DIY planters are customizable for you space and taste, inexpensive, and easy to make.

Land Scaping

Trimming and Pruning.

Last on the list and potentially the most labor intensive is landscaping. Inexpensive ways to add curb appeal is by trimming bushes and trees, weeding, and manual edging. So much can be done for free if you already have some basic tools. There are inexpensive nippers for pruning bushes, a manual edger, and a weed tool. There are more expensive options that make the work go faster and easier. However, if you are on a budget it can still be done.

Edging and weeding alone will make a world of a difference. Clean lines and lush green grass are always appealing. This manual edging tool is great for those who don’t yet have the funds for an electric one. Weed and feed or manually pulling all weeds at the root will get rid of those pesky dandelions. Additionally, taking the time each spring to trim bushes and trees will keep them healthy and at an appropriate size.

Flower Bed Fill Material.

Other landscaping ideas that pack a curb appeal punch are removing old and adding new rocks or mulch to flower beds along with a mow strip/ retaining wall. These tasks can get pretty pricy if you hire out, but if they are done by you, there is only the cost of the supplies/tools.

If removing old landscaping material, consider where the old material may be disposed of at. Options include family, friends, or neighbors; ad on Craigslist or Facebook market place, or last resort the landfill (avoid). Rocks last forever while mulch will need some replacing each year. Personally, there is something about fresh black mulch that I adore. Once weed barrier and new fill material is placed, consider adding plants and flowers to the area. Flower beds don’t need a physical barrier between the flower beds and the lawn. However, I think there is something to a retaining wall/ mow strip.

Mow Strip / Garden Bed Edging.

After continuously placing rocks back to their garden beds I have added to my lost, adding a mow strip as a physical barrier between garden beds and the lawn. This should be a relatively simple project (I just fixed an uneven patio edge, that’s a bit of experience) to install while retaining walls can be more time and labor intensive. A simple mow strip that would keep the new mulch in its designated area while allowing me to mow right up to the bed should do. This type of edge is low maintenance; no string trimmer or weed whacker needed.

Final Thoughts.

That wraps up the list of ways to add curb appeal to your house easily, on a budget, and for a big impact. Through cleaning, painting, new décor and hardware, and landscaping; you too can have a fresh beautiful front of house that will make the neighbors stare!

So, which curb appeal items will you be adding to your list of projects this year? Do you like flowers in garden beds or in pots and planters? Let me know in the comments section down below. Also, please share before and after pictures of all the hard work you have done!