As much as we like to focus on the interior design of our homes, it surely does not hurt to pay a little attention to the outside appearance as well. And these are just a few ideas on how to make this appearance more appealing:
Refurbish & Redecorate
You do not necessarily have to look like those old couples from movies, sitting all day on their front porch looking at random passers-by. But surely it would be satisfying knowing you have the luxury of enjoying the view of your front yard by relaxing on your deck. Observe your front porch as another room and try to match it with the rest of the house. Pick quality wooden furniture, a few comfy rocking chairs, a table and you are all set.
Have a Focal Point
A good trick that can greatly transform the overall appearance of your home is adding a focal point. This does not automatically have to be something humongous or extravagant as there are much easier ways to attract attention. For instance, painting your front door in a bright colour that does not match the exterior can serve as a great addition to the space. The same goes for window frames. If you are feeling bold, you can also try placing a classy sculpture or a fountain in your front yard.
Take a Step Forward
Contrary to popular belief, the porch is not the only thing worthy of attention. So the best way to begin is from the starting point – the gate. An unusual gate or fence design is also a good way to embellish your property. But what is equally important is the path leading to the front door. Cobbled stones or gravel paths make wonderful additions to your home, especially if they are clean and free from garbage.
Liven It Up
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the exterior design is managing the front yard. Depending on the size of your yard you can always do some slight landscaping that will beautify your space. Topiary plants are always a nice choice, but it is good to know that you can always count on perennials to the job. Container plants and landscaped beds are also a nice addition, especially as they add colour and life to the yard.
Shed Some Light
Proper illumination always plays a huge role as it greatly contributes to the overall ambience of the space. Ambience lighting in the garden is crucial, but also lighting up your paths can make a big difference. Illuminating your front porch with statement lights is a bold move which can be very effective.
Do Not Forget the Façade
The facade of your house represents its personality. Before you decide to give it a fresh coat of paint, remember to spruce it up a bit. Rendering and re-pointing the facade is also an important part of the beautification process. Also, do not forget that well done cladding is still one of the best choices to completely alter the look of your exterior.
The Power of Colour
During redecorating projects never underestimate what colour can do to change the complete appearance. While most people resort to matching their front porch with the rest of house, you can always opt for a risky move of painting your porch in completely different colours. If you do not wish to go over the top, then it is a good idea to include an accent detail or perhaps different coloured lighting.
Almost always we can hear people saying not to judge a book by its covers or that it is on the inside that counts. While this might be true for a lot of things, it does not necessarily have to apply to your home’s exterior. It surely is not a competition, but with these few tips, your home can become that house on the block.