As they say, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” The same applies to your home, which is why I was so excited to add a little curb appeal to ours!
Remove
We removed dated and out of place items like a short railing along the front porch and decorative accents.
We removed dated and out of place items like a short railing along the front porch and decorative accents.
The power of a power wash
Power wash the sidewalks, porch and siding to brighten it up. For windows, I love using window cleaner that connects to the hose. In 5 minutes, they’re gleaming!
Refresh/Repaint
We sanded, primed and painted the front porch swing and replaced the old rusted chain with new chain. Rather than replacing faded shingles {that showed where the old, oversized numbers were}, we flipped them over and will allow them to weather to match the existing shingles.
We sanded, primed and painted the front porch swing and replaced the old rusted chain with new chain. Rather than replacing faded shingles {that showed where the old, oversized numbers were}, we flipped them over and will allow them to weather to match the existing shingles.
Replace
We replaced the front door to create a more inviting entrance and allow light in our foyer.
Update mailbox, hardware and light fixtures
As mentioned above, we removed old, oversized wooden numbers and replaced them with numbers in satin nickel. Our mailbox was previously at the side of our garage, which seemed inconvenient. We added a galvanized envelope mailbox for cottage curb appeal. Large copper lanterns were replaced with a single galvanized goose neck light fixture.
As mentioned above, we removed old, oversized wooden numbers and replaced them with numbers in satin nickel. Our mailbox was previously at the side of our garage, which seemed inconvenient. We added a galvanized envelope mailbox for cottage curb appeal. Large copper lanterns were replaced with a single galvanized goose neck light fixture.
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| galvanized goose neck light fixture |
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| new hardware |
Add or update a fence
We removed the rotted and dated elements of the fence while maintaining the posts. We purchased pickets and sections {depending on the location} which we painted and nailed in. This project couldn’t have been easier, and has added a lot of character! You don’t have to replace your entire fence for curb appeal, just the side facing the street.
Trim trees
Trimming trees not only keeps them healthy, but can also create a great view of your home. After receiving a quote for trimming our trees, I quickly decided it would be another great DIY project! Using a pole pruner, Chris and I successfully trimmed our 3 trees in the front yard. This minimal investment saved us nearly $1,000!
We added water efficient plants and lined another garden with rocks.
Add window box planters
We custom built planters in Spring. They make ordinary windows far more extraordinary and disguise that they’re actually to the garage!
We custom built planters in Spring. They make ordinary windows far more extraordinary and disguise that they’re actually to the garage!
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| diy window box planters overflowing with lavender and pansies |
Add/update furniture
We added 2 white wooden rocking chairs to provide balance and add a little Southern charm to our Midwest home.
We added 2 white wooden rocking chairs to provide balance and add a little Southern charm to our Midwest home.
Add accessories
I created these easy DIY galvanized planters to line our covered front porch with lavender. I used the same concept to create an easy garden hose holder to coordinate {planters work too!} hidden behind hydrangea and a galvanized watering can for convenience. Outdoor pillows are a great decorative element while adding comfort. A wreath and a door mat complete the look, welcoming guests.
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| diy galvanized planters |
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| diy hose holder |
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| sasal & rose wreath |
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| woven rope for a coastal touch |
Add function
The lavender pots repel mosquitos while the rocking chairs provide additional seating for us to watch the girls play and socialize with neighbors. Think about how you use the space and everything seems to fall in place.
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| mosquito repelling plants |
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| fragrant lavender |
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| diy planters |
and a couple of street views of our home…
Just saw this via Lowe’s tweet. Ohmagosh, I’m utterly in love with your home. Those trees are so tall, so beautiful! You’ve definitely added to my “My Housing Project” Pinterest inspiration board. 🙂 Very well done!
Thank you! You’re so kind!
It looks great! Good job cleaning up and accessorizing the front porch. BEAUTIFUL!
Thanks Angela! It’s really helped make it feel like home
Your house looks gorgeous! Where can I find a wreath like that?
Thank you! https://julieblanner.com/2013/03/how-to-preserve-boxwood-wreath.html
You can find them at Williams Sonoma, Target and Etsy. Enjoy!
Thank you Lori & Bellenza Bistro! @mypocketbook, I found it at Pottery Barn
Please, please do tell! Where do I get that mailbox? I NEED it!!!
Amazing how those refurbishing touches you described work so beautifully! Such an inviting home!
It looks beautiful!