How to quickly and easily improve your Kerb Appeal

Whether you’re trying to sell your home or simply just want it to look a bit nicer and inviting from the outside, there are many ways you can improve the outside image of your house, or its ‘kerb appeal’ as it’s technically known.

Although, as the saying goes, you should never judge a book by its cover, unfortunately, the same can’t be applied to houses and if the front of your home appears nice, you would be surprised how significantly its value can increase and how much it can lift the spirits not just of other people, but your own as well, as you return home to something inviting after a day of work. Here are a few tips and tricks to make strangers think you have your life together…

Paint your Front Door

Let’s start simple but effective. You may have heard it before but you will honestly be amazed what a simple lick of paint can do and how much of a difference it can make – scruffy front doors are bound to sell the rest of your house short. Of course, colour options are endless and it really does depend on the look you are going for, but it might be worth considering a few things when choosing.

If you want your home to stand out and follow the latest trends, think bold colours such as cerise pink or pillar box red with a high gloss finish which is both stylish and quirky. However, if you haven’t got the nerve, black can be really effective and look smart and pastel colour such as sage and duck egg blue can give a really calm and serene vibe to your home. Also, if you’re not a fan of a clean, glossy finish, then you can opt for a matte makeover which can look super smart.

Clean your Windows!

We all know that keeping the windows clean can definitely be a challenge, especially when miniature people like to stick their fingerprints all over them, but there really is nothing worse than dirty, smudged windows so make sure they are spruced up from time to time (even if it’s just the front ones!). You might also want to think about replacing any rotten window frames, this will not only look better but will also improve your home’s insulation.

Think about Lighting

An important factor when renovating any part of the home is lighting. Often overlooked, it is amazing what a difference it can make when chosen carefully. When re-vamping the front of your home, porch or outdoor lighting is a must. For best results, place lights either side of your door to add a bit of symmetry, or hide lights in trees or bushes for a subtle glow. There are some gorgeous light designs available, from understated and contemporary to beautiful Victorian lanterns – just remember to control your excitement – anything too over the top might look a little brash!

Have a Gate Fitted

Whether you have a big driveway or a tiny little walkway, a gate will give your home a more of a ‘complete’ feel and deals it off somewhat from the rest of the street, making it seem a little more private. I’m not talking huge wrought iron gates complete with intercom, but even a subtle wooden gate can just finish off the look perfectly – most gates can be fitted without planning permission, but it always best to check first – just to be on the safe side!

Flowers and Greenery

Even if you’re not a keen gardener, have severe hayfever or just don’t like plants and flowers, there is no denying that a bit of greenery can cheer up any front lawn. Plant a few flowers or bushes to brighten the appearance of your home and who knows – you might even find yourself a new hobby!