25 Ideas & Tips for Adding Curb Appeal to Your Home (2023)

Today I’m sharing a great collection of ideas for updating your home’s exterior and adding curb appeal, with a focus on ideas that will work for our raised ranch 70’s style home exterior makeover.

Whew!

It feels like full-on summer around here the last few days and we’ve still got a month of school left. All this beautiful sunny weather has me super excited and geared up to tackle some outdoor projects (even if there is still quite a list to get to indoors). And if you saw our “before” post a couple of weeks back, you might remember that we are working on giving our new house exterior and front yard a makeover.

So far, we’ve had the concrete work completed and the yard is partially torn up. Our poor neighbours must hate us for having such a disastrous front yard these past few months (and it’s gotten EVEN worse this past week!), but I hope they’ll forgive us once we get these front yard projects tackled and our lawn into better shape.

Curb Appeal

Today I’ve collected some simple ideas for adding curb appeal to your home, even if you have a fairly basic house architecturally (like we do). Of course, there are a few adorable homes thrown in, as well, but I think they each demonstrate a simple concept you can use on any home to spruce up the exterior. I hope you find some inspiration!

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Before I get started on sharing other homes that created curb appeal, I wanted to share the before and after of our old house. We made a big difference with adding new landscaping, but the biggest impact was definitely made by changing out the siding from white vinyl to Hardi-Plank siding in BoothBay Blue.

Our previous home, Before…

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And, After…

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Big change, right? I also think adding the fence and then lush landscaping all around the edges of our yard helped to give it a ton more curb appeal.

You can read about all the changes that we made here:

Adding a Split-Rail Fence

Landscaping with River Rock

Landscaping with Ornamental Grasses

Back Yard Makeover Before and After

(Video) 25 Simple CURB APPEAL BEFORE AND AFTER Ideas you have to see!

Now onto some other homes that have used simple ideas to add or create curb appeal…

You might remember what our house is currently looking like from this post here: Front Yard Makeover BEFORE and Plans…

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I found a couple examples of similar style homes that have been updated beautifully and that are inspiring me in some ways about what we could do.

I would never have pictured blue shingle siding, like we used in our previous house, on a home this style, but I think this lovely blue siding/white trim with a red door definitely shows you don’t have to go completely modern with this style of home. The addition of the pergola over the garage definitely gives it a cottage type of feel, as well. Via Redfin…

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More commonly, you see a modern modern feel added to these homes, keeping with their 60’s and 70’s roots.

I like the dark colour and the cedar facing on this home, but it definitely has more of a mid-century feel then ours does with the peaked roof style. Via flickr

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In fact, the addition of wood coloured siding seems to be a popular way that people update raised ranch or 70s style homes. Via

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This classic split level has been updated with fresh paint, modern garage doors and a modern front door, as well as beautiful landscaping and planters. Replacing our garage doors is definitely further then we want to go, but it does give this older style home a super modern, clean look. Via Belvania

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A siding update can make a big difference, though we plan to just paint ours as it’s still in good shape.This simple split level looks fresh and welcoming with new siding and the dark front door, as well as simple landscaping Via Liz Marie

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(Video) 5 Things You Must Do To Add Curb Appeal!

Another great modern split makeover where they simply freshened it up with paint and wood accents as well as a new door and landscaping. Via The Inspiring Investment

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A simple, ranch bungalow looks fantastic with the addition of wooden posts and a pop of colour on the front door Via Beneath My Heart…

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Even a simple brick bungalow can be cute with a fun paint combination and landscaping! I love the pop of bright colour and modern planters on this home Via East Coast Creative …

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Shutters are always a great way to add character to a simple square home design, as this beautiful duplex Via Young House Love shows. I didn’t think shutters would work on our house, but this design definitely has me rethinking that assumption. The brick steps are a pretty addition, too, aren’t they?

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I love the all creamy white scheme on this updated modern ranch style home. All the greenery pops beautifully against this lovely, neutral backdrop Via Claire Brody Designs…

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I remember watching the episode of Fixer Upper where they redid this beautiful classic ranch style home. I love the addition of the warm wood against the grey exterior. The cedar posts, the rock work, and the ornamental grasses featured in the landscaping are all along the lines of what I have in mind for our home. Via Magnolia…

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Adding curb appeal no matter your home’s style

Of course, cottage and classic styles homes are a favourite with me, and I love how simple it is to add curb appeal and character to these properties. But just because they have more architectural character doesn’t mean that you can’t adopt certain principals when upping the curb appeal on any other style of home…

For example, a black door and shutters pop against neutral siding, and dress it all up with cute seating, window boxes, and lovely landscaping. Via Nesting With Grace…

(Video) Tips on Improving House Curb Appeal

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Landscaping makes such a difference! I mean, this front porch is dreamy, but looks that much better with the pretty plantings adding in front and the hanging fern baskets Via Christina’s Adventures…and creates an inviting space!

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I love the idea of adding a cute little wooden sign beside the door! It definitely ups the wow factor on this simple and classic home exterior Via Start at Home Decor…

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This home is pretty adorable architecturally with the double dormer windows, but I absolutely love the clever character of the wooden door and mullioned windows Via Nest of Posies…

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A classic all white paint scheme looks perfect with the pretty pitched black metal roof on this home Via BHG…aren’t the lanterns a fun touch? And I love how the whole narrow front yard has been landscaped.

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Another classic white home with black and wooden accents Via Newman’s Nest. I like how crisp and fresh this combination feels.Extra curb appeal has been added with some decorative frames on the covered front walkway, as well as a cute little bench and plantings. The wood framed posts are a big feature and simple to do on many homes…

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Again, this house has a lovely pitched roof, but the fresh paint colours and beautiful landscaping are what really set it off beautifully, Via HGTV…

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This front door has such a unique upper window that adds character, but even without that, the minty aqua paint colour is a great way to add a fresh welcome Via Lantern Lane Designs…

(Video) 5 cheap ways to improve your curb appeal when selling your home

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This simple home style has been given extra character and interest with the addition of wooden shutters, and rock work around the craftsman style support post for the front entry. I love the peak at the pretty craftsman style front door, as well, Via One Thrifty Chick…

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Another super classic colour scheme, the red door and brass accents pop against a super neutral gray exterior with black shutters and white trim. The simple shrub landscaping leading up to the front door welcomes you in. So pretty, Via BHG

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How fantastic are these painted striped steps and the pink front door Via Nesting with Grace? It’s amazing how simple changes like these can add so much character to your homes curb appeal! The planters, wreath, lighting, house numbers, mailbox, window boxes, and Adirondack chairs pump up the overall adorable look of this home, as well – each of which are not all that difficult or expensive to add.

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This gorgeous classic Colonial home was given an update with a unique treatment on the brick that sets it off beautifully. Black shutters and a black front door. What more could you want?! Via Bless’er House

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And although this home has much prettier lines then ours, I love the colour scheme of grey with a pop of colour on the door. The front porch and adorable picket fence add to the cottage feel, that I’m still a total sucker for even if this home has a much more modern vibe. Via HGTV

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What did you think? Did you find some inspiration?

Pin it to remember it!

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FAQs

How can I increase my curb appeal easily? ›

16 Easy Ways to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal
  1. Go green. One of the most obvious (and most impactful) ways to boost curb appeal is to add some fresh greenery and flowers. ...
  2. Take care of your lawn. ...
  3. Make your door pop. ...
  4. Let there be light. ...
  5. Embrace symmetry. ...
  6. Makeover your mailbox. ...
  7. Clean your gutters. ...
  8. Add some front door décor.
Sep 14, 2018

How can I make my house exterior look expensive? ›

Talking about greenery, one of the most obvious and most effective ways to boost curb appeal is to add some fresh plants and flowers. To add to your home's exterior appearance, you don't have to create a whole garden – simply add some planters to accentuate and frame key visual points, like windows and entryways.

What is an example of curb appeal? ›

For example, there are several things that can increase the curb appeal of a piece of property that are relatively inexpensive, such as a new paint job, cleaning up landscaping outside, or replacing small things—outdated light fixtures or old numbers on a mailbox.

What are the latest trends in curb appeal? ›

Experts predict that 2022 curb appeal trends are likely to see a rise in the neutrals like creamy white, pale gray, and beige. Homeowners are favoring the warmer tones that make light work of those gray days. If you want to paint your front door this year, choose a color that will stand out against the neutral.

What color has best curb appeal? ›

Classic, timeless colors are the most popular exterior house colors, including white, gray, and neutrals. What exterior house colors increase curb appeal? The same colors that are most popular will add to curb appeal—whites, grays, and neutrals. Other exterior colors that attract attention are black and green.

What color is best for curb appeal? ›

If you're looking for variety in outdoor paint colors, green is the way to go. From deep earthy tones and bright tropical colors to mossy shades and soft muted greens, the many hues can give your house's exterior a traditional feel or a modern flair.

How can I improve the outside of my house? ›

17 Exterior Home Remodeling and Renovation Ideas
  1. Install Fiber Cement Siding. ...
  2. Add Accent Sections. ...
  3. Use a Fresh Coat of Paint. ...
  4. Use a Pop of Trim Color. ...
  5. Update Your Roof. ...
  6. Add a Porch. ...
  7. Add Some Texture. ...
  8. Replace Your Shutters.

Is there an app for curb appeal? ›

Whether you want to boost curb appeal, replace siding, or install a new roof, the HOVER design app helps you quickly and easily see your exterior projects before you build. We transform smartphone photos of your home into a scaled 3D model you can use to see new colors and materials on your home.

What type of maintenance keeps the property looking good with good curb appeal? ›

Painting or re-painting exterior or trim of a home is a relatively simple improvement that pumps up curb appeal.

What shrubs have the best curb appeal? ›

While evergreen shrubs, like boxwoods and hollies, are natural additions to create curb appeal especially in winter, don't discount deciduous shrubs like hydrangeas, witch hazel, and edgeworthia. Dried hydrangea blooms look lovely throughout fall, then add interest when capped by snow.

How important is curb appeal house? ›

Critical For Selling

In a competitive market the homes with the most curb appeal get the most views and the most interest. More interest equals more offers. Real estate experts stress the importance of curb appeal and say that it is one of the most critical factors for success if you are trying to sell your home.

How important is curb appeal to buyers? ›

Curb appeal sets expectations. Prospective buyers are more inclined to look inside if they like what they see on the outside. First impressions make a difference when it comes to selling a home.

What adds the biggest value to a house? ›

Projects That Boost Your Home's Value
  • Remodel the kitchen. Updates to the kitchen pay off. ...
  • Upgrade the appliances. ...
  • Boost the bathrooms. ...
  • Remodel the attic or basement. ...
  • Get decked out. ...
  • Boost curb appeal. ...
  • Improve energy efficiency. ...
  • Swimming Pools.

What DIY adds most value to a house? ›

The most popular home improvement ideas include:
  • Paint the walls.
  • Install crown molding.
  • Update simple fixtures.
  • Install ceiling fans.
  • Install new window treatments.
  • Uncover and refinish hardwood floors.
  • Clean the fireplace.
  • Install new bathroom tile.

What colors make a house look expensive? ›

Fresh Paint will make your Home look Expensive

Light airy neutral paint colors make a room look expensive. Choose from white, beige (yes beige is back!), cream and off-white colors. Dark brown and black are also on trend so will make your interiors look more upscale as well.

What is the most popular exterior house color for 2023? ›

One of the most popular exterior colors for 2023 is Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams. Alabaster (SW 7008) is both timeless and on-trend this year as warmer, off-whites are in for exteriors. No question, this is a rare combination for any modern exterior or interior paint color.

What color house sells fastest? ›

"Generally, going with neutral colors like shades of white, beige, taupe, and grays lead to a faster sale," she shares. "Neutral colors are also more appealing to potential buyers because many want the creative freedom of a blank canvas to add their personal touches to when looking for a new place to call home.

Which color is best for outside of house? ›

Off-white, cream and beige are the Vastu-approved colours for the exterior walls of a home.

What color appeals to buyers? ›

According to data by Kissmetrics, colors influence how we interpret what we purchase. If you're looking to attract impulse buyers, look to red, orange, black, and royal blue. Shoppers on a budget, however, will find navy blue and teal hues appealing.

What color is best for a house? ›

Bright, neutral colors like whites and pale colors will help to make a house look bigger. Just as when it is used for interiors, bright, light colors such as whites, light grays and even pale yellows will reflect light and help to make your property appear larger.

How can I make my front of my house look better on a budget? ›

After that, try these low maintenance curb appeal strategies guaranteed to make your home look great.
  1. Clean up to maximize curb appeal. ...
  2. Revamp the front door. ...
  3. Clean or swap door furniture. ...
  4. Wash and paint windows. ...
  5. Tidy up driveways and walkways. ...
  6. Care for the front yard. ...
  7. Improve the landscaping. ...
  8. Hide trash bins.
Aug 23, 2022

How to update a 70s house exterior? ›

Updating a 1970s House Exterior
  1. Update the Lighting Fixtures. ...
  2. Reclaim Stone Elements with More Natural Allure. ...
  3. Add Brackets and Trim. ...
  4. Refresh the Exterior with Crisp, Modern Color Contrast. ...
  5. Similar Siding Styles, Smarter Fabrication.
Mar 25, 2022

How do I design my own backyard? ›

Steps To Design Your Backyard
  1. Create a Wishlist.
  2. Divide Your Space Into Rooms.
  3. Connect Areas With Pathways.
  4. Draw a Master Plan.
  5. Add Focal Points and Personality.
  6. Choose Plants & Features To Match Maintenance Priorities.
May 31, 2021

What app lets you change your house? ›

Houzz is the No. 1 app for improving and designing your home. Whether you're building, remodeling or decorating, Houzz has you covered.

Which of the three types of maintenance should be most avoided? ›

So Emergency Maintenance is the one and only maintenance type that we really want to avoid as much as possible.

What type of maintenance will cause a property to lose value? ›

Deferred or neglected maintenance

Deferred or neglected maintenance is the fastest way to watch your house depreciate. A small drip from your water heater might not seem like a big deal, until it leaks into your foundation and causes it to crack.

Do new windows help curb appeal? ›

Replacing your home's windows increases not only the curb appeal but also the property value. If you want to leave a lasting impression on guests or think you'll sell your house in the future, the right set of windows will highlight your home's features and greatly enhance its appeal.

What is the fastest growing shrub for privacy? ›

English laurel (or Cherry Laurel) can make an enormous fast-growing hedge. Under the right conditions, it can grow up to 3 feet per year! It does very well in heat. It has glossy evergreen foliage and makes a very attractive large hedge with regular pruning 1-2 times per year.

What is the easiest shrub to maintain? ›

Some of the favorite low-maintenance shrubs include Boxwood, Dwarf Gardenia, Rosemary, and Rhododendron. You can add in a variety of sizes to add some extra curb appeal as well as flowering, evergreen, and deciduous shrubs for the front of your house.

What are the fastest growing shrubs or trees for privacy? ›

With growth rates from 3 to 5 feet per year the fastest growing privacy hedges are Thuja Green Giant, Leyland Cypress, Cryptomeria Radicans, and Wax Myrtle. Carolina Sapphire Cypress, Nellie Stevens Holly, Oakland Holly, and Wavy Leaf Ligustrum offer fast privacy with 2 to 3 feet of upward growth per year.

How do you appeal a split level house curb? ›

Boosting the Curb Appeal for Your Split-Level Home

Try planting tall trees next to the house to help make it appear more balanced. You can also use cascading plants to soften the transitions between levels, making the exterior look less choppy and more appealing.

How does a portico add to a house curb appeal? ›

Curb Appeal

A beautiful portico can set your home apart and add dimension to its façade. It highlights the front door and adds ambiance to your home's entrance. It's also a great place to show off your lighting and decorating skills during any holiday season.

What are the benefits of curbing? ›

Curb Benefits

Curbs protect the pavement's edges from damage & deterioration. Curbs make the street sweeper's jobs more accessible by providing a debris collection exit on the swales. Curb help to curb the dangers of nighttime driving by reflecting distinct road edges.

Why is curbing important? ›

Curbs help to keep vehicular traffic in the streets and off the sidewalks where they could injure a pedestrian. If they are high enough (between 4 and 8 inches as recommended by PennDOT) they do, in fact help keep traffic in the streets and away from pedestrians.

What defines a curb offer? ›

A curb offer is when a buyer makes an offer on a house without seeing it first. Curb offers are usually used in investment real estate when the owner does not want to disturb their tenants. We are seeing situations where the sellers are being overwhelmed with showings for their house.

Is there an app for Curb Appeal? ›

Whether you want to boost curb appeal, replace siding, or install a new roof, the HOVER design app helps you quickly and easily see your exterior projects before you build. We transform smartphone photos of your home into a scaled 3D model you can use to see new colors and materials on your home.

How can I make my house look bigger on the street? ›

Paint it something lighter because light colors and neutrals will make it seem like a more prominent structure. Dark colors close off the exterior, while lighter colors reflect light to make the look of a home more expansive and wider.

How do you make your house look bigger with landscaping? ›

Use color to your advantage.

What is this? The colors featured by the plants in your garden can help make the space seem bigger. For example, the human eyes is drawn to warm colors such as red, yellow or orange and cool colors such as blue, green or purple appear to blend in with the landscape.

What is the cheapest way to cover the outside of a house? ›

Vertical and horizontal planks are the most affordable siding types; and vinyl and aluminum are the most economical materials. Use our Siding Calculator, to get an accurate price estimate for different types of siding.

How can I make my house exterior look modern? ›

5 Ways to Modernize your Home's Exterior
  1. Repaint Old Doors or Window Shutters. Make a statement by repainting your front door a fresh, bold color. ...
  2. Spruce Up Your Landscaping. ...
  3. Fix Any Imperfections. ...
  4. Improve the Lighting. ...
  5. Decorate the Front Porch.
Aug 10, 2022

What is the best app to change the color of the exterior of your house? ›

Home Harmony is the perfect all-in-one tool for designing a room or exterior. Choose a new paint color and test it or choose new flooring to try. The app is easy to use and makes switching between paint brands such as Behr a breeze.

How do I redesign the outside of my house? ›

From siding to accents, keep your home looking its best with these 17 ideas.
  1. Install Fiber Cement Siding. ...
  2. Add Accent Sections. ...
  3. Use a Fresh Coat of Paint. ...
  4. Use a Pop of Trim Color. ...
  5. Update Your Roof. ...
  6. Add a Porch. ...
  7. Add Some Texture. ...
  8. Replace Your Shutters.

What color makes house look bigger? ›

Making the exterior of your home a light color is the best way to make your home look larger, brighter, and more inviting. Light colors such as white, ivory, pale gray, and sage green reflect higher amounts of light than dark colors, tricking the eye into perceiving the home as larger than it is.

How can I make my house look better without buying anything? ›

How to Make Your House a Home Without Spending Any Money
  1. Rearrange your furniture. ...
  2. Make use of those old paint cans. ...
  3. Put old fabric swatches to use. ...
  4. Freshen up the linens. ...
  5. Display your wares. ...
  6. Mirror, Mirror on the wall. ...
  7. Put your unused fireplace to good use. ...
  8. Pull the photo boxes out from under the bed.
Jun 13, 2022

How do you make a landscape look expensive? ›

10 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Space Look Expensive
  1. Mow Your Lawn. ...
  2. Pick A Decor Style. ...
  3. Coordinate Furniture. ...
  4. Create Distinct Areas. ...
  5. Add Lighting. ...
  6. Make a Grand Entrance. ...
  7. Add Decor. ...
  8. Make Repairs.

What makes a house look bigger? ›

Use contrasts and light colors

In the design world, it's well known that light paint colors make a room look bigger and brighter. Light and bright walls are more reflective, making a space feel open and airy, which helps maximize natural light's effect. Dark shades tend to absorb light, making rooms feel smaller.

What is the least expensive way to add on to a house? ›

Finishing a basement, attic, or garage is one of the more inexpensive ways to add a room to your home as you won't need to add a foundation, roof, or structural elements.

What is the best to put on outside of a house? ›

Offering the look of masonry, stucco or wood at a lower cost, fiber-cement siding has become a popular siding choice for many homeowners. Fiber-cement siding is low-maintenance, non-flammable and termite-resistant. Available in a range of styles and textures, factory painting or finishes are highly recommended.

Videos

1. EASY CURB APPEAL TIPS | BOOST THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME
(A Charming Abode)
2. Tips to Improve Curb Appeal | Brother vs. Brother | HGTV
(HGTV)
3. Top 5 DIY Landscaping TIPS to IMPROVE Curb Appeal #DIY #shorts #doityourself #curbappeal #landscape
(Top Stellar)
4. 4 Simple Ways to Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal | Allstate Insurance
(Allstate)
5. Easy and effective ways to add curb appeal
(Cityline)
6. Landscape Design Ideas to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal
(Real Talk with Daniel Flores)

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