10 Ways to Create Curb Appeal

In just one month we could see daffodils and tulips springing up in the yard. I can’t wait!! I like to get a jump start on gardening by planning now while there’s still snow on the ground. A quick look through photos on Houzz has given me landscaping ideas for this summer. Since our house is newly painted, the yard is going to need a little spiffing up, so here’s 10 ways to create curb appeal. Let me know which ideas you like best!

Landscape by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Create a Gated Arbor. I have always admired arbors with gates leading to the front door.  My neighbor across the street has an arbor (not as elaborate as this one) covered in beautiful pink roses. She has quite the green thumb!

 

Traditional Exterior by Woburn Building Supplies RHEINZINK

Plant Flowering Bushes. We have 3 overgrown bushes in front of the house that produce tiny white fragrant flowers for about 2 weeks. We chopped them way back when we painted the house. I don’t know if they’ll survive and I’m hoping they don’t because they grow too big. I like the idea of adding a massive spread of low-lying flowering bushes like these beautiful azaleas.

 

Eclectic Entry by New York Photographers Rikki Snyder

Paint the Front Door a Fun Color. Well, I can check this one off my list because we painted our front door a fun aqua color.  I like how this homeowner painted a nearby wagon the same color green. I may need to find an object to place in the front yard and give it the same coat of aqua paint as our front door.

 

Traditional Exterior by Guilford Architects & Building Designers CK Architects

Plant a Cottage Garden. I don’t know what it is about a messy flower garden that appeals to me so much. It probably stems from my childhood when I’d have to weed the garden with my mother. She was meticulous about her yard and any stray leaf that fell into the garden had to be removed. It just seemed so unnatural to me to remove all that stuff. I don’t know if I’m brave enough to attempt a messy cottage garden on my own though. I’d be afraid it would look too … well, messy and haphazard.  Sigh.

 

Traditional Exterior by Bozeman Architects & Building Designers Goff Architecture

Create a Walled Dining Space. I’ve seen front yard dining spaces on my many walks and find them quite charming. You just need to be a social person to do this, in my opinion, because you know the neighbors will want to stop and join you if they see you enjoying a beverage and good food. I remember how my mother used to duck inside every time she saw Mr. Johnson coming down the street because he would talk forever and ever and never let you get a word in edgewise.

 

Newmarket Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Woodburn & Company Landscape Architecture, LLC

Add Flower Boxes. I can check this idea off my list, too. One of the first things we added to the exterior of our home to improve curb appeal was flower boxes. I’ve installed them on every house I’ve ever owned. It’s a great way to add color and softness to the front of your home.

 

Traditional Entry by Newport Beach Architects & Building Designers P2 Design

Create an Inviting Entryway. This home beckons you to visit with its white picket fence, cheery red door, attractive lanterns, and welcoming front bench. Navy blue shutters complement the door. That’s one thing I’m seriously considering adding this year … shutters. I’ve thought about it for a long time and I think this is the year to make that happen.

 

Traditional Exterior by New York Architects & Building Designers Wettling Architects

Add a Picket Fence. I would love to have a white picket fence gracing the front of our home. This one is doubly charming with day lilies planted alongside, their pretty heads dancing high above.

 

Traditional Exterior by Tampa Photographers Mina Brinkey

Create a Symmetrical Landscape. If you don’t trust yourself to place plantings in an pleasing manner, why not create a symmetrical layout? That way you don’t have to keep eyeing things on either side of your front walk … you simply mirror the look which takes less brain power. Symmetrical landscapes tend to be more formal and orderly looking.

 

Farmhouse Landscape by Wayland Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers a Blade of Grass

Substitute Perennials for Evergreens. Rather than plant the proverbial row of evergreen bushes in front of your house, why not use bushy perennials instead? Hostas are great for shady areas and come in a wide variety of types and shades of green. Easy to grow, they pair well with all types of flowers.

Did you find any ideas you’d like to add to improve your curb appeal this year?

Click on any of the above photos to visit their location on Houzz. You’ll find oodles of inspiration over there!