Houses with Curb Appeal: Ideas and Inspiration

My daughter has been on the hunt for a new home and it’s been slim pickings in today’s real estate market. Luckily for me, she often asks me to tour the houses with her. I have to confess, the more curb appeal the home has, the more likely we want to see it. Sure, there are some houses for sale that have a great layout, but the exterior is unappealing so it’s immediately crossed off the list. Today I’ve got some inspirational photos of charming homes with a great first impression.

 

I understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what one person likes, another might not. My daughter Bridget and I have the same taste in both interior and exterior design so we gravitate toward the same houses. This has made her house-hunting process fun for me.

When it comes to curb appeal, attention to details is key. Both the red brick house above and below have plenty of detailed interest in the way of trim work. The front yards are tidy with a nice display of landscaping that enhances the home.

 

A front porch is a sure-fire way to boost a home’s appeal. The front door is flanked by oval-shaped side windows that add to the overall charm. Windows are two-toned with a darker shade outlining the mullions. If you don’t have a lot of trim on your home, this two-toned approach is a great way to add some custom detailing with a can of paint.

 

 

Personally, I prefer colorful homes – especially if they’re of the Victorian variety. I think color adds a cheery vibe in a day and age when neutral exteriors are the trend. Add a good-sized flower garden in front and it says “welcome home.”

 

Even a purple-hued home can exude charm and curb appeal. I found this house in the nearby town of Naperville, Illinois. This beauty also uses a two-toned approach to painting windows.

 

 

How about a pink house? When I moved to my current house, it was painted pink. I later changed it to yellow. Although I liked the pink exterior, it was faded and needed an update.

 

Of course, a home’s exterior doesn’t have to be colorful to embrace curb appeal. This home in neutral tones combines clapboard siding with stone and is perfectly nestled among the trees.

 

A small lakefront cottage exudes charm and interest with its many windows and stonework. Note the scalloped edging on the eave above the front door.

 

And who can resist the appeal of a Nantucket-style home? Especially if it has window boxes? Flower boxes under the window is a super easy way to add instant curb appeal to your house.

 

Here’s a few more colorful home inspiration photos that caught my eye.

 

 

Getting back to my daughter’s house hunt, she and her husband placed offers on three different houses over the course of a couple months. They lost their bid on the first two due to multiple offers being made, and were biting their nails waiting for a response on the third house. Fortunately, they made a bid shortly after the house came on the market and their offer was accepted! It’s my favorite of any of the houses they looked at. Once they take possession, I’ll snap some photos to share with you.

 

See More Homes with Curb Appeal:

13 Blue Houses with Plenty of Charm

Victorian Houses with Fancy Details

12 Charming Yellow Houses

Scandinavian Houses: Let’s Take a Trip!

13 Houses with Great Curb Appeal