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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.

A beautiful village house with a garden  in a rural area

 

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.

Folk Victorian home with full front porch

 

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.

Large Cape Cod style home with full front porch and enhanced landscaping

 

Large Cape Cod style home with full front porch and enhanced landscaping

 

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.”

Blue Victorian home with plenty of curb appeal

 

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.

Purple Victorian Home with Curb Appeal

 

Purple Victorian Home with Curb Appeal

 

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.

Beautiful pink Victorian house with porch and balcony surrounded by a white picked fence.

 

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.

Rustic Tudor home in the country

 

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.

Lone cottage on stone small island

 

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.

Flower Window on Cape Cod Nantucket Home

 

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

Yellow Victorian house with front porch and pretty landscaping

 

Red Swedish style home in the country

 

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

 

 

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5 Comments

  1. Can’t wait to see the house your daughter bought! Hopefully she’ll let you get in on the decor designing too. Something to look forward to and a reason to shop:0)
    I enjoy looking at others exteriors and how they create their spaces. It has to feel and look like “home” to me. I want people who come by to have a sense of comfort, feel welcomed and maybe a moment of peace.

  2. These all have their own special piece to add to their charm. I love these tours and seeing these charming old home and the care they are given. Thanks and so happy for your daughter.

  3. Really enjoyed looking at these wonderful exteriors. A lot of character and no cookie cutter houses. Fun. Can’t wait to see pictures of your daughter’s new home.