5 Exterior Design Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

It is often said that the quality of a home lies in its bones. Although it is hard to argue against the importance of a home’s foundational elements, there is no denying that the only way to make that all-important first impression is through curb appeal. With no shortage of stunning residences that turn the heads of passersby, a home with a dilapidated exterior can quickly be written off in such a competitive environment. With this in mind, keep reading for 5 exterior design ideas to increase your home’s curb appeal!

1. Add Stylish Landscaping Accents

Throughout the country, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to reduce the water and maintenance requirements for their lawns. One landscaping idea is to use a modern approach that substitutes decomposed granite for grass to create a stylish and sustainable exterior aspect. Another concept would be to apply flagstone or ceramic decking tiles to high-traffic areas of the exterior, such as walkways or patios, to keep grass from wearing down and keeping these areas looking pristine in all conditions. 

2. Upgrade the Siding

Quality siding is one of the most crucial aspects of guaranteeing curb appeal, with cracked and faded siding panels significantly aging a home that is in otherwise solid condition. While classic products such as wood planks and brick are undoubtedly homey and attractive when new, they require a rigorous maintenance schedule to keep their insulative and aesthetic qualities intact. Wood must be painted every 2 to 3 years, and brick must be sealed along a similar timeframe to prevent moisture damage. In addition, wood siding that falls behind on its treatment schedule is at extreme risk of fire and pest damage. 

Therefore, it is a great idea to eschew these time-consuming options for a more modern steel log, fiber cement, or vinyl shake siding installation. Each of these manufactured siding options are not susceptible to the forces of nature in the same way that wood and brick are, lowering maintenance requirements and keeping the home’s siding pristine in all seasons. Furthermore, most providers of these inorganic siding materials can fabricate their products in such a way as to closely resemble natural wood or stone, making them a strong choice for homeowners who want rustic curb appeal without the moisture, fire, or pest concerns. 

3. Consider Swapping Concrete for a Gravel Driveway

Concrete driveways are typically the go-to choice for homeowners, with little consideration given to other styles. However, homeowners commonly become frustrated when their new concrete driveways develop cracks mere months after installation. 

As a result, it is worthwhile to consider the upside of installing a permeable gravel driveway in place of concrete. How much does it cost to gravel a driveway? Most projects that include gravel, permeable paver grids, and professional service will run anywhere between $8 and $10 per square foot. While this may or may not be more expensive than a comparable concrete driveway, it is important to remember that the ongoing costs of maintenance will be significantly lower for permeable gravel driveways. The innovative paver grids that hold the gravel in place are made of 100% recycled plastic that is incredibly durable and will not get damaged by torsion or compressive forces. They will hold the gravel in place in the face of erosion or water runoff, ensuring a consistently stylish driveway for your home that concrete cannot match over time. 

4. Install a Deck

Installing a deck to give passersby a firsthand glimpse into the potential for stepping outside and enjoying the beautiful weather on a daily basis is sure to boost the value of your home. Some ideas for maximizing the enjoyment of your deck include choosing composite decking boards that don’t have to be regularly stained, adding hog panel deck railing around the stairs and periphery to ensure safety without blocking views, and installing a louvered pergola to provide some shade. 

5. Perform an Entry Door Project

If the rest of the exterior is stunning but the entry door is shabby, your home still doesn’t say “welcome.” While stately steel, fiberglass, or divided glass entry doors can create a “wow” factor for your home, even something as simple as staining your classic wood door can go a long way toward giving the home a facelift. Another idea is to add some door trim around the entryway to create an element of contrast that will attract visitors to your doorstep.

Give Attention to Detail and Increase Your Curb Appeal

While people strive for pristine curb appeal wherever they live, it just feels like a stunning exterior is put under the microscope against the breathtaking backdrop of your home. To help get your home up to par, stone landscaping accents, modern siding, gravel driveways, deck additions, and updated entry doors are 5 exterior design projects to boost your home’s curb appeal!

Author Bio:

Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on real estate. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource.