Summer is officially here and with summer comes festivals, vacations, and everyone is enjoying activities outside. You want your yard to be one of the best looking yards in the neighborhood, so you should add a little add curb appeal. For those of you that don’t know, curb appeal is how attractive your yard and the surrounding area looks from the street. This article will talk about ten ways to add curb appeal to any size yard this summer.
1. Install Outdoor Lighting
Your yard will get an instantly updated look, as well as curb appeal by installing outdoor lighting. You can use them to add lighting to your trees or bushes, illuminate the front of your home, showcase a patio, or light a pathway. If you don’t want to deal with hiding cords and to have a higher electric bill, invest in solar lights and lanterns.
2. Create an Instant Garden
An instant garden can be as small or as large as you want it to be. Go to a garden center and pick out your favorite plants and containers to begin this easy project. Plant your containers and set up your garden area where you want people to gather. This space can be on a patio, deck, porch, or virtually anywhere in your yard. It will add a fun element to your yard or garden, as well as a welcoming feel. Because you plant containers, you can move them around to suit your needs.
3. Paint Your Front Door, or Your Shutters
Pick out a color that goes well with your home’s exterior and repaint your front door and your shutters. This simple trick will give your home an instant facelift. Your budget won’t be stretched too far by doing this because you will only need a small amount of paint. If you purchase an exterior paint, you won’t have to worry about it fading, peeling, cracking, or looking weathered for years to come.
4. Keep Your Lawn Manicured
You should mow your lawn at least once each week to keep it looking manicured and attractive. If you either purchase or borrow a good brand of mower, this task will be an easy one to keep on top of, even for the busiest schedule. A manicured, well-kept yard is always nice to see, and your neighbors will appreciate it as well.
5. Add a Few Pieces of Outdoor Art
You can give any yard a dose of curb appeal by adding a few pieces of outdoor art. You should look for pieces that are both weather-resistant and waterproof as they will be exposed to the elements. If you’re worried about the pieces matching your home’s aesthetic, pick out more traditional pieces like a bird bath, metal bench, fountain, or gate will compliment almost any home. This is also an easy way to add a touch of whimsey to your yard. Look for fun wind chimes and conversation pieces.
6. Install Flower Baskets or Boxes
Flower baskets, and boxes can add pops of color all over your yard. You can add them to your outdoor art pieces, porch or deck railings, or under your windows. They come ready to install, or you can make your own for a quick afternoon project. Choose bright flowers and trailing vines to draw people’s attention, and you can use them to attract butterflies as well.
7. Cover Exposed Foundation
Old foundation can be an eyesore for anyone to look at day in and day out. To add curb appeal, you can purchase ready-made panels that look like stone. They are inexpensive and easy to install to give your home a classy look. Simply measure your foundation and buy the tiles to your measurements, install them and you have a pretty faux stone foundation.
8. Hide your AC Unit
If you have an AC unit by your house, you know it tends to draw people’s eyes, and not in a good way. You can disguise your unit by putting a small fence or shrubs around to hide your AC unit. However, please remember that you can’t block air flow to the unit because this will cause it to burn out quicker.
9. Update or Paint Your Mailbox
As long as you double check you’re in compliance with your city or town’s regulations, update your mailbox. Something as simple as a bright, cheerful coat of paint can work wonders on adding a little curb appeal. You can also add some stacked brick up the mailbox’s pole to give it a fun, dated look.
10. Install New House Numbers
Installing new house numbers is an excellent way to spruce up the front of your house. You want something that will add shine so look for house number made out of brass, steel, or aluminum. You should try to match them to your existing door handles or light fixtures. If you can’t find any you like, there are DIY kits for sale as well.
This article has gone over ten easy and inexpensive ways to add instant curb appeal to any home, garden, or yard. If you take the time to research and buy the best equipment for your needs, you may even find yourself enjoying all of the work you put into your home. You will be able to take an immense amount of pride in your home, garden, or yard. You never know, it could even become the house your neighbors are envious over.
