These clever curb appeal ideas will beautify your home, whether you're ready to put the house on the market or you want the cutest yard on the block!
20 Smart Ways to Boost Curb Appeal
Updated on Nov. 24, 2023
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Green up your grass
Everyone knows the most important feature of a good-looking front yard is the grass. Make sure yours is healthy and the perfect shade of green by applying fertilizer. The best time to do it is in the fall, when the grass is dormant and the roots are soaking up nutrients for the next growing season.
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Give your mailbox a makeover
Don’t ignore your mailbox! Real estate expert Tomas Satas says, “Create a border around the post and plant some flowers at the base. Give the box a fresh coat of paint that matches the trim of the house and put some new numbers on the side.” It won’t cost much, either. “You’ll be amazed at the difference about $30 and an hour of your time can make on curb appeal,” he says.
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Upgrade landscaping
You don’t have to redo your whole yard to improve curb appeal. A new layer of mulch and a row of matching shrubs will make a big impact. Choose quick-growing species, or buy larger plants to see faster results.
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Add window boxes
Home decor and DIY expert Jenna Shaughnessy says, “Everyone loves flowers, and adding them to low maintenance vinyl window boxes will charm to your home’s exterior. My favorite flowers that are sure to stop passers-by in their tracks are petunias, impatiens bacopa and creeping jenny to drape down the front.” You can even buy plants online.
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Pressure wash the driveway
Wash away oil, mold and grime from your driveway with a pressure washer. Invest in a top-rated model for less than $200, or rent one from a local home improvement store.
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Add walkway lights
“Change and add lighting to your front walk and entryway to brighten the space up,” says real estate expert Tyler Forte. Look for simple solar or battery-powered lights and place them along the walkway leading up to your front door.
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Update address numbers
A new set of address numbers won’t cost much, but makes a surprisingly big improvement on your curb appeal. Look for a style that matches the aesthetic of your house, in a contrasting color that will pop against the exterior.
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Create a front porch sitting area
A couple of chairs, an end table and maybe an outdoor rug are all you need to create a welcoming and attractive sitting area on your front porch. Bonus points for adding colorful pillows and potted plants! Check out some of our favorite pieces of patio furniture.
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Paint the front door
Painting the front door is a no-brainer when it comes to boosting curb appeal. Try a true black or deep navy for a classic and sophisticated look. Or stand out from the rest of the neighborhood with a bold front door color like a rich green or sunny yellow. Then, put a welcome mat in the entryway.
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Hang window shutters
Exterior window shutters add architectural interest and a pop of color to your home’s exterior. We recommend a vinyl shutter to get the same look without the maintenance worries of wood.
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Clean windows
Speaking of windows—sparkling clean windows are essential to a beautiful home. Forget the complicated recipes, all you need is a couple gallons of hot water and few drops of dish soap. The secret weapon to a streak-free job is a quality squeegee.
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Bring in a border
“Border the driveway, porch or walkway. Brick or stone pavers between driveways or walkways and the lawn make fantastic visual accents,” says remodeling expert Jon Jordan. The border can make a home’s exterior appear more clean and professionally designed, he adds.
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Update door hardware
We talked about giving your front door a new coat of paint—but don’t overlook the hardware. A sleek new handle will upgrade the whole look of your entryway. If you’re feeling ambitious, add a matching knocker.
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Adorn entry with potted plants
Choose a few potted plants to flank your entryway or lead up the porch steps. Pick pots within the same color family for a cohesive look, and make sure they’re a substantial size. (Tiny pots will just make the area look cluttered). This is where to find houseplants online, according to our plant pro.
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Add a fence
Amp up the charm with a picket fence, or go more modern with a horizontal plank fence. Either way, a fence will define your property border, add interest to your yard and improve the overall look of your home.
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Control weeds and debris
Keep your yard looking pristine with regular clean-ups and weed control. If you opt to pull weeds, make sure to get the whole root or the weed will keep growing. You can also try powdered weed preventer or a weed spray killer.
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Don’t forget the garage
Make your garage door shine with a fresh coat of paint. Use a brush to apply paint to the recessed panels, and then a roller to complete the job. Choose a color to complement the rest of your home.
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Consider stone veneer
If your home lacks architectural details, consider adding stone veneer. It comes in endless shapes and colors to match any aesthetic. Use it to accent the entry or along the bottom section of your home as an exterior wainscoting detail.
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Upgrade the porch light
Switch out your dusty old porch light with a new upgraded style. Go for an integrated LED light, like this sleek black wall lantern, and you’ll never have to worry about replacing bulbs!
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Plant wow-worthy flower beds
Flowers add instant curb appeal. For a high-impact look, stick to two alternating colors. Or if you like the English garden style, go wild with varieties and colors. Flowers look best along a pathway, lining the front of the yard or gathered close to the base of the house.
