24 Curb Appeal Ideas to Make Your Home Stand Out

3. Door Decor

The easiest and fastest way to freshen up your front door is with decorations. Visit your local florist for a dried flower wreath that will last for years. Or, you can get crafty and make your own. Try making this cottage-style DIY front door wreath from Sarah Joy. It takes less than an hour to make, and the materials only cost around $20.

5. Add Furniture

A seating area with comfortable seating makes a big difference in curb appeal and gives the look of a house an inviting vibe. Rockers, Adirondack chairs, and versatile outdoor benches are front porch favorites because they exude a sense of welcoming that encourages guests to pull up a seat and relax. Adding in a pair of coordinating accent tables to hold drinks or decor is also a good idea.

PRO TIP:

Don't overcrowd the space. Instead, go for open and uncluttered, using enough furniture for seating visitors while still allowing them room to stretch their legs.

PRO TIP:

Make sure the lightbulbs you use are all the same (or complementing) color. Otherwise, the clashing hues can be an eyesore. 

7. Add Shade 

The addition of shade adds curb appeal because it lets potential buyers imagine more opportunities to unwind outside since they'll be protected from the sun and rain. Building a roof is a great shade option, but if that doesn't fit your budget or your personal style, consider installing pergolas or retractable awnings, or planting shade trees.

9. Mailbox Makeover

Mailboxes are one of the first things visitors notice since they're located right on the road. Replace your outdated mailbox with a new version, or give your current mailbox a fresh new look by repainting it and planting flowers at the base. Browse Etsy for loads of mailbox design inspiration—some even come personalized with your address numbers on them. This inexpensive project is a simple way to increase your home's curb appeal.

10. New House Numbers

Catch the eye of a "drive-by buyer" with new house numbers. According to a Moving.com article, updating your house numbers is an easy and affordable way to add to your home's curb appeal. Shop online or head to your local home improvement store to find address numbers for your home’s exterior. Choose new numbers in a font that's easy to read and fits the look of your home.

11. Clean Up Your Yard

Completing yard work like mowing the lawn, sweeping your driveway and walkway, and pulling weeds can do wonders for your home's appearance. In fact, according to a 2019 HomeLight report, nearly 91% of the surveyed real estate agents believe basic yard care is the best project you can complete to increase your home's curb appeal.

1. Desired use: A large lawn where your kids or dogs can run and play will require more maintenance than a decorative flower garden filled with perennials and evergreen shrubs surrounded by mulched wood chips.
2. Climate: Your area's average rainfall and temperatures should guide your landscaping plans. Check the USDA's Plant Hardiness Zone Map to see what zone you live in, then search for plants that thrive in your area.
3. Location: This is a two-part factor, applying to:
   1. Where you live. Try the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder, a free online tool you can use to find plants native to your area.
   2. Ideal landscaping spots. Mark underground utilities and choose plants that fit the sunny or shady conditions of your yard.
4. Maintenance: Regularly mowing, weeding, and trimming outgrowth keeps your plants healthy and your property looking pristine.

13. Build a Border

We're not talking about tall privacy fences here. This HGTV article states that fencing in your front yard isn't recommended because it obstructs the view from the street. Instead, use landscaping or a short decorative fence or stone wall to define your property lines. Flowering shrubs, rocks, or a short fence twined with vining flowers are natural focal points that don’t block the view.

14. Pressure Wash Your Driveway

A pristine driveway is a beautiful sight. All you need to get the job done is a few hours on the weekend and a pressure washer. Pressure washing effectively removes dirt, mold, and grime from tough surfaces like concrete and asphalt. Just remember that pressure washers are powerful, so make sure cars, kids, pets, and delicate objects are out of the way before cleaning your driveway. If you’re not ready to buy a pressure washer, check with local hardware stores about renting one for the weekend.

PRO TIP:

Always wear goggles, gloves, boots, and ear protection when operating a pressure washer. 

17. Change Seasonal Decor

From twinkling lights and festive greenery to patriotic emblems and autumnal accents, seasonal decor freshens up your home's look throughout the year. That said, you'll get the most curb-appeal points if you change them out in a timely manner. This shows that you're on top of things—plus, it gives next season's stylings their moment to shine.

PRO TIP:

If you're selling your home, keep decor to a minimum. Otherwise, it can be distracting to potential buyers.

18. Clean the Lights

Outdoor light fixtures get dirty, so taking an afternoon to clean them up is a fast and affordable way to beautify your home. Clean outdoor lights in three easy steps:

1. Brush away dust and cobwebs from the fixtures.
2. Detach the covers and remove any debris or dead insects that crawled inside.
3. Wash the covers with soap and water, dry them, and then reattach them.

PRO TIP:

Turn the power off before cleaning light fixtures.

20. Get New Gutters

Neglected gutters filled with dead leaves and rust spots are not attractive and can cause problems down the road. Well-maintained gutters and downspouts keep water away from your home's foundation, preventing damage and costly repairs. Replacing old gutters is a project you can complete over a weekend. There are a variety of gutter and downspout materials, and this post on BobVila.com suggests choosing the right material to meet your needs.

22. Replace Windows

Cracked or broken windows are eyesores, and they aren't energy-efficient, which can lead to higher utility bills. Whether you handle the project or hire a professional, the results are worth the extra effort. Don't forget to replace or repair window screens in poor condition. Otherwise, uninvited insects can sneak in when you open your windows to air out the house. Even if your window screens aren’t damaged, wiping them down to remove insects and cobwebs will brighten up your window area.

24. Think Outside Your Yard

The look of local roads and highways significantly impacts your entire community, from everyday work commutes to tourism. Learn about your state's plans for highway designs and if you have thoughts on how to improve the aesthetics, make them known to your state’s department of transportation.