Put away those down-filled parkas and stash the winter boots—spring has arrived! With longer days and warmer temperatures, it’s time to make the most of this season by rejuvenating your homes’ curb appeal.
If there’s one thing I tend to put off every year, it’s refreshing the exterior of my house. By the time I think I’m ready to put in the effort, it’s August. Why bother, right?
The truth is tackling your home’s curb appeal is not hard or even expensive. With all of us staying home to put an end to the spread of COVID-19, there’s no better time to tackle even the smallest of improvements. From simple landscaping to a fresh coat of paint, implement one or all of these eight upgrades and your home will be the envy of your street in no time.
Front door fun
Painting your front door is an easy way to refresh for spring. You would be surprised how quickly a fresh coat of paint can revitalize your home’s exterior. But before you reach for that can of neutral beige (which is so basic and uninviting) consider picking a bold colour making your entry pop! Blue Danube by Benjamin Moore, Back to Nature by Behr and Gambol Gold by Sherwin Williams are all eye-catching colours, perfect for a front door. The key to a long-lasting paint job is to properly prep and prime your surface beforehand, this will ensure your colour will last for years. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the paint can for the best results.
But don’t stop there! Elevate the design of your entry with a sleek doorknob. There are many different styles on the market, from basic lock and key to Wi-Fi enabled with video capabilities, the options are endless.
Pot it up
Don’t take the power of a potted plant for granted. Add a cluster of potted plants and flowers to your front porch or stairs to quickly spruce things up. Ferns, heucheras, English ivy, and hostas are excellent greenery options for a front porch, while flowers like begonias, marigolds, and hyacinth can add a beautiful and welcoming pop of colour. There are many do-it-yourself stores and local nurseries that have started to deliver or offer curbside pick-up. Call or email to see if they can accommodate.
If you opt for potted plants and flowers, just be sure to put in the time to care for them. Ensure they are planted in high-quality soil and receive ample water and fertilizer regularly.
Make your beds
A long, snowy winter can leave your garden beds looking drab and unkept. Take some time to remove dead flowers and shrubs, rake leaves, and pick up any garbage that might have accumulated. Planting beautiful and fragrant greenery, flowers, and herbs can instantly bring your front yard to life. There’s nothing like walking up to a house and smelling fresh roses, lilacs, jasmine, lavender and rosemary. When selecting plants for your garden beds, be conscious of how much sun and shade your yard gets. Call or email your local nursery if you are unsure of the types of plants that will thrive.
Adding a fresh layer of mulch can not only help your soil retain moisture during the heat of the summer, it adds a neat and finished look. And lastly, a little edging goes a long way! Even the most basic of gardens look clean and tidy once edged.
If in despair, repair
You might not realize it, but your driveway and garage door takes up a lot of visual real estate, so if they are in rough shape, that’s one huge eyesore! If a newly poured concrete or paved driveway isn’t in the budget, consider filling cracks and giving it a fresh coat of sealer to tide you over until next spring.
If your garage door is looking weathered and dated, a fresh coat of paint can liven things up. Just be sure to repair any major damage and prime the surface thoroughly before applying your paint. For those looking to take it a step further, consider installing a decorative garage door kit. From faux windows to handles and hinges, these kits can instantly transform a basic garage door.
Don’t overlook the greenery
You can expect your lawn to look brown and dead after a long winter, which doesn’t bode well for the overall appeal of your home; spring is the perfect time to bring it back to life. You can start by removing thatch, which is a dead layer of debris that builds up at the base of grass during the winter. At this time, you might also wish to aerate, which is great for lawns that have been heavily compacted due to snow. It loosens up the ground, allowing oxygen and water to better penetrate grass roots. A mechanical aerator is the best option for lawn aeration. You can rent a core aerator from your local garden center for a few hours or contact a local lawn maintenance company if doing it yourself is not an option.
After aeration, spread a light layer of compost or soil and fill in any patchy spots with seed.
With the lawn taken care of, you can turn your attention to the other greenery in your yard, such as hedges, bushes and trees. Trim branches and overgrown bushes, paying special attention to those that might be blocking windows, you want to let as much natural light in as possible.
Deep clean
Spring cleaning isn’t just for indoors, giving your home’s exterior a good ol’ scrub down can make a huge difference in your home’s curb appeal. Use a pressure washer to clean windows, siding, bricks, walkways and decks. Use a broom to brush away cobwebs and other hanging objects from ceilings, canopies and light fixtures. Lastly, give your lights a scrub with some soap and water.
Light the way
Lighting can make a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal. If you find your lights are looking tired and dingy, it might be time to invest in an upgrade. When looking at new light fixtures be sure to consider the style of your home, you don’t want to select something that might look out of place. Also be sure to purchase fixtures that have the same type of mounting system, so they’re easy to install.
At this time, you might also consider the number of lights you have. Consult with an electrician and discuss the possibilities of adding more lights to illuminate your walkway, garage or any other architectural detail of your home. You’ll love how your home’s exterior beauty now shines through!
Functional and decorative spring décor
Let’s not forget about décor. Decorative items that are both functional and pretty can make your home’s exterior overflow with charm. Pick a cheerful doormat that makes guests feel welcome as well as gives them a place to wipe their feet. Upgrade your house numbers or change their location. Ensure they are easily visible during the day and at night. And always make sure they are installed horizontally. Hang a DIY or ready-made wreath. Anything that is lush with greenery or full of colourful flowers will draw people in, inviting them to take a second look. Lastly, a bench, chair, or stool can add character to your front stoop. Or if your porch is big enough purchase a small conversation patio set or install a porch swing.
Rest assured, boosting your home’s curb appeal is not hard or expensive. If you’re looking to sell your home, or even if you’re planning to stay, taking the time to spruce up your exterior is worth the effort. So get out there and make your neighbours jealous!
Source CREA Cafe May 2020