When you picture the outside of your dream home design, what does it look like? Is the grass green and maintained? Is the paint crisp and freshly applied? What kind of face do you see your house presenting to the world? These are all important questions to consider when giving your home curb appeal.
Believe it or not, the outside design and upkeep of your home are just as important as the inside when it comes to appearance and value. Not only will curb appeal help you feel proud of the place you call home, but it will also catch the eye of prospective buyers if you decide to sell. To get started, there are a few things to consider when deciding how you’re going to achieve the look you want. First, is deciding on the small details that will make your home stand out from the rest and add a touch of character.
This beautiful example of the Wellstone Place house plan has a very simple way of using softscapes (i.e., grass, flowers, bushes, trees, etc.) to create an attractive exterior. Not only is the grass plush and green, but the choice of various shrubbery planted beneath the front windows draws your gaze to the custom details on the front of the home. The use of redwood shingles arranged across the upper half of the structure adds a touch of New England style that is both unique and charming. The deep red, farmhouse shutters also add a rustic element that is eye-catching from the passing street.
Frank Betz Associates, Randolph Place, from the Southern Living Design Collection
The next example of curb appeal is taken from the captivating Randolph Place house plan. Similar to the Wellstone Place, these homeowners used minimal touches to help accentuate the beauty of their classic southern home. Just like softscapes, hardscapes (i.e. walkway, driveway, patio, etc.) make a statement of their own, and can help add significant curb appeal. This particular home incorporated a wide walkway to help draw the eye to the oversized, southern front porch which is framed by aged trees. For detail, large Boston ferns are hung across the deck to help accentuate the expansive seating area that is adorned with classic rocking chairs (another easy curb appeal favorite).
Frank Betz Associates, Woodlawn
This example taken from the Woodlawn house plan incorporates both softscapes and hardscapes to create harmonious curb appeal. The artistic use of color and texture with the flowers, shrubs and rock formations call attention to the front of this unique custom home. When choosing where you will place your various elements, remember to keep the colors coordinated and the placement aesthetically pleasing. This example exhibits those tips perfectly by spacing the individual pieces evenly and keeping the colors of the plants in their perspective sections. The dark, mocha mulch that was spread to outline the display helps it pop and ties the colors of the yard in with the brown and reds chosen for the exterior of the home.