7 Home Exterior Upgrades That Increase Curb Appeal

Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

It can be easy to get caught up in making the inside of your home look great but don’t forget that the exterior is just as important. After all, it’s the first thing people see when they approach your home. And while you might think that maintaining your home’s curb appeal is a full-time task, it doesn’t have to be.  

Whether you’re looking to sell your home or simply itching for change to make it look better, the good news is, with a few upgrade ideas, you can get started on keeping your home looking modern, new, and fresh. Now, the outside can be as pleasing and inviting as the inside is.   

This year can be that time to make this possible with these projects:

1. Install Exterior Shutters

Shutters are a classic and popular window treatment that has stood the test of time. They not only serve a functional purpose but also add to the aesthetic appeal of a home. And with a variety of designs and materials available, it’s easy to find shutters that match your home’s style.  

If you’re someone who enjoys DIY projects, there are kits available that allow you to install DIY exterior shutters on your own, making it an even more affordable project and giving you the satisfaction of completing it yourself.

2. Give Your Walls A Fresh Coat Of Paint

One of the easiest (and most budget-friendly) upgrade ideas is to give your exterior walls a fresh coat of paint. This is especially useful for homeowners who can see that their home’s exterior paint is chipping or getting worn out.   

Unlike the interior, however, the choice of paint for your home’s exterior should ideally be a bit more muted.

While you may be tempted to choose a bright or eye-catching color, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood and how your exteriors will blend with the environment.

That said, you can’t go wrong sticking to neutral tones, such as beige or gray, as they convey a sense of sophistication and timeless elegance.

3. Paint The Front Door

In addition to the previous suggestion, it’s worth noting that your home’s doors can benefit from a new layer of paint as well. Think of them as the cover of a book, giving a preview of what’s to see on the inside.

And being that part that guests go through first before making it inside your home, it only makes so much sense why you’ll want to improve how your front door looks.  

Natural wood stains are a no-fail. It’s versatile enough to go with different themes and house styles, whether you have a classic, mid-century, modern, or industrial home.

4. Improve Exterior Lighting  

Good exterior lighting is as crucial to your home’s security as it is for aesthetics. The phrase ‘lighting up a home’ has a whole new meaning when illuminating the property. More than just choosing light features that do the job, it’s also about thinking of the fixture design, color temperature, and even the light’s placement.  

If you’re using cool white for your home’s exterior, consider switching them to warm yellow or warm white. These do so well in creating that relaxing atmosphere, much like in resorts. Likewise, you can go beyond the usual ceiling or streetlights, especially since there are many opportunities to light your exterior, like through pathway lights, wall sconces, and hanging tree or string lights, to name a few.

5. Rev Up The Landscape  

Perhaps your curb appeal is low at the moment because your lawn is just all over the place. Some plants are dead; other plants are dying. Or there’s just so much bare space in your lawn that could use a few more new plants. In such a case, your home’s landscape may be in need of a makeover.

While it’s true that keeping up with mowing and maintaining your lawn requires time and attention, it’s also a task you can easily outsource to professionals. You can work with a good landscaper and see your curb appeal instantly improve from a flat and blah lawn to one with more depth, dimension, and life. And while you’re at it, get to know the plants being used so that you, too, can do your part in ensuring your plants get the best care possible.

6. Add A New Walkway  

A walkway is another easy, fast, and affordable home exterior upgrade that can dramatically enhance your landscape while complementing your home’s exterior. You can create the illusion of flow and continuity by having walkways in strategic areas of your home, like to and from the front gate and driveway.  

While you’re evaluating your walkways, it’s also a good idea to assess the condition of your driveway. This is especially since, over time, driveways can become cracked, stained, or otherwise damaged, detracting from your home’s curb appeal. If your driveway needs repair or replacement, consider investing in this upgrade to enhance your home’s exterior further.

7. Replace Your Garage Door

Lastly, you can improve your home’s exterior by replacing your garage doors. Garage doors can take up a significant portion of your home’s facade, so upgrading them can make a big impact on your curb appeal, especially if the current ones are old, outdated, or damaged,

In addition to improving your home’s appearance, new garage doors can provide added security and energy efficiency benefits. Many modern garage doors are designed to be more durable and resistant to break-ins, while also helping to insulate your garage and reduce energy costs.

Final Thoughts  

Could your home’s curb appeal use a bit of work? If you’ve been itching for that for so long now, the suggestions above can give you just the right dose of inspiration. There’s never a shortage of ideas you can consider for your next home project, but ultimately, it depends on personal factors, such as your budget, the time frame for the project, and even the specific needs of your home.  

With the right project and approach, you can enhance your home’s exteriors and enjoy a fresh, updated look you can be proud of.