8 DIY Projects to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Whether you want to sell your home or enhance its exterior, we have some easy DIY projects to help you get started. Small investments in your curb appeal can have a positive impact on your home’s value and appreciation. Your home, at a glance, can leave a lasting impression. Here are eight ways to make it really stand out.

1. Upgrade your front door

There are three exterior upgrades with a high return on investment: painting the home, replacing the siding, and upgrading your front door. Start with the easiest one, which you can do yourself. You can upgrade your front door by replacing it or by adding a fresh coat of paint. Either way, a beautiful front door makes a statement before anyone enters your home.

2. Update the front porch

A well-thought-out front porch will also boost your curb appeal. First and foremost, if there is room, consider adding outdoor furniture. Seating invites others to enjoy your outdoor space. A few potted plants can also brighten your home’s exterior. Another way to improve your porch is to add outdoor lighting. Finally, lean into each season by decorating it for special holidays. A few colorful throw pillows that say spring, or a festive holiday wreath, will welcome guests and/or prospective buyers in a thoughtful way.

If you’d like to stretch beyond DIY projects and get a professional involved, consider hiring someone to install railings or expand your porch, if possible. For more inspiration, check out these front porch ideas.

3. Elevate front yard landscaping

As you plan your front yard landscaping, make sure to consider the grading and drainage of the property. You will want to ensure water flows away from the home. Also, make sure you choose plants conducive to living in the Pacific Northwest. Native plants, or those that occur naturally in a region, preserve biodiversity. Additionally, you’ll want to consider these landscaping rules when planning how to spruce up your front yard.

4. Plant flowers

Window box flowers can add a charming, refreshing glow to your home’s exterior. Additionally, flower beds in front of the porch or along the driveway can add to your property’s aesthetic. This article contains tips from a professional about color pairing, proper companion planting, and more. Or, check out these inspirational photos of container gardens.

5. Invest in driveway enhancements

When approaching your driveway, consider what enhancements would fit best at a distance. For decorative elements, you may want to consider purchasing a fountain to add a pleasing acoustic element to the space. Or, a new gate might really improve your driveway. You may want to hire a professional to put in a motorized gate. However, if your space is smaller, decorative fencing that is low or waist-high should be a doable weekend DIY project.

6. Create a functional pathway design

First and foremost, ensure the path is clear and free from overgrowth. A simple push of the broom or power washing can do wonders to make the driveway and paths look clean. Trim back any existing bushes and keep lawns mowed. Make any necessary repairs to keep the property functional and looking its best.

There are many DIY projects to improve the look of the main pathway to your front door. Edging can create an outline that guides visitors to your door and creates zones within the front of the property. Installing pavers or stamped concrete can build a clean line into the property. Watch the video below to see if this appeals to you.

7. Make your house number stand out

A house number DIY project is pretty simple yet effective. You’ll want to make sure the style you choose is large enough to easily see from the street, and that it’s well-lit. Check out these inspirational house number ideas. Consider using tiles, mosaics, stencils, or metal. There are many great ways to make it stand out.

8. Illuminate your home’s curb appeal with a well-lit path

Outdoor path lighting makes your home more inviting, creates a cohesive look at night, and makes it easier to navigate, especially if you have steps to your front door. That warm glow will illuminate certain features, such as a fountain, an expansive front porch, or a curving walkway adorned with flowers. 

If you thoughtfully plan out how you want to improve your home’s curb appeal, you’ll soon have a refreshed exterior that wows anyone who stops by. You’ll also be able to enjoy your home even more. If you’re thinking of selling, these changes can definitely make a difference.