8 Tips for Achieving the Best Curb Appeal for Your House Plan

How to Create an Eye-Catching Invitation to Your Home

Did you ever see a house or home plan image that truly intrigued you at first sight – the one that invited a second or third look because of its inexplicable charm and warmth? It may have been the attractive front courtyard, the cobblestone pathway, the porch, or the front door that left such a strong visual imprint.  

What that home plan expressed to a complete stranger was its tremendous curb appeal, an overall feature desired by every homeowner. Today, the challenge is how to improve a home’s curb appeal to make it more interesting and fascinating.

Whether you intend to build a “forever” home from house plans or buy and “flip” an existing house, here are eight helpful tips on how to increase its curb appeal.

1.  Do the Obvious before You Embark on Specific Upgrades

Give your house a “spring cleaning.” How about a thorough washing of the exterior, including the roof and windows to get rid of the dirt and dust? Then turn your attention to the lawn and/or garden: pull the weeds; trim the grass; plant new shrubs and flowers; check that the sprinklers are working.

Sometimes, all you need are a good “scrub” and a coat of paint to do the trick.

2.  Create an Interesting Pathway

Make the walk to your front door pleasant and invigorating. Instead of just a plain gravel or concrete path, how about cobblestones, or a graded walkway framed by flowers and shrubs?

3.  Add a “Homey” Touch to the Front Door

Today, most front doors already make a fashion statement with their unusual shapes and sizes, decorative glass panes, and trim. But even if your door is classically simple, you can add to its charm by hanging a seasonal wreath or adding potted plants and flowers positioned at the corners.

4.  Add a Splash of Color

The most popular way of adding color to a home is by painting the door or front window, or the sides of the garage.  Some homeowners usually choose something bright – red, orange, yellow, vibrant blue – to have a splash of color against a white, gray, cream, or neutral exterior. You can also use materials like natural wood, which has a variety of colors that can highlight that front entryway.  

5.  Add Window Boxes

For some house plan styles – like Cottages, Country homes, Farmhouses, Colonials, and small homes – window boxes with colorful flowers, plants, and even herbs make sense. They add a welcoming feel and warmth to the home plan – not to mention its curb appeal.

6.  Make Use of Optimal Lighting Fixtures

Your home should be attractive both during the day and at night. Choose lighting fixtures that are functional and eye-catching to enhance the home’s exterior facade. Think of adding solar path lights to guide guests to your front door; up-lighting positioned in the landscaping creates a dramatic effect; low lights leading to the garage door are also a great idea.

7.  Build a Fence Around the House

A nice and simple fence can show off your house plan from a distance – and make it stand out in the neighborhood. Or what about a picket fence? The popular and very-much-in-demand classic white fence is decorative, charming, and practical (keeps little kids and/or pets safe inside your property) – and it enhances curb appeal tremendously.

8.  Plant a Garden in the Front Yard

Finally, don’t neglect the front yard. There’s nothing like flowers and plants to brighten and cheer up any space – no matter how small. Try to squeeze in a front garden to make your home’s exterior more pleasant and inviting.  

As you get ready to work on sprucing up your home’s curb appeal, remember it’s an expression of your personality as well as an invitation to your home. Keep it interesting and welcoming!

Footnote: The lead image in this article is from a 5-gable, 2-story, 4-bedroom Craftsman-style house with an eye-catching red front door. For more information, click here (Plan #146-2797).