How to Improve Your Home’s Kerb Appeal
Selling up or just in need of exterior improvements? Our guide will help you make an excellent first impression
What does your home’s entrance suggest about what’s inside? Style-conscious? Welcoming? Well looked after? Or is it just a tiny bit neglected? It’s easy to overlook the outside of your house. After all, it’s not somewhere we spend a great deal of time. But for visitors, passers-by and even potential buyers, your home’s exterior is saying something. Rewrite the script and ramp up the charm factor with our head-turning ideas.
Improve your path
Cracked paving stones or missing tiles make an entrance look scruffy, no matter how smart your front door is. So insist on perfection and either lay a new path or restore an old one to its former glory.
Cracked paving stones or missing tiles make an entrance look scruffy, no matter how smart your front door is. So insist on perfection and either lay a new path or restore an old one to its former glory.
Keep it clean
It might sound obvious, but there’s a lot to be said for giving your front door – and its environs – a good old fashioned scrub. You could also reach for the paint and touch up any scratches, too.
It might sound obvious, but there’s a lot to be said for giving your front door – and its environs – a good old fashioned scrub. You could also reach for the paint and touch up any scratches, too.
Dress up your door
Nothing says ‘welcome’ like a big, brightly coloured front door. So if you’re thinking of revamping your entrance, consider making a friendly and stylish statement with a bold, modern design. If you can’t stretch to a new door, give your old one a lick of fresh paint in a modern shade.
Read expert advice on choosing a front door
Nothing says ‘welcome’ like a big, brightly coloured front door. So if you’re thinking of revamping your entrance, consider making a friendly and stylish statement with a bold, modern design. If you can’t stretch to a new door, give your old one a lick of fresh paint in a modern shade.
Read expert advice on choosing a front door
Be individual
Adding subtle shots of personality can make your entrance stand out from the crowd – in a good way! This simple message is self-assured and understated, adding just the right amount of warmth.
Adding subtle shots of personality can make your entrance stand out from the crowd – in a good way! This simple message is self-assured and understated, adding just the right amount of warmth.
Plant something pretty
A vibrant display of flowers or foliage is a lovely way to greet visitors. The plants will provide a hit of colour and subtle scent, as well as giving guests something to look at while they’re waiting for you to answer the door. If your front garden is paved, simply use a selection of planters. A range of plant heights works best for a lush display.
See more ways to add greenery to your entrance
A vibrant display of flowers or foliage is a lovely way to greet visitors. The plants will provide a hit of colour and subtle scent, as well as giving guests something to look at while they’re waiting for you to answer the door. If your front garden is paved, simply use a selection of planters. A range of plant heights works best for a lush display.
See more ways to add greenery to your entrance
Choose a nice number
The mission to find pleasing door numbers is a tricky one, with brass digits in Times New Roman appearing to be the default setting on most homes. Show people you’re a stickler for details and select your favourite font cut from window film.
The mission to find pleasing door numbers is a tricky one, with brass digits in Times New Roman appearing to be the default setting on most homes. Show people you’re a stickler for details and select your favourite font cut from window film.
Shed some light
Invest in some decent lighting outside your property and home will seem more welcoming than ever. Motion-activated security lights are the most energy efficient option, but there’s something rather special about having the porch light left on for your return.
Check out these ideas for outdoor lighting
Invest in some decent lighting outside your property and home will seem more welcoming than ever. Motion-activated security lights are the most energy efficient option, but there’s something rather special about having the porch light left on for your return.
Check out these ideas for outdoor lighting
Look beyond the front door
If your house is on a corner plot or you have a wraparound garden, give the surrounding area some attention. Spruce up your side view by pruning foliage, weeding beds and giving walls a lick of paint, so visitors are impressed as they try to locate the front door.
Liked this? Tell us what would attract you to a house – and what would put you off!
If your house is on a corner plot or you have a wraparound garden, give the surrounding area some attention. Spruce up your side view by pruning foliage, weeding beds and giving walls a lick of paint, so visitors are impressed as they try to locate the front door.
Liked this? Tell us what would attract you to a house – and what would put you off!
If your doorway is at close quarters to the street, aim for hotel-style perfection with crisp lines and glossy surfaces. Ensure paintwork on everything from the door to walls and railings is tidy, with no peeling patches, then line the steps with super-smart planters and clipped foliage.