Make an Impression

Easy Ideas for Instant Curb Appeal

Your new home is beautiful, but there are always opportunities to add a personal touch to inspire and capture the eye of your new friends and neighbors. Curb appeal is a welcome mat that extends all the way to the street. Thankfully, curb appeal doesn’t need to cost a fortune. By starting with these basic ideas, you can add personality to your curb appeal without breaking the bank.

Every community is different, so be sure to check with your HOA first to find out about any restrictions that may affect your project.

Start the celebration at your front door

Let visitors know that the celebration has begun before you even answer the door. Seasonal touches add a hint of whimsy to your entry, and with four seasons – and countless holidays – from which to choose, you won’t run short of inspiration.

Wreaths, flags, and banners can be made from an assortment of different materials in a variety of colors, styles, and textures, so you are sure to find something that complements your home.

Plant a mailbox bouquet

Transform an ordinary mailbox into a gorgeous miniature garden with this simple one-day project. Select seasonal plants and flowers in coordinating colors that will remain compact and tidy to be sure they won’t grow into the street or interfere with the mailbox itself.

Before you start planting, remove the grass from the area you wish to plant and mix in a few inches of compost or quality bagged soil. This ensures the new plants will have all of the nutrients they need to thrive. Dig the plants to the same depth as the pots that you bought them in, and add a shallow layer of mulch to keep the soil moist.

This yard is for the birds

Be a good neighbor to the local wildlife and give your feathered friends a place to have a bite to eat and grab a drink. A birdbath can easily be made into a charming focal point in your yard, and there are styles and colors that will certainly complement any landscape.

Bird feeders likewise come in all shapes and sizes, and it is easy to select one based on the birds that are most common to the area in which you live. Hummingbird feeders are a particular favorite with small children, so place them near a window so everyone can enjoy the show.

Plant your entry

A few well-maintained plants and flowers in coordinated decorative containers can go a long way toward making your entry more welcoming. Plants are easier to care for than you might think, and a few pots in a variety of colors and designs can make a stunning visual statement. For best results, use a potting soil that is made to retain water; this will keep your greenery looking great even if you forget to water them once in a while.