Aesthetic Updates For Elevated Kerb Appeal

Kerb appeal is a term we often hear when discussing selling houses and finding buyers fast. It’s beneficial to enhance the look of your property if you’re selling, but improving kerb appeal also has benefits for owners eager to stay put. There’s nothing quite like pulling up in the drive after a busy day and looking at a home you’re proud to own.

Whether you’re putting your house on the market or you’ve already found your forever home, here are some aesthetic updates to consider to boost external appeal. 

Driveways and patios

If you’re lucky enough to have a driveway or outdoor space at the front of your home, it’s important that it looks smart and well cared-for. Common problems, such as uneven surfaces, damaged paving, cracked tiles and unfinished tarmac jobs, can be unsightly. The drive may be the first thing people notice about your house, so it’s important to set the right tone. Repairing cracks and gaps or resurfacing driveways and patios can help you transform the look of your property. It can also help to reduce the risk of damage to your car. 

It’s worth exploring different materials and design styles if you’re thinking about sprucing up your drive. Popular options include tarmac, gravel, paving, concrete and stone. It’s wise to compare prices and consider durability and looks. 

Windows

Windows can have a dramatic impact on the overall aesthetic of a house. Beautiful, clean, well-maintained windows can improve looks significantly, while old, damaged, dirty windows have the opposite effect. Replacing old windows can also help you improve security, supercharge energy efficiency and reduce external noise. If you don’t already have double glazing, it aids heat retention and prevents heat loss, which could save you a substantial amount of money on your energy bills. 

It’s important to compare prices, calculate short and long-term savings and explore different designs before you decide which new windows to buy. You can choose from contemporary styles, traditional designs and decorative windows, depending on your taste, budget and the style of your home. Other ways to enhance the look of your windows if you don’t need or want to replace them include adding shutters, new curtains and window boxes. 

Greenery

Adding greenery to the exterior of your home is a simple, affordable way to create a more attractive, inviting and fresh aesthetic. Plants and flowers add interest and there are many ways to exhibit them. Examples include potted trees, planters packed with flowers, raised flower beds for front gardens, window boxes, hanging baskets and climbing flowers for the walls and façade. 

If you have a garden at the front of your house, it’s beneficial to keep on top of basic maintenance all year round. Tasks include mowing, planting, weeding, watering and removing debris and dead leaves. You can make the space more visually appealing with plants, shrubs, trees and flowers, garden accessories and outdoor lighting. 

Doors

Buying a new front door can make your home look more attractive, but did you know that it can also add around 2% to the value? Statistics from Zoopla suggest that grey and black are the most sought-after colours, with red, navy and sage green also proving popular. Changing your front door is particularly beneficial if you’re selling and the door is damaged or old. A new door is more welcoming and it gives the impression of a well-loved home. It’s also beneficial for safety and security reasons. 

There’s a vast range of front door styles available to buy. When you’re shopping for a door, it’s advisable to consider the age and look of your home. If you have a brand-new house, opt for chic, contemporary designs. If you live in a rustic cottage or a period property, look for more classic, traditional styles or opt for something quirky that complements character-rich features.

Replacing your front door is not the only way to boost kerb appeal. If your door is in good condition, you can revamp it by painting it or adding new door furniture. Simple things like changing the knocker or letterbox and adding customised numbers or name plaques can have a dramatic impact. Upcycling is also an excellent idea if you’re looking for budget-friendly solutions. You can breathe new life into old doors by painting them, replacing glass panels and fitting different handles, knobs, and door knockers. 

Enhancing kerb appeal is beneficial if you’re selling, but it’s also a great idea if you plan to stay in your home. Examples of ways you can elevate external aesthetics include smartening up driveways and patios, replacing old or damaged windows or embracing new styles, adding plants and flowers, creating a beautiful front garden and sprucing up or swapping your front door. 

Top photo by David Walker | Walker Design Co. on Unsplash