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Style Magazine

Set the Stage: 5 Curb Appeal Updates

It’s always a good idea to step outside on your front lawn and take a good, long look at your home’s exterior. Is it time to touch up the paint, update the patio furniture, and revive its overall appearance? Here are five easy ways to maximize your crib’s curb appeal.

The color you choose can also make or break your home’s overall exterior appearance.



PAINT THE FRONT DOOR
The front door is a direct representation of your home’s interior style and gives you the opportunity to show off your flair for design without breaking your budget. The color you choose can also make or break your home’s overall exterior appearance. Go bold with yellow, turquoise, or even orange to show off your creative style; or, if you’re looking to add sophistication, opt for a clean white, gray, or black. In between bold and toned down? We love the way red doors make an exterior color palette pop!

It’s time to dust off the patio furniture.

 

SWAP OUT THE PATIO FURNITURE
Now that summer’s in full swing, it’s time to dust off the patio furniture or update your look entirely. This year’s trends feature modern chair and table silhouettes, a blue color palette, and plenty of greenery. If you’re deciding on a modern scheme, look toward chairs and ottomans outfitted in contemporary materials like aluminum. This look is perfect for a home that’s either transitional or contemporarily styled because the blocky yet streamlined furniture reflects the house’s unique exterior. Blue and citrus palettes provide a pop of color and can be added via hurricanes, cushions, and throw blankets. Add greenery throughout the space using pots, trellises, garden boxes, and hanging planters.

Update your fencing



UPDATE YOUR FENCING
Though often used as an extra layer of security, fences also offer a glimpse into your personal style by the type and colors you select. While backyards require a little extra security for kids and pets, front yard fences can be a little lower to show off your manicured lawn and updated porch accessories. Lower fences also make your front yard look larger and more spacious—perfect for homebuyers on the hunt for the perfect outdoor setting.

Update your fencing



REVAMP THE GARAGE DOOR
If your garage is visible from the street, consider revamping it to instantly add curb appeal. Should you just need a fresh coat of paint, you’re totally equipped for the job—though you may want a helping hand or a second opinion. If you’re looking to install a brand new door, however, look into hiring a professional with precise skills. If you’re planning to take this route, there are several materials to consider; wood offers an array of design options but is pretty pricey; steel is a better price point, but it’s prone to rusting should you live in a humid area. Make sure to talk over design options with your garage door installer should you need extra assistance or even a permit.

Outdoor lighting has the ability to highlight your great landscaping.



ADD IN ACCESSORIES
Finish off your exterior’s spruce-up with a few simple accessories. Adding new house numbers in a material like chrome brings extra oomph, while shutters help a traditionally styled home shine. Another must-have is outdoor lighting, which has the ability to highlight your great landscaping and newly painted door or cast unsightly shadows and potentially scare visitors. From sconces to accent lighting, you have many options to choose from. This might be another area where you want to consult a professional before moving forward.  

Get the Look

Modern House Numbers makes high-quality, precision-crafted numbers from solid 3/8” recycled aluminum in a variety of finishes, fonts, and heights. Starts at $25.30, modernhousenumbers.com

The Kichler Elias LED Outdoor Wall Light is dimmable, energy-efficient, and perfectly suited to mid-century modern or contemporary home exteriors. $149.99 at Lighting Unlimited, Cameron Park, lightingu.com

Modern Masters Front Door Paint is non-fading and quick-drying with a satin finish, ensuring a vibrant door for years to come. $39.99 at Warehouse Paint, locations in Auburn, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento, warehousepaint.com

The Grand Cay collection from O.W. Lee is inspired by the unique architecture of South Florida and the Caribbean, combining traditional lines with distinct beach bungalow elements to create a casual but elegant feel. Prices vary at California Backyard, locations in Roseville, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, and Elk Grove, 916-543-1900, californiabackyard.com

by  Kerrie L. Kelly, FASID

Kerrie L. Kelly, FASID, is an award-winning interior designer, author, product developer, and multimedia consultant helping brands reach the interior
design community. kerriekelly.com / 916-919-3023