Enhancing Your Home’s First Impression | Kerb Appeal Guide
Making a positive first impression on visitors or potential buyers is a great way to make your property stand out. Focusing on exterior upgrades can significantly boost a home’s aesthetic appeal and perceived value. This article outlines ways to improve your external design and enhance your kerb appeal, or make you proud of your property.
Defining kerb appeal
Kerb appeal refers to how attractive a property is as viewed from the street. It’s about the initial impression a home makes on prospective buyers or guests before they step inside. Improving your kerb appeal involves doing up the exterior of your home and garden to boost its aesthetic appeal.
Whilst kerb appeal is usually used to describe improving your home’s first impression when you aim to sell, it is essential to note that it can also be about improving it for yourself and your guests. The distinction here, however, is that plainer houses are generally ideal for selling properties, whereas there can be more freedom for personality and character in a home you are keeping.
Exterior house design
The exterior design of your house plays a major role in its overall first impression. This includes various elements that contribute to the home’s visual appeal from the outside. But what are the elements to pinpoint? Let’s break it down:
Lights
Exterior house lights are essential for both aesthetics and security. Well-placed lighting can highlight architectural features, illuminate pathways and create an inviting atmosphere.
The two primary light hues are ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ lighting:
- Warm lighting is best to create a cosy atmosphere, often causing people to have nostalgic responses.
- Cool lighting can make a place appear smart and bright and is often associated with formality and modernity.
Paints
Exterior house paint is one of the most impactful ways to refresh your home’s look. Choosing the right colours can make it stand out or blend nicely with its neighbourhood and surroundings.
- Traditional colours like black, white, or beige will suit almost every neighbourhood and are popular for a reason—they look sleek and neat and go with everything.
- Colourful properties are excellent for those wanting to inject personality into their property. They are more standard for rural or suburban areas or seaside towns.
Front doors
Well-maintained and up-to-date front doors can significantly elevate your property’s kerb appeal. Good doors can make your property appear modern and easy to maintain and signal your security levels.
Windows
Windows contribute significantly to a home’s exterior appeal. Clean and undamaged windows enhance the look and allow natural light into the property more efficiently.
Front garden or green space
The front garden or any green space surrounding your home is vital to its first impression. A well-maintained garden, attractive landscaping and healthy plants can dramatically improve kerb appeal by creating a welcoming and pleasant environment.
If you’re looking to sell, a simple lawn is the best option as it leaves a blank canvas for new buyers. However, there is more leeway if you want to improve your home for personal satisfaction.
Here are some ideas for your front garden space:
- Flower beds introduce colour and vibrancy (make sure to check what works for what season)
- Potted plants and flowers are an excellent option for those with less green space to plant things
- Herb gardens can also be grown in pots, so they are great for small or large spaces. They provide aromatics and produce great flavours for cooking.
- The main thing is maintaining your lawn and ensuring it remains healthy, the grass on top is hydrated and the lawn receives light.
In summary
These tips should help you enhance your home’s exterior, whether you aim to boost your pride in your home or attract potential buyers. Remember, your exterior is just as important, if not more so, than your interior design, as it’s the first thing people see. It’s worth every effort you can make.