Design Pros Say This Is a "Make-or-Break" When It Comes to Your Home's Curb Appeal
You immediately know when a home is teeming with curb appeal. Maybe it's the picture-perfect landscaping, lighting that's just right or the attractive front door with standout house numbers to match. Every detail matters.
If boosting your home's curb appeal happens to be on your to-do list, consider these tips from design pros to get started. "You can never underestimate the value of curb appeal," says designer Sara Hillery of Sara Hillery Interior Design. "It truly sets the first impression for a home, hinting at who lives there and what the interior might be like."
If there's one curb appeal task that's worth your time and money, it's gorgeous landscaping, featuring a thoughtful combination of pretty flowers and evergreens. "Beautiful landscaping that looks great year-round is make-or-break for the first-impression curb-appeal of your home," says Chicago-based designer Monique O'Brien of Monique O'Brien Design. She's partial to boxwoods with white hydrangeas — think limelight or bobos. "Then you can add in alliums in the back for flowers all spring and summer," O'Brien says.
Miller also likes to embrace variety. "I love the drama and contrast that comes from mixing high and low plant proportions in the landscape," she says. "Along those lines, consider juxtaposing more structured elements like boxwoods or topiaries with looser, more natural-feeling flowers such as Dianthus or hollyhocks." And to prevent a "one-dimensional look," she incorporates "handmade bricks, stone elements or a welcoming seating area that encourages you to step outside and connect with the neighborhood."
When planning your landscaping, don't go overboard with the color palette, though. Under two hues is O'Brien's rule: "It's best to stick with two bloom colors and varying shades of green in a garden. Any more than two and it looks like a circus."
Landscape architect Janice Parker also recommends being strategic with color. "Be careful not to scatter color throughout the landscape, but instead choose impact points," Parker explains. "As they say, 'go big or go home' and if that doesn't work, go red! Be sure to give your eyes something to focus on – a central focal point can be a special tree, planter, statuary, bench or unique feature that reflects you and your vision."
Pay attention to any large trees as well. "Stand back and look and look at your landscape through new eyes," Parker says. "People tend to overlook the shape and health of their large trees. Are there dead branches on your prominent trees? Are shrubs growing up in front of your windows? Everything will improve with a clean tight pruning."
If your budget allows, an exterior paint job can do wonders for your property. Designer Danielle Domingues of Collins & Co Interiors says Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster, a white shade, is a no-fail pick. "It's warm, inviting, and timeless—perfect for creating a soft, welcoming look that feels both classic and current," Domingues explains. "To complement the clean elegance of Alabaster, I love adding symmetry and structure with topiaries in stylish planters flanking the front door. They instantly frame the entrance and add a touch of tailored greenery that brings life and personality to the space. It's a simple yet impactful way to enhance the overall look and feel of your home's exterior."
Design pros suggest a layered approach for exterior lighting — a careful assortment of various light fixtures to set a home apart from the rest. "Good lighting adds charm during the day and a warm glow at night," says Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors. "You don't need to stop at the porch lights, consider path lights and other landscape lighting as well to elevate your home." Williams also relies on lantern-style fixtures in finishes like weathered bronze or matte black to give a home character. Vintage-inspired designs are good choices as well, she says.
Designer Sarah Tract of Sarah Tract Interiors agrees that simply upgrading your exterior lighting can make a huge impact when it comes to curb appeal. "Thoughtful exterior lighting does more than just enhance safety — it adds a sense of depth and charm," Tract says. "I like to use a combination of statement sconces, subtle pathway lighting and even uplighting for trees or architectural features."
A fresh coat of paint on your front door can go a long way, according to designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. "An interesting color will give it that pop that separates your home from your neighbors," Mathews LeRoy says. "I love using shades of green, blue, red or even yellow to give it visual interest or je ne sais quoi!"
If it's your style, show off your aesthetic with unique door hardware that "makes your home feel well taken care of," Mathews LeRoy says. "Often homeowners do not include a kick plate, but this addition not only protects your door but adds a bit more sheen and pizazz! Consider adding an interesting door knocker with a lion's head, fox or basket motif — it can offer a bit of personality and share your personal interests."
And don't forget to have fun with the house numbers too. "I opt for large house numbers that complement both the style of the house and the exterior paint color, and an oversize mailbox that is not cut-off-the-mill," says designer Beth Diana Smith.
From stylish fencing to potted plants, there's no shortage of ways to give your home some extra oomph once you've tackled the major curb appeal projects on your list. One of Williams' go-to tricks? Rocking chairs. "Rockers create a cozy, lived-in feel and invite people to slow down and stay a while," she says. You can also add a throw blanket or two and some colorful outdoor pillows to brighten the space up.
Try a garden stool as well: "A small garden stool next to each rocker is perfect for holding a drink, a book or even a potted plant," Williams says. "They're stylish, weather-friendly and functional."
Regardless of the curb appeal project at hand, designer Heather French of French and French Interiors says stay true to your personal style. "The number one mistake I see homeowners make with curb appeal is trying too hard by overdoing it with trendy or overly contemporary elements that can quickly feel dated or out of place," French explains.
It could be as simple as furnishing your home's exterior with a "natural coco mat rug, some beautifully potted plants with thoughtful symmetry and a great door knocker," French says. "These touches feel intentional and add sophistication to the entire entry."
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