You’ve just moved into your new home and you are probably so focused on getting things just right on the inside that you’ve completely forgotten about the outside - right? The interior of your home is important, but the exterior is more so because it’s what people see when they first arrive. The key is to create a lasting impression from the moment your guests pull up and the trick to doing that is by enhancing your entrance.
“Improvements to your property are definitely steps in the right direction”, says chief executive of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate, Mike Greeff. “Creating a memorable entrance does not only boost kerb appeal but it will also be advantageous when you want to sell.”
As expensive as things are these days, sprucing up the entrance to your home does not need to cost an arm and a leg - all you need is some creative inspiration and a bit of DIY.
Greeff offers the following tips:
1. Show them the way
One of the most underrated yet most efficient ways to improve your kerb appeal is by laying down a clearly marked footpath.
It is essential that when you design and build your path, you get the width correct - more often than not, pathways can be too narrow, so ensure that you leave enough room for two people to walk side by side.
There are various kinds of walkways, just choose what suits your home best. If you’re stumped on which design to go with, here are a few ideas:
- Stepping stone walkways
- Flagstone walkways
- Brick walkways
- Gravel walkways
- Keep it clear
Trim down overgrown trees and bushes that block the view of your home and walkways. Instead of having plantings spilling over, opt for flowers and plants that you can grow inside quaint-looking containers. These are easy to maintain, easy to re-arrange and the bonus is they do not block the view of your home.
Tip: Install low-cost, low voltage outdoor lighting. This not only adds to the safety and security of the home, but it also adds accent lighting to the house and can illuminate the pathway.
2. A popping point of entry
Having a door that stands out from the rest of the house is a definite wow-factor. Adding a punch of colour to your door is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to revamp a tired-looking entry. A bold, colourful door also sets your house apart from the rest and makes it easy to find, which is a bonus. If guests can find your home easily, it’s already a memorable experience.
People often pick colours for their front door that they wouldn't pick for their interior walls and it’s where many homeowners feel they have a little more freedom to “go wilder with colour”.
If you need some inspiration, Greeff says here are a few colour guidelines:
Bright and bold: If you want to have a statement front door, choose vibrant colours like pink, turquoise, red or yellow. These colours create a stunning entrance to your home and will even brighten up the greyest of days.
Neutrals and greys: If you're not feeling quite that adventurous and would prefer to play things safe then opt for your favourite variation of grey, black or green. These colours albeit subtle, are classic, sophisticated and timeless.
3. Replace the hardware
It’s time to toss out all your dingy and outdated hardware, for example, house number, overhead lighting and mailbox. These are just a few elements that can add style and interest to your home's exterior kerb appeal and if they are tatty and rusted, it may not be conveying the aesthetic you would like.
Tip: These elements work better collectively so instead of having a mix-and-match aesthetic, rather go for a similar style and feel. For example, if you have more of a traditional home, go for oiled-bronze finishes as it adds to the old-world charm of the property. Should you have a contemporary home, brushed nickel suits it best and will give it a more modern look and feel.
The important thing to always consider is the style of your home. If you have a traditional home, choose classic, timeless finishes that will complement your home. If you have a more contemporary-styled home, opt for modern finishes that will add a bit more pizzazz.
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