You’ve likely spent months pouring over every detail of your new construction home, but between cabinet choices, tile selections, and hardware hangups, have you thought about its curb appeal—a.k.a. the aesthetic your home presents to the outside world?
“The opportunity to make your home really unique is out front,” says Mallory Busacker, a real estate agent and director of marketing for BohLand Homes. “When someone asks you about a house in the neighborhood, the first thing you say—even if you’ve been in the house numerous times—is, ‘It’s the one with the gabled roof.’ It’s not only their first impression; it’s what they remember the home by.”
Here, builders, architects, realtors, and landscapers share their top tips for creating that “wow” factor from the outside in.
When considering curb appeal, start by thinking about the defining characteristics of the style of home you have chosen—think the symmetrical design of a modern farmhouse or the gabled roof and dormers of a salt box. This “will drive curb appeal,” says Buffy Mobroten, a realtor and project manager for Cuddigan Custom Builders. “Whether it’s a Victorian with turrets […] or a small cottage-style home with a flower box under the front window, you start with a design within your budget. Then you look at the roof pitch, the front entry, the windows and trim package, the right mix of materials on the front elevation, and garage placement.”
“The door and the handle are the handshake of the house,” says Maggie Tarr, principal at Margaret Jane Design Group. From a double French design to a stained-glass accent to an unconventional color, the front door can add a punch of personality to the exterior of your house.
Lighting is a practical installation for safety purposes, but it can also be essential in creating curb appeal. Add sconces that match the home’s style around the exterior for an instant dose of a warm, cozy glow.
Don’t stop at the design of the house—landscaping can also up your curb appeal. “Adding annuals to the front entry provides abundant blooming color,” says Clarissa Cooper, senior landscape designer for DreamScapes Landscaping & Design. “They can be tucked into the border of the existing plant bed, planted in pots and urns, or used in hanging baskets. Arrangements in pots and urns can also be changed out with spring bulbs, summer bloomers, fall mums, and winter greens.”
A bright door or black window trim can add visual interest, but home professionals agree that you need to proceed with caution when it comes to color. “Don’t feel like you need to add three different colors because that gets to be too trendy,” says Tarr. “You want something that’s classic and looks like it’s always been there.”
If you’ve wanted to try a vibrant color, daring design, or bold furniture, but are hesitant to make it permanent, consider bringing in that “wow” factor through interchangeable accessories. “That’s a good opportunity to bring in some eye-catching stuff. You aren’t committed,” says Busacker. “Why not put a big double porch swing out front? You can only be out so often in Minnesota weather, so why not have fun with it?”
Creating curb appeal isn’t a one-and-done type of task. It’s important to stay on top of regular maintenance to make sure your home is always putting its best foot forward. Routinely dust off the cobwebs in the front entry, touch up paint, and take care of the landscaping, such as pruning shrubs and clearing debris. “It’s difficult to talk about curb appeal without also talking about the big picture,” says Mobroten. “What do you want your home to look like in 10 years? You have to think long-term.”
By Taylor Hugo
Taylor Hugo (taylorhugo.com) is a freelance writer and editor who has experience creating content for regional and national magazines, small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, and everything in between. After spending most of her life in Minnesota, she recently relocated to Colorado, where you’ll find her hiking the Rocky Mountains and decorating her first home that she shares with her husband and dog.
When it comes to remodeling your home, who you choose to work with matters just as much as what you plan to change. A great remodeler will guide you through a complex process with expertise, transparency, and professionalism. And in a world of DIY shows and social media inspiration, it can be tempting to cut corners or rush the hiring process. But a remodel is a major investment in your home — and your peace of mind depends on getting it right from the start.
So, what does hiring a professional remodeler actually look like?
Choosing the right paint color for your home can be overwhelming. With endless shades and finishes available, it’s easy to make mistakes that lead to regret later. Here, Jean Haukaas, Hirshfield's Design Resource Showroom manager, shares some of the most common paint color mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them.
Older homes are desirable for their historic charm and established neighborhoods, but when it comes to amenities that promote health and overall wellbeing, your 1930s Tudor may be lacking. Through strategic remodeling, these older homes can be updated to meet contemporary wellness needs, whether it’s more windows to increase natural light, a reimagined kitchen that encourages cooking balanced meals, or smart features that make day-to-day life
a little easier.
