In the dead of winter, it can be hard to tell what needs to be done to your home or cottage to up its appeal. After all, just about everything looks worn down and grey this time of year. But spring is just around the corner, and once the sun returns, you’ll start to notice the paint peeling on your window panes. Before long you’ll be planning your next trip to TIMBER MART. But if major renos aren’t in the budget, you can follow these six simple tips for easy and inexpensive ways to add curb appeal to your home or cottage.
Paint your front door a bright colour
A simple way to improve the exterior of your home or cottage is painting the front door—especially if you opt for a bright and sunny colour, like a rusty red or daffodil yellow. Painting your door an inviting colour won’t just help visitors find your place; the inviting hue will also make them feel more welcome.
Install lighting along pathways
If you don’t already have energy-efficient lighting along pathways and steps to help avoid twisted ankles, this is your warning. Plus, adding lighting along pathways isn’t simply a good safety tip; it’s also an easy way to add ambience. When working with a straight path, try staggering the lighting to avoid a runway look. And if you’re looking for something a little more eye-catching and unique, try rope lighting, which also tends to be fairly inexpensive.
Hang long, flowing porch curtains
We can’t think of anything that will make a large porch look more elegant than a set of white linen curtains tied back at each post. If you spend much time on your front porch, curtains can also act as a stylish solution to protecting you from the sun and annoying insects. And if you still need to replace your siding or haven’t repainted your front door just yet, the fresh fabric will do wonders to detract from those items still sitting on your “honey do list.”
Buy a cheerful doormat
A doormat isn’t simply good for collecting excess dirt, moisture, and debris before it enters your home—it will also make your front porch or deck appear more “complete.” Opt for a style that says something about who you are. A mat made from sailor’s knots or adorned with a silly phrase, for instance, will give your guests a taste of your personality before they’ve even walked through the front door.
Update your address numbers
Your address numbers may seem like a small thing, but they’re likely the first thing a new guest sees when searching for your place. Even when things are looking a little worn, it’s detailing like this that will prove how dedicated you are to the aesthetics of your home or cottage.
Add window boxes filled with flowers
We understand if planting trees and hauling a few massive rocks onto your property to create focal points and dimension is more work than you were hoping for. Measures like these will certainly add curb appeal, but they’re also labour intensive and expensive. If you’re looking for a simpler solution, add window boxes filled with flowers. There are lots of helpful videos and articles online to help you build your own. Even simpler? Buy planters with hooks that you can hang from your porch.
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