Curb Appeal

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

09 Feb 2006 11:36 AM

You've likely heard the term curb appeal, although it's frequently used when discussing the sale of a home. While it's true that curb appeal adds value to the sales price, there is no reason to wait until you are ready to sell your home to start adding curb appeal.

Exterior decor and attractive details not only make a home more appealing when it's for sale, they also make a home more welcoming to guests and visitors. They make a home stand out from other similar homes in the area.

One of the most important aspects of curb appeal is drawing attention to the entrance of the home. If guests cannot see your front door when they arrive, they may feel a bit uncomfortable about approaching your home.

It may be as simple as pruning or trimming trees, bushes, hedges, and other plantings when they become overgrown. If plants completely block the entrance or crowd the walkway, consider removing them.

A really simple fix is giving the front door a fresh coat of paint of stain. A deep, rich color will draw the eye to the door. Another remedy is framing the front door with potted plants, bright flowers, or topiary. Besides color, you can also add architectural details to draw attention to your home's entrance.

Adding a kick plate and matching hardware to the front door gives it a more elegant feel and draws interest. While kick plates were originally intended to protect the surface of the door, they are often used as a decorative item and are available in many styles and finishes. Matching hardware will enhance the effect.

For a unique flavor, add a pair of decorative shutters to frame your front door, to add some European flair. The shutters should match your window shutters in color and style. You can have shutters custom made for your doorway at Architectural Depot. This site also offers many other architectural details including columns, corbels, and moldings.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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