Many of us have an interest in interior design, but most buyers will only consider purchasing houses they like the look of from the outside. Kerb appeal matters.
Research conducted by the Homeowners Alliance shows that almost 70% of prospective buyers rate external aesthetics as an important factor when choosing where to live. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline some fantastic outdoor updates to make your home the best looking on the block.
New windows and doors
New windows and doors can transform the look of your home, but they also offer several other benefits, including superior security and energy efficiency.
There’s a huge range of styles available to complement traditional and modern homes and options to suit all budgets. If you’re modernising your home, it’s beneficial to explore different materials, designs and glazing options.
Double glazing can boost insulation, helping you save money on energy bills and stay warm during the winter. Using a windows buying guide is helpful if you’re unsure which types of windows will work best for your property.
It’s also beneficial to think about how you dress your windows. You can add serious style with shutters, decorative curtains, eye-catching blinds or vibrant, colourful window boxes.
A beautiful garden
If you’re lucky enough to have a front or back garden, celebrate it in all its glory. Even if you only have a bijou plot, you can elevate any outdoor space with flowers and plants, manicured lawns and decorative accessories.
Mow the grass regularly, keep the borders neat and tidy and inject colour with flower beds or filled planters and containers. You can also add interest and enhance privacy and security with fencing and gates.
If you don’t have a garden, you can still take advantage of the beauty of plants and flowers.
Use hanging baskets or pots and planters to decorate your porch, breathe new life into the facade of your home or add vibrancy to a compact yard. Potted olive trees and buxus plants are ideal choices for contemporary homes.
Garden rooms, cabins and summerhouses
One of the best ways to upgrade your exterior and make your home more attractive and versatile is to invest in an outdoor structure, such as a garden room, pergola, cabin or summerhouse.
Garden rooms have become increasingly sought-after since the pandemic, as they provide excellent workspaces for remote workers.
Adding extra living space outside frees up room inside. There’s also flexibility to use the space for other purposes, such as a home exercise studio or gym, a study for teens, a games room, an art studio, a bar, or a space to socialise, hang out and relax.
If you have space for a garden room, you can choose from a vast array of designs and sizes, with options available to suit every style of property and budget.
Crisp paintwork
Crisp, fresh paintwork can turn a tired-looking, unloved house into a stunning home in an instant. Vivid, clean paintwork creates a positive first impression if you’re trying to attract buyers, but it can also give you a sense of satisfaction if you’re staying in the house.
When you arrive home, you’ll look at your nest and be proud and grateful to live there.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting can alter the look of your home but it also enables you to adjust to different seasons and times of day and create ambience.
When it’s dark, you can enjoy a totally different aesthetic by switching lanterns, uplighters, string lights and sunken spotlights on. You can also create an alternative vibe. Soft lighting induces a state of calmness and tranquillity, which enables you to make the most of relaxing evenings in the garden.
Awnings, porches and covered patios
Adding an awning, porch or covered patio to your home has multiple benefits.
You can use these additions to make the exterior of your home look stunning, but they also enhance functionality and practicality.
Providing shelter and shade, these features will enable you to make the most of your outdoor space come rain or shine.
You can inject new colourways and design features, channel trends and create more versatile al fresco areas.
Research options and styles, compare prices and look for inspiration in magazines, social media, TV makeover shows and blogs. Once you’ve chosen the structure you want to add, you can elevate the aesthetic using accessories and details, such as planters, soft furnishings, furniture and outdoor lighting.
Having a beautiful home is beneficial for attracting buyers if you’re selling, but it can also make you feel good. If you’re considering an external makeover either to boost saleability or create a more attractive home for your family to enjoy, there are many ways to enhance aesthetics.
Examples include new windows and doors, a stunning garden, garden rooms, summerhouses and cabins, crisp paintwork, outdoor lighting, and awnings, porches and covered patios.
