When we live somewhere, we often tend to bring charm and spend more time, money, and effort on that home’s interior and forget about adding charm to the exterior. This is most likely because that’s what we see more often than anything else – we do not usually stand outside and stare at the exterior of our property.
However, as much as it’s fun, and essential, to decorate the inside of our homes to our liking, the outside shouldn’t be forgotten; this is not a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’. With that said, here are some great ideas about how to bring charm to your home’s exterior so that it matches the beauty of the inside and makes you truly proud.
Ideas to Bring Charm
Add A Covered Entrance
Although this is not a job that most people would be able to tackle themselves, and therefore it’s something that a contractor will need to deal with (which will cost money), the overall effect once your new covered entrance is complete will be stunning. It will change the entire look of your property and add bring charm. If this is the only change you make, then it will be a worthwhile one.
The key to any covered entrance is to ensure that it matches the style of the rest of your home. Adding a vintage-looking wooden porch covering to a modern house will look out of place, and it won’t have a cohesive feel no matter how much you like the design on its own. Putting a very modern-looking portico on an older property will do the same, causing the entire look to be disjointed. Matching styles and design ideas will form a much more attractive look.
Hanging Lantern
Not everything you do to the exterior of your home has to be just for looks, and not everything has to be a big job or an expensive one. Something as simple as a hanging lantern can make a big difference and bring charm to your exterior. You can even choose between using electricity or solar power.
The lantern can be a great addition to the exterior of your home as it is a safety measure too. When you get home and it is dark, or you leave the house early in the morning, this will light your way so you don’t have a safety issue. Plus, as a security measure, lighting is a superb preventative tool.
Change Your Front Door
Entry doors are the focal point of the exterior of any property, and if yours are looking old, unloved, unfashionable, or in need of repair, the rest of the façade will be brought down to this level. This takes away from the overall charm of the home.
The impact that a new front door will make on your home is astounding, and it is certainly something that people will notice. Before you commit to any new door, make sure you know what you are looking for, as there are dozens of different styles to choose from.
Again, it should ideally match the house’s age and style, but you also need to consider other elements. Do you want it to let in a lot of light, for example (this is great if you have a dark hallway), or would you prefer more privacy? Should it be reinforced? What kind of door furniture will you install?
Knowing this in advance will make the search for new doors much easier. If you are having trouble choosing, asking an expert for help is an excellent idea.
Install Window Boxes
Window boxes added to the exterior of your home will give your property a certain charm as well as a lived-in, well-loved look. It will tell people a little about your personality too. Depending on what you grow in your window boxes, whether you choose bright flowers, vegetables, herbs, or anything else, you will be able to give visitors a sneak peek into who you are and the kinds of things you like.
Window boxes are easy to install, and you can decorate them in any way you want to. Just remember to keep everything you are growing in them well cared for. Then you don’t have a lot of dead plants outside your home, which is never a good look.
Add A Gate
If you have space and assuming any local regulations allow, you can add a gate to the front of your home. A small wooden gate, or a decorated metallic one, can really set off the look of your property. It can add some charm to the exterior especially if you take good care of the front yard and ensure it is landscaped and neat.
Again, depending on space, you could add an arbor or arch over the gate. This is so pretty. It will draw the eye. Even if some elements of the exterior of your home aren’t quite as attractive, you can almost hide them in plain sight.
Fix Your Driveway
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a driveway. If you do, you should take care of it rather than take it for granted. It’s a good idea to move your car. Take a good look at the paving beneath where it’s generally parked. You might not even have noticed that the driveway is damaged. After all, you just drive on and off it, and when you’re at home your car will be parked over it.
To get a good idea of what needs to be done, you’re going to need to investigate. If your drive is old or damaged, you can have the entire thing replaced and change its look at the same time. Then it better matches the rest of the exterior. Using brick is a popular idea, and stained concrete always looks great. Either way, a clean and maintained driveway will also add some charm to your home.
Fix Your Roof
No matter how much time and effort you put into the rest of your home, if you forget the roof, it could all be for naught. A poorly maintained roof will always be noticed. Especially in bad weather if tiles fall or water runs from it when it shouldn’t.
Getting an expert in fixing your roof is the best option. In this way, you’ll know the repairs have been done correctly. It will cost you initially. When you think of the saving you’ll be making on your energy bills, it will be worth it.
Add Style With Stonework
Stonework features can be some of the best options when it comes to adding charm to your home. You can expect to find stonework features that suit with any kind of style or aesthetic. Whether you want to maintain the most modern feel or have a more traditional farmhouse dwelling.
You can choose to rework your chimney and add a stonework fronting for a hint of natural flare. Or even cover up your exterior walls with stonework. Both change up your home’s appearance dramatically.
Finding the best quality stone veneer products is essential, as you need to make sure your new addition can be attractive while also withstanding the test of time. Always get an expert in to install your stonework too, as you need a trained professional to be able to turn your dreams into a reality!
Stonework maintenance should be at the top of your agenda if you decide to add charm to your home in this way. It’s important that you can take the right steps to prevent signs of wear and tear, as this will keep your property looking as attractive as can be for years to come.
Final Thoughts on Adding Charm to Your Exterior
The elements people see when they go by your home are what they make their impressions of your home on. Why not bring charm to the exterior of your home by using some of the above-mentioned tips and suggestions?
What have you done to bring charm to your home’s exterior? Tell me in the comments below.