Curb Appeal Feeling a Little Off? Some Questions to Consider

Are the architectural details the right scale and style? Classic columns on the front porch, windows on the sides of the door (sidelights) and an eyebrow dormer are charming touches that make this front door all the more inviting. Your porch posts may be out of scale, or that contemporary door may be out of whack with your traditional home. Analyze each detail and see if they complement the house.

 

Is the front door neat and clean? The most important thing is that it is crisply painted and clean. 

If you have sidelights or transoms, make sure you clean them weekly, inside and out. Coordinate lanterns or outdoor sconces, great hardware, house numbers and a door knocker with your home's style. These final touches make a big impact.

 

Is the front door the right color? If your front facade feels ho-hum, a new front door color can rev it up. Not sure which color will suit your home? We have a number of helpful ideabooks featuring a range of front door color choices and how to pick them; Vanessa Brunner has conveniently put them together in one place for you.

 

Is your screen door or storm door unsightly? A lot of us don't necessarily notice our very functional but not-so-pretty front screen doors, but they can be the lipstick on the teeth of your home's otherwise perfectly made-up face. Aluminum doors may be rusty; screens may be jutting out or covering up a beautiful door and taking away from its beauty.

There are many beautiful screen doors out there; some of my favorites are by artist Susan Wallace, who transforms screen doors into works of art with intricate metal designs. There are also cottage-style doors with wood frames and carved wood details. If you want to lose the door and keep the bug-free cross breeze, there are ingenious rolling screens that fit into the door jambs and hide from view when not in use.

Is the trim giving your house the proper punctuation? If your house is channeling the blahs, refresh your trim. Perhaps your white could look crisper or your window trim is calling for a color that stands out. Sometimes dark panes that contrast with the outer trim are the answer.

 

Are the kids afraid to trick-or-treat at your house? Curb appeal continues from day into night. Make sure your front door and pathway are well lit with fixtures that coordinate with your architecture and color scheme. Extra enhancements on the home here also include the lights on the potted trees out front. A well-lit house also helps keep burglars away.

 

Is your front path clear and inviting? A clear view and access to the front door are key; you don’t want visitors being snagged by thorns or tripping. Create a walkway from the sidewalk to the front door that will keep your postal carrier happy.

 

Can you have a rocking good time out front? Even a small front porch calls for old-fashioned rockers. It's also a great spot for watching the world go by. Porch swings, wicker chairs and benches are other great front porch seating options.