First impressions matter. That's true for people, and it's definitely true for our homes! We often overlook what's on the kerb in favour of sprucing up our back gardens or interior decor. But the front of your home is the first thing guests, passers-by, and even potential buyers see.
Luckily, we're on hand with the tips and advice you need to increase the kerb appeal on your property. From simple updates like a fresh coat of paint to more ambitious projects like a whole new patio, we'll explore a range of ideas to suit every budget and style.
What is kerb appeal?
Kerb appeal is all about making your home look its absolute best from the outside. It's the first impression your house makes on anyone passing by, whether it's a neighbour walking their dog or a potential buyer driving past.
From the landscaping to the architecture, every little detail counts in creating that inviting, 'wow' factor that makes people want to stop and admire your home.
Why is kerb appeal important?
1. Making a good first impression
Your home's exterior is the first thing people see. A well-maintained and attractive exterior sets the tone for what's inside and can leave a lasting impression.
2. Increasing your home's market value
Improving your home’s kerb appeal can increase its value by as much as 10%, according to a study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
This means investing in landscaping, exterior maintenance, and other kerb appeal enhancements can pay off in the long run by attracting more potential buyers and commanding a higher sale price.
A study by Evolution Money also found that most people (93%) pass judgement on a property based purely on how it looks from the outside.
3. Keeping the neighbours happy
Your house is part of a community, and how it looks can affect the overall feel of the neighbourhood.
By maintaining your property and enhancing its kerb appeal, you contribute to the neighbourhood's standards and can avoid arguments from unruly-looking gardens!
How to increase kerb appeal for your home
Whether you're preparing to sell your home or simply want to create a more welcoming space for yourself and your family, the following tips to increase kerb appeal will help.
1. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint
Giving your front door a fresh coat of paint is a simple but effective way to enhance kerb appeal. Choosing a bold or vibrant colour can make it stand out and become a focal point of your home's facade, adding personality and visual interest.
Contrasting the colour with the rest of the exterior creates a striking visual impact, highlighting the entrance and making it more noticeable.
It's a simple and budget-friendly way to make your home look more inviting and well-loved, showing off your pride in your little corner of the neighbourhood.
2. Put up some hanging baskets
Add a splash of joy and colour to your kerb with hanging baskets. These beautiful baskets filled with blooming flowers or lush greenery instantly catch the eye and add a charming touch to your front porch or entrance area.
They not only add vibrant pops of colour but also soften the hard edges of your home's exterior, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Plus, the variety of plants and flowers you choose can add depth and visual interest, making your home stand out in the neighbourhood.
Best of all, hanging baskets are relatively low-maintenance, requiring just a bit of watering and occasional pruning to keep them looking their best all season long.
3. Refresh windows and window frames
Refreshing windows and window frames can work wonders for enhancing your home's kerb appeal. Clean windows brighten up your home and make it look more welcoming from the outside.
By removing dirt, grime, and peeling paint, you can give your home a fresh, updated look and make it look like you have new windows without the hefty price tag!
4. Clean the path and driveway
Your path or driveway is the first thing people see when they approach your home, so making sure it's clean and tidy can instantly enhance your kerb appeal.
By removing dirt, stains, and debris, you create a welcoming garden path that invites visitors to your front door. A clean driveway not only looks better but also makes your home appear well-maintained and cared for. Find out how to pressure wash your driveway, decking or patio with our step-by-step guide.
Is cleaning your driveway just not cutting it anymore? Maybe it's time for an upgrade. Consider updating your driveway with your choice of premium paving stones, from porcelain driveways to permeable paving.
5. Conceal the bins
By hiding unsightly bins from view, whether it's with a purpose-built bin store, clever landscaping, or decorative screens, you instantly elevate the look of your home from the outside.
You'll also be creating a more welcoming and pleasant environment for yourself, neighbours and visitors.
6. Do some landscaping
By adding plants, flowers, or trees to your front garden, you instantly breathe life into your home's exterior. Not only does it add colour and texture, but it also softens the look of hard surfaces like concrete or brick, creating a more inviting atmosphere.
Plus, a well-designed front garden shows that you take pride in your home and care about how it looks, which makes a positive impression on anyone passing by. Whether you're planting a few flowers in pots or redesigning the entire garden, landscaping is a simple yet effective way to enhance your kerb appeal and make your home stand out.
We have a range of blogs to inspire you, including guides on low-maintenance front garden ideas and small front garden ideas.
7. Define pathways
By outlining your pathways with kerbs and edging, you add structure and definition to your outdoor space. The addition of path edging stones or driveway edging creates charm and adds structure to your space.
Whether you opt for a classic brick border or a more modern concrete edging, defining pathways helps to achieve a cohesive and harmonious look that ties together your entire outdoor space.
8. Refresh any fencing and gates
You instantly boost your kerb appeal by sprucing up your fencing and gates with a fresh coat of paint or stain and making any necessary repairs.
Not only does it improve the overall look of your home, but it also enhances security and privacy. A well-maintained fence and gate create a welcoming entrance while also defining the boundaries of your property.
9. Install feature lighting
Create a warm and welcoming ambience that draws attention to your property even after the sun goes down. Strategically placing lights to highlight architectural features, landscaping, or pathways also enhances your kerb appeal in an instant.
Whether you opt for elegant uplighting, soft garden lanterns, or dramatic floodlights, installing feature lighting is a simple yet effective way to make a big impact on your home's curb appeal and create a lasting impression on visitors and passersby alike.
10. Tidy away any toys
If you have young children who love playing outside, consider investing in some storage boxes to keep all their toys tidied away when they're not being used.
By clearing away bikes, balls, and other outdoor toys, you create a clutter-free space that looks more inviting and well-maintained.
Maximise your home's kerb appeal with Marshalls
From simple updates like painting your front door to more involved projects like landscaping and feature lighting, there are endless possibilities to enhance your home's exterior.
By investing in your kerb appeal, you increase the attractiveness of your home, boost its market value, and create a welcoming environment for all who approach.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Discover how Marshalls can help you turn your kerb appeal dreams into reality. With our wide range of high-quality paving and driveway solutions, expert advice, and professional services, you'll be the envy of the neighbourhood in no time!
