15 Smart Ways to Update Your Front Yard for Better Curb Appeal

House Numbers

Pretend you're the parent of a friend of your pre-teen daughter, dropping off your child for the first time in the dark. You drive slowly by, searching for the address displayed on your phone's navigational app. It says you're at 46257 Mockingbird Lane—or are you? There's a car parked in front of the curb where the house numbers should be painted and a shrub covering the last two numbers of the address posted on the front facade. 

It's definitely time for an update, so why not make sure the house numbers are legible, easy to find, attractive, and in a font that complements your home's architectural style?

Change the Mailbox

If you were the mail carrier, would you be able to find your mailbox easily? OK, if you were an identity thief cruising by, could your house be targeted as an easy mark, with the mailbox near the front of the property, hinges of the little door broken or unlocked so that bills and other important pieces of mail can be swiftly confiscated while you're at work?

Or, from a design perspective, do you have a cast iron mailbox that would look better with a Georgian or neo-Colonial home than your Midcentury-modern?

It's a simple and quick change that can start to make an improvement.

Rethink the Front Pathway

Assess it from the viewpoint of a visitor—in other words, walk up the path from the curb, across the sidewalk, and past your front yard. As you do so, ask yourself the following three questions: One, is it safe? Are any bricks, pavers, or other materials missing or coming loose? Two, is it welcoming? Or does it remind you of the house you'd pass by on the way home from school with the overgrown trees and ivy that you and your friends would run past because you were pretty sure a witch lived there? Three, is there no path or entryway at all? Do visitors have to cut across the lawn?

Refresh the Entryway

Unless you happen to have a sculpture by Henry Moore in your front yard, the focal point of your property will probably be the entry and/or front door. If the door is worn, painted a ho-hum color, or does not jive with the rest of the home's architectural details, it won't stand out. 

If you have a front porch, make sure it's freshly painted, repaired, clean, and nicely furnished. Don't forget container plants, light fixtures, outdoor pillows, and doormats as extras to help spruce up the entry and welcome visitors as they approach your front door.

Also, think about repainting your front door with something colorful that goes well with your home's exterior or replace the door if it's in poor shape or the style doesn't match the home's architecture.

Update Your Architectural Details and Add-Ons

Look at your home's add-ons, like light fixtures, railings, and columns. Examine awnings, porticoes, overhangs, and the porch. Do they need to be repaired, or is it time to replace any of these elements? How do the scale and size compare to the rest of your house? Do they coordinate with your home's architectural style?

Make a note of any changes you'd like to make and add them to the ever-increasing list.

Consider the Exterior Color

In addition to the color of the door, assess the color of your home's exterior. Does it need an update? Was the house built in the 1980s and still painted in colors of the era that maybe don't enhance it now? You should also look to the state of the paint that's on the house. Is the paint cracked or peeling on the trim or facade? Colorwise, is it boring? If you must follow guidelines imposed by a homeowners' association (HOA), consult their color list periodically for changes.

Hire a designer or contractor to assist you in choosing colors for the exterior, trim, railings, and other architectural features.

What's up With That Garage Door?

How's that garage door working for you? Is it literally on its last hinge and must be propped every time it's opened? If so, it's time to repair or replace the door. Replace it if the door has dents or major surface damage or wear. It can be worth it to consider getting a new one if it doesn't coordinate with the rest of the house.

Time for New Landscaping?

If you could, would you dig up your yard and start over? While it's a dramatic move, sometimes it's necessary. If trees are overgrown, invasive, and roots are buckling the sidewalk and encroaching on your plumbing and irrigation, they should be removed—check with a local arborist or tree-trimming service.

The same goes for hedges, a thirsty lawn in a drought region, or high-maintenance shrubs that need weekly haircuts. Depending on your skills and time, this can be a do-it-yourself undertaking or you might want to enlist the services of a landscape designer or landscape contractor.

Cleanliness and Potential Repairs

Maintenance and cleanliness are part of the big picture. Take note of whether your home appears clean, fresh, and well-kept. Also look at working elements like gutters, siding, and shutters. Are they in good shape or is it time to repair or replace them?

Think Year Round

While the summer and spring months come alive with bright colors and a breathe of fresh air, you don't want your front yard to only look striking during that time of year. Opting for plants like shrubs or even trees will keep your yard from looking drab and bare once autumn and winter arrive. You can also think ahead and choose design elements that won't fade or lose their appeal depending on the season—they will stand out year-round.

Paint Your Porch

When in doubt, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the exterior of your home. This doesn't stop with the outside walls, though—your porch is a perfect candidate as well! If you notice your porch is a bit rundown and in need of some TLC, try painting it to give a fresh look. Whether you go for a classic white or another color that emphasizes the palette of your home, the results may take you by surprise in the best way.

Think About Scale

Take into account the size of your house and your front yard. Do you have a large home that stretches across a wide area? Or a smaller space? Depending on what you're working with, your front yard design will be affected. Larger homes may require wider sidewalks or larger plants to balance things out. Smaller homes may need to opt for smaller plant life and narrow pathways to keep things within scale and cohesive.

Add Unique Features

Your home may already have distinct features that you want to update and repair, but you can also add your own unique features. Whether it's adding a stunning pergola, adding illumination to light things up at night, or a hanging chair to replace your typical front porch swing, adding something unexpected will capture other's attention and easily add to your curb appeal.

Ensure Your Shrubbery and Plants are Well Kept and Well Placed

While plants are often a common way to spruce up your front yard, their placement and maintenance are important. Ask yourself these questions when considering your plants:

• Are they well maintained? Do I need to trim them?
• Are the plants and shrubs I have spaced out well? Does it look cluttered and cramped or open and welcoming?
• Is it time to replace certain plants that aren't holding up? Should I try something new?

Get Creative With Your Privacy

It's hard to deny the appeal of an elegant border or fence—the appearance gives the home an almost sophisticated feel. If you aren't big on stone or brick options, you can try a flower border to add a splash of color and make a refreshing statement. Even a small picket fence can give you a bit of privacy while looking classic and decorative.