10 Ways to Give Your House a Face Lift
It seems there are more cosmetic surgery options becoming available to keep us looking younger ever longer. Our faces aren’t the only places that need an occasional lift, nip or tuck. As our homes age, so does their appearance. If you find that you tell people how to find your house by the rusting fixtures at the front or the overgrown hedges, then it’s time to take your home’s appearance into your own hands and give it a face lift. Here’s how…
1. Repaint. This is possibly the cheapest and easiest fix there is. Paint store experts are also experts at selecting paint colors and many even have palettes pre-made. For the best help, take a picture of your home, take it into your paint store and have the paint professional advise you on what colors should go where on your house.
2. Shutter up. Easy shutters can be made from one by fours for a rustic look and inexpensive vinyl shutters can be found at almost any home center. Of course, a less-common shutter, such as a board-and-batten style or Bahama shutter that are often seen in coastal homes, will score higher on the curb appeal meter.
3. Replace windows. Old windows can seriously detract from the looks of a house. Windows age with time and so do the styles. Even replacing screens can sometimes make a big improvement.
4. New fixtures. Lighting fixtures go in and out with styles and because outdoor fixtures are exposed to the elements, they often begin rusting and looking bad quickly. Give yours a quick repaint if it is still stylish or replace it if it is badly out of date.
5. Go garage. Because this door is so large, it takes up a lot of the view of your home. Updating it with paint, trim or replacing it altogether can really change the look of your home. Wayne-Dalton.com has a custom design kit for its 9700 garage door that can make up to 54 different design combinations.
6. Hardscaping. A new walkway can improve the looks at your home. In particular, a curved walkway versus a straight one really changes the look of your home from the curb. It’s also creates a more welcoming look for the exterior. Adding brick trim, a pattern or some kind of feature also brings up the appearance a notch.
7. Landscaping. Few improvements to a home have as much impact as landscaping. Take a photo of your home from the street to the nursery and ask for advice on what plants to purchase and where to plant them. Most nursery professionals will be happy to help you make the right selections for your home and the area.
8. Front and center. The front door to your home says a lot about your home. If yours is older or tired-looking a sprucing up with some new paint and even door hardware can make a big difference in its appearance. Try painting your door a contrasting color to really make it stand out.
9. Light up. Call more attention to your home by lighting the exterior. Lighting kits can be found very inexpensively at home centers and they’re a cinch to wire. Or, hire a professional. Either way, exterior lighting makes every house look great.
10. Get cozy. Whether you add a split-rail fence to use as a backdrop for a planting bed, a small stone nook for a café set, or a pair of pretty planters, cozying up your home creates a welcoming affect that attracts admirers and creates a warm reception for visitors.
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Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Real Home E-Zine, the Internet newsletter with real home advice, tips, and ideas for cooking, gardening, cleaning, and decorating for real families. Subscribers receive this FREE report, The 10 Habits that Help You Keep Your House Cleaner. For more information log on to www.kathryn-weber.com.
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