So once upon a time, our house was a totally fantastical UPS brown.
There’s nothing wrong with UPS brown. Except that we hated it it was just kinda bumming us out since it was all over our house {paired with builder’s beige}.
Yay.
So we updated the back, and in the process, loved our home even more.
It’s amazing how creating an outdoor space can make you feel like you’ve expanded the size of your home. It was worth doing, even if it did include digging in the dirt a-la a mid-summer drout in the topics of alabama. #workerhardernotsmarter
All was well and the brown was gone.
Except one thing…
We only updated the back at the time, expecting to soon include the sides and the front on our to do list.
But {just kidding} life happened and other things took priority, and forever we had this halfway finito house that still looked UPS brown on the outside.
I know. We’re hanging our head in {more} shame because we were totally those people. But it’s reality.
We lacked some major curb appeal and knew that we were beyond overdue for an update.
Despite the cold weather we knew enough is enough, and we decided to make some changes.
And the weather was oh so kind to us, can you say 70 degrees in January? {And 30 degrees the next?}
So today we’re sharing some of our favorite, easy ways to add curb appeal.
Oh, and don’t worry, we painted the sides, too.
1. Pressure washing is your best friend.
No. Really. Sometimes just pressure washing can give those areas a fresh lease on life. You don’t realize how bad your outside needs a bath until you hose it down. It’s kind of like those floors you didn’t realize were so dirty until you looked at the bottom of your feet. (Uh, I mean I’m not talking about our tile floor in our kitchen – No judging… we have new puppies.)
Over time, mildew can grow on the side of your home, and mud splatter can build up and all the stuff that the great outdoors is made of. It can hide your home’s former glory. Power washing is your best friend for your windows, paint job, brick and especially your driveway. {See us and all our former projects exposing themselves in the form of CSI-esque paint splatter in our driveway. One pressure wash and it’s all gone.}
It can go a long way.
{PS you can pick up a good gas pressure washer for an affordable price.}
2. The Power of Paint.
We’ve been sharing our love of a good paint job as a quick fix for some time. There’s nothing quite like the transformative power of taking something old and blah and making it amazing with paint.
Change your colors if you’re not happy with the way it looks, and revamp old paint jobs for a fresh take. You won’t regret it. Paint is literally one of the cheapest quick fixes to your home.
We even brought in a little haint blue for some great character… whereas before, not even the trim had a good contrast.
For our colors we used Dutch Boy’s Elegant White {trim + garage door} Route 66 {hardy board}, Endless Ocean {front door} and Land of the Free {haint blue}
Because it’s a high gloss paint, it’s showing up a little brighter than “real life” and has a touch of teal in the real deal.
Painting in January was a little risky: True to Alabama winters, the weather could have taken a turn from enjoyable to arctic, in a night. Painting in the cold is not only zero fun {see: numb fingers} but the results are normally pretty shoddy {see: poor, gloopy finish} We knew we were going to paint the whole house this time, and we were banking on a little warm weather in January. So we brought out the big guns.
We adore HomeRight’s Power-Flo Pro. It’s a champ and helped get all those sides painted this time around. It’s super simple to use.
After we pressure washed, we taped off the windows, doors and anything else we didn’t want to paint. Then went to town with the sides of the house. (Make sure to get a paint shield to help keep paint away from the edges.) If you use your safety gear and follow the HomeRight instructions, you’ll be done before your cool mask can fog up.
Which leaves more time to talk to the kids through it like Darth Vader.
Ashley wasn’t as humored as the kids.
3. Spruce up the garage.
About a year ago, we were coming in from a walk, and somehow the garage door closed on Emerson’s bike. Oops, that might have been my fault. So the top was all bent out of shape, and we knew we had to have it replaced. Only we like to wait a while before replacing things for some reason, that’s just how we roll. {see: the fridge. and other various portions of our home}
It’s a wonder what a new panel {with actual windows- we can actually see when we’re in our garage now! Though the first few times I started to blame someone for leaving the door up} can do for your curb appeal.
If you have a front-facing garage, a little hardware goes a long way with character. You can pick these up for under $20 at your local home improvement store. All you need to install them is a drill, 1/8 drill bit and a screw driver.
It’s a 20 minute update with huge benefits.
Our little house has come a long way from that big brown rectangle that sat oh so non-interestingly for far too long.
4. Change Your Lighting.
Our outside gave very little light at night, and left us a bit in the dark.
We adore this little addition from Lamps Plus, with a little brass for some awesome character.
We added a cree LED bulb for the outside and were delighted with how bright it is now. {They actually last for around forever = winning}
We feel like our front door welcomes us now.
And truly reflects the inside of our home, too.
5. Remember The Details
Giving your front some curb appeal and a bit of a spruce up doesn’t mean you have to haul a bazillion things onto your front porch, or do some super expensive landscaping.
You can start small and make little changes that can really add up.
Take a look at what’s in your budget, and add a new wreath. Or a fun door knocker. Or a welcome mat that you’ve had your eye on. Planters can be collected over time, and even the plain jane ones can be given a little love with a paintbrush and a little greenery.
Add some rocks not only create appeal, but also a great border for helping keep the grass in place. Adding fresh pine straw or mulch, and you’ll have a well defined yard with easy character.
A little DIY and love… goes a long way.
We love our little spruce up, and can’t wait to add some spring zing to it all once the weather is a little warmer.
These are a few of our favorite things when it comes to adding easy curb appeal for your home. What are some of your very favorite ideas that are actually easy to do and can make a big difference?
We’d love to hear!
Let us know if you have any questions and as always have an inspired day!
Deb G says
Gorgeous–fresh and classic! Such a talented eye for potential!
BTW–Where did you get the garage door (or did I overlook that)?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Deb!
The original door that came with our house is an Overhead door. When the door landed on the bicycle, the top panel bent up for some reason {we’re guessing it’s just the way it’s built and a safety feature in the materials} so we replaced the top panel, this time from the same company but opting for windows. Then we added some hardware on our own, instead of spending $$$$ for an entirely new door. I hope that helps! ;}
Angela R says
Love the update! The front door color is so fun. Question: We have a tan house(close to your original color, maybe a shade or so lighter) and navy shutters. Those two colors are not going anywhere so I want to update our front door. It is currently a deep red color, but I’m itching to change it. Do you have any sugguestions? I’m kinda stuck.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Angela! That’s a hard call without seeing your home, but is there a deeper shade of blue that could really complement those shutters? Something a little lighter than the navy? Or even a deep grey could be fun. Not that you want to replace your entire door, but a stained wood would also sound like a beautiful option. Hope those help get those wheels turning!
Angela says
Thanks so much! I love the wood door suggestion. I hadn’t thought of that. We hate the door anyway. It’s one of those cheapos we installed when we built the house 7yrs ago.
Jamie says
It looks lovely! Where did you get that wonderful treehouse?! Or (most likely) did you make it? I would love one for my boys.
jamin says
Thank you Jamie! We did actually build the treehouse and you can see all the post about it and the backyard here. Hope that helps and we hope it turns out amazing!
donna says
I love your ideas. Really like the new door color! It really pops.
I have a question????? Is your siding vinyl? If so, did it require special paint?
Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks Donna! Our planks on the side of the house are actually Hardi board. And I always spell it wrong, as I probably did above, so there’s that. ;} I hope that helps!
Andrea @ MouseInMyPocket.com says
This is really fun. I love the teal door. I’ll be sure to keep these tips in mind if we ever get ourselves a house bought.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Andrea!
Regina says
The garage door is what caught my eye most! Who knew that the panels could be replaced? We have a ‘bent-always up-garage door’ that could maybe have a longer lease on life with a new panel! We’ll have to check that out!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks Regina! It’s still kinda pricey to fix a door {blech} but it is much cheaper than replacing the whole thing! It may depend on where yours is bent, too. Ours was bent for a really long time… probably a year before we fixed it, because it was subtle from the outside, but we couldn’t even open and close it anymore with our opener. {BOOO}
Josie says
Hey y’all, love this post and all the changes you made to the outside. I’m definitely using the garage door hardware idea! Also, I’ve been wanting to paint our front door for a while now and haven’t been able to decide on a color. Our house is a somewhat bold yellow and our roof is a red Spanish tile. Any thoughts? Thanks y’all and War Eagle!
Jamie says
Beautiful! And I was just thinking about painting our front door blue. I love the way your color choices always seem to add joy to the space. Do you have a source for the wreath? Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Jamie! Yes, we are a little color obsessed. ;} The wreath is from Target, and we purchased it this winter. But I just found it here. http://www.target.com/p/smith-hawken-natural-dried-birch-bark-wreath-21/-/A-15275854?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=15275854&CPNG=Home+Decor&kpid=15275854&LID=25pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=15275854&kpid=15275854&gclid=CMT8zoKPj8QCFYI9aQodJrEAlg
ashley @ the handmade home says
PS it’s technically an indoor wreath, but our front is covered and we like to break rules. ;}
Lori says
Always love reading your posts. This California girl even learned a new word today. Haint! I had never heard of that word. 😉 http://www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers/inspiration/styles-and-techniques/sw-article-pro-thewhysbehind.html
sherry guitard says
Wow! Looks amazing! I love the colour of your door!
Kari says
Love the update! Where did you get the wreath?
Jen @ Fairy Much Fun says
This is a fabulous post! I’m on my way to research colors for our own door now! I would love to paint it a new color, but now I need to figure out what my husband and I can agree on. Thanks for the inspiration!
Poppy says
Looks fab! I love the color of your front door! Totally inspiring, as usual! You rock!
Becky says
Your back yard is amazing! I’ve always wanted a pergola. I absolutely love the colors you chose. I think I would feel like I were on vacation with a backyard like that. Enjoy!
Sara says
where did you get the wreath?
Christina says
This was great! Thank you for sharing. We’re in the process of choosing a new paint color for the house, because we need gutters, and the gutter folks need to match the gutters to the paint, and because one home project can never be completed without a few others along side it…yeah, whirlwind. I’d love more info about the garage door, where does one purchase a single panel? Did you install it yourself? Any tips on painting a garage door?