What do people think as they walk or drive up to your home? What do you think as you walk to your front door? First impressions matter not just to you and your guests, but potential buyers too. The exterior of your house impacts its curb appeal and even its estimated value. From tidy well-kept pathways to on-trend colour schemes, here are some practical upgrades that you can make to four key areas to create a strong, welcoming first impression.
Lights and letterboxes: Make your doorway a feature
Your entrance is the first ‘hello’ to your home, so make sure your doorway gives a warm welcome. Even a quick coat of paint on the front door can shift the mood – try current favourites such as olive green and deep navy (or a neutral if you want to keep it understated). Add stylish house numbers, a vintage letterbox for a whimsical touch, or a new doormat to bring an affordable touch of character. Lighting also plays a role in beautifying the exterior. Smart wall lights or subtle path illumination can really frame an entrance. And if you’re already updating your door, also run a critical eye over nearby elements such as the porch or garage doors so the front section feels cohesive.
Paving and roller doors: Modernise the garage and driveway area
The garage door and driveway take up a large portion of the exterior, so you get an instant visual upgrade if you improve them. Start with the basics. Clean or power-wash the driveway, repair cracks, and consider adding paving for a cleaner aesthetic. Finish off the look with a modern garage entrance – for example, by installing roller garage doors, which offer sleek lines and come in a variety of colours to match your home. You’ll create a strong first impression without the stress of a full renovation.
Plants and pathways: Simple landscaping updates to lift your exterior
A garden, no matter how small, can play a huge role in curb appeal. It’s worth investing a bit of time tidying up your plants, cleaning up slabs, and making sure that paths are weed-free and have clearly defined borders. These are all signs that you take care of your property. Even if you only have a bit of green space, plant a few seasonal flowers, or add a feature planter. Smart hard-surfacing (such as decorative gravel) will give a polished feel.
Materials and colour: Create a harmonised exterior look
No matter how many improvements you make to the exterior, it can look cluttered if you’re using different textures and colours for each element. Consistency is key. Match materials and palettes across brickwork, cladding, gutters, and window frames. When choosing tones for front and garage doors, choose ones that keep these other colours in mind so the exterior feels well-planned. Current trends lean toward bespoke colours, subtle metallic finishes, and high-quality fixtures that don’t overwhelm or draw attention to one feature over others.
Small upgrades for a welcoming home
You don’t have to completely overhaul the front of your house if you want to boost its curb appeal. Even a few small updates to entrances, driveways, and landscaping can have a big impact on how inviting your home looks to visitors – whether it’s a guest, a potential buyer, or even just yourself coming home after a long day.
