Sometimes, even if you’ve picked the right exterior paint colors, spruced up the yard, and added stairs, railings and overhangs, your curb appeal still feels lacking. There’s something off that you can’t seem to identify. When this happens, the best strategy is to pause, postpone what you’re planning to do, and ask the following questions.
Do architectural features have the right scale and style?
All too often, the problem lies in the house exterior details not working together because they don’t complement each other’s sizes and aesthetics. For example, a door might look too gigantic when it’s sandwiched between two tiny bedroom windows. Or, the classic columns on the front porch might not match the rustic feel of the exterior siding. Remember that each of the architectural detail should contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space.
Now, of course, it’s not the easiest to replace architectural “flaws.” That’s why it’s best to work around with what you have. So, for instance, if you have too big of a door paired with tiny windows, keep your entrance in a neutral color. Then, you can add window awnings in your Cape Cod home. Interior designers say this trick would tone down the gigantic size of the door and accentuate the windows, balancing its appearance.
Is your front yard clear of clutter?
Clutter is the number one culprit when it comes to poor outdoor design. But too often, homeowners just look for the “literal” clutter, the fallen leaves or the scattered power tools in the yard. Pay attention to visual clutter as well.
A common visual clutter in the outdoor space is the garden hoses. Recycle an unused cabinet and repurpose it as a storage area for those watering fixtures. Another visual clutter is air conditioning units. Some homeowners use wooden slats or picket fences to conceal this. Others on the other hand, use bushes and flowered plants to hide it. Trashcans are an eyesore, too. What you can do for this is to camouflage them. If they’re located against a wall or a fence, use the background’s paint color on them so that they could blend in. Whatever you do, don’t overlook visual clutter.
Do you have a good focal point?
The front door is almost always where the eyes land when people view a house. Unfortunately, in some instances, it’s not the prettiest thing to look at. In most homes, people get screen doors or storm doors for added security, which compromises aesthetics. This dilemma has the easiest solution: Be extra picky when it comes to choosing security doors. There are a lot of fixtures out there that feature decorative designs.
If you want to retain though what’s already in your front door, do add a design element that would capture the attention of viewers first, like shutters or awnings in your windows or an inviting porch area
When there’s something off in your curb appeal that you can’t put your finger on, chances are it’s a flaw in architectural detail, clutter, or a bad focal point. Now, go ahead and fix up your space to achieve the curb appeal you want.
