Curb appeal, How to create curb appeal


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	How to Create Curb Appeal Around Your Porch Part I - It's the WOW factor! Curb appeal, yes! We are porch lovers. When we come across a porch that screams "WOW", we take notice. Sometimes we even turn our car around so we can do a second drive-by. Have you done that? I bet Mary and I are not the only guilty ones. Here in Part I of this two-part series, we share tips on adding appeal around your porch with walkways, landscaping, plants and color. In Part II, we share ideas on adding extra appeal right on your porch - the columns, steps, lighting, flooring, front door and more. It's hard to put your finger on curb appeal - we simply know that it's that WOW factor that you know when you see it. It has a lot to do with landscaping, colors, features, and architecture - but we just call it "WOW! According to the National Association of Realtors (American), 80% of home buyers now view a home for the first time on the internet, making curb appeal even more important. Remember, the first feature we note is usually the porch! Get curb appeal ideas from pictures of porches Walkways Make sure your walkways match the size or your architecture. The walkway at right not only blends in with the natural landscaping but also complements the physical presence of the porch and home. Imagine this same scene but insert a straight concrete walkway - totally different look. Use walkways effectively to enlarge the look of a small porch. The photo at right (courtesy of TRae2) depicts a landscaped walkway that draws your eyes straight to the front door. It makes this otherwise small porch appear larger and more inviting. Porch landscapes Set the mood with your porch landscape. The porch at right is surrounded with beautiful low growing plants and shrubs and gives it a more formal look. It invites you to come "sit a spell" and gaze upon the well manicured lawn and statues. The porch landscaping in photo at right (courtesy of eklektick) is fun and whimsical. It invites you on the porch for good conversation, a cold glass of lemonade, and a game of checkers! Decorative Mailboxes Creative mailboxes can be fun, whimsical, unique and beautiful. Show off your personality with a mailbox that has some flair. You can find mailboxes in many styles. We found pictures of mailboxes to show you. Porch plants Plants on your porch can make a huge impact also. Use large planters for a more formal look like in the photo at right. Even though this is a relatively smaller porch the symmetrical placement makes a grander entrance. To soften the look and make it look welcoming, the owners used hanging baskets near the door. Create a warm look by using a variety of flowers and plants and place them assymetrically on your porch. Vary the color and height to add interest (photo courtesy of Prospect Hill Bed and Breakfast). Natural elements Add natural elements to your porch to transition between the outdoors and interior of your home. There are several ways to do this. Container gardens are easy to create and maintain and they add a colorful appeal. Use foliage that complements the color of your home or for a more dramatic look use colors that contrast. Seasonal plants can really add a splash of curb appeal. Glen Hampton gardens designs has designed hundreds of residential gardens for many satisfied clients over the last three decades. Glen's garden design philosophy is based on the premise that each garden should be true to its site, while complimenting its architectural surroundings and serving each individual clients unique lifestyle. Stone is classy, looks great and is almost maintenance- free. It can be used as surrounds for column posts and applied to the sides of your porch. Although not inexpensive as other options, natural and manufactured stone can be a great do-it-yourself project. See our Porch Landscaping Ideas section for lots more ideas to enhance the look of your porch and create curb appeal. We have landscape ideas to create privacy, to match your architecture, plants and vines, hanging baskets and so much more! Use color Being subtle with color works! Just changing the color of your door can transform an ordinary porch into something really beautiful. Carrying one color theme throughout your porch can add dramatic appeal. See our Color section packed with ideas on color combinations, ways to use color to enhance the look of your porch, color combinations to match your architecture, and much more! For more ideas and pictures, be sure to see: Curb Appeal Ideas, Part II - ideas specifically for your porch itself. Porch Decorating Porch Landscaping Featured Porches Return from Curb Appeal to Front Porch Decorating	Decorating Topics... Decorating Basics Seasonal Decorating ---Spring ---Summer ---Autumn ---Winter Holiday Decorating ---Valentine's Day ---4th of July ---Halloween ---Thanksgiving ---Christmas Decorating Themes Our Featured Porches Get Curb Appeal
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