11 Architectural Curb Appeal Upgrades
Our Austin Architects Share 11 Home Improvement Ideas for Beautiful Curb Appeal
A home’s curb appeal makes or breaks a first impression. The exterior design gives a preview of what’s to come and should welcome visitors with warmth and beauty. Often, it’s the small details that make the biggest impact. For example, an unclear path to the front door leaves guests confused and frustrated before they even set foot in the house. (And if you don’t have a walkway, they may even walk in with muddy shoes!) Our Austin architects put together a list of our top 11 architectural curb-appeal upgrades with links to our in-depth guides on each item to help you improve your home’s exterior. We’re even going to show you some of our biggest curb-appeal transformations.
11 Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home
1. Front Door
The front door is the main focal point of your home’s exterior and one of the most significant contributors to its overall curb appeal. Take the leap and make a bold statement, selecting a bright color or creating an elegant entry with double doors. Additionally, consider how the door will affect the interior. A solid door will provide privacy, but a glass door will bring in natural light.
Learn More: How to Choose the Right Front Door
2. Pathway
Without a proper pathway to the front door, your guest will be left questioning how to enter from the street, and your family will constantly bring in a trail of mud and dirt. Pathways are welcoming invitations to approach and should be given proper prominence in the overall exterior design. Consider creating a straight path for a formal feel or a winding walkway for a cozier approach.
Learn More: How to Create a Path to the Front Door
3. Front Porch
Big or small, front porches perfectly frame the front entry and create a cozy landing for socializing and receiving guests. When adding a porch to a home, it’s essential to consider the overall architectural style and scale. If the elevation is higher than 30 inches, the porch will also require a railing.
4. Exterior Paint
A new coat of paint can completely transform your home’s curb appeal. Selecting exterior paint colors is very different from choosing interior colors. When narrowing down selections, you must consider the landscape, neighborhood, exterior finishes, and how the lighting changes throughout the day. Limit your palette to three colors: one for the main body of the house, one for the trim, and an accent for the front door.
Learn More: How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors
5. Driveway
Driveways might not sound like the most exciting curb appeal upgrade, but they are one of the most prominent features of your front yard and make a dramatic visual impact. There are many driveway layouts to consider, and your home’s site orientation will determine the best option. Get creative with material selections and explore options such as brick, gravel, and pavers.
Learn More: How to Design a Driveway
6. Garage Doors
If your garage faces the street, you must consider how the garage doors play into your home’s overall curb appeal. There are many styles to choose from, including traditional raised panel doors, ultra-modern metal and glass doors, and charming carriage-style doors. Garage doors take up more visual space than the front door, so don’t overlook them!
Learn More: How to Choose Garage Doors
7. Carports
When designed well, carports can enhance a home’s curb appeal while creating a functional covered parking pad and walkway to the entry. Upgrade your carport design with an interesting roof angle, breezeblock privacy walls, and decorative ground pavers.
Learn More: How to Design a Carport
8. Shutters
Shutters add a lovely finishing touch to a home’s exterior, especially for Colonial, Southern Coastal, and Cottage-style houses. However, many homeowners make the mistake of getting shutters too big or too small for their windows. Pay attention to scale and how they work with other elements on your home’s facade.
9. Windows
Windows bring warm natural light to the interior and add architectural interest and beauty to the exterior. Creating larger window openings and updating window pane styles can improve your home’s overall curb appeal. This is a big update, so go into it with a plan.
Learn More: Window Styles and Benefits
10. Exterior Lighting
Don’t leave your home’s curb appeal in the dark after the sun sets! Exterior lighting around entryways, patios, and walkways gives guests a clear direction to navigate while illuminating your home’s beautiful architectural design. Explore various exterior lighting options, from wall sconces to step lights.
11. Landscape
Landscaping is the finishing touch to a beautiful architectural design plan. Residential and landscape architects often work together to create a functional and beautiful plan to maximize outdoor living space and complement the home’s structure. Work with your landscape, rather than against it, to create a beautiful, cohesive look from the curb.
Learn More: How to Landscape Your Home
Plan Your Curb Appeal Upgrades Ahead of Time
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when upgrading your home’s curb appeal. Don’t go into these projects thinking they can be completed in one weekend with a trip to the hardware store. Designing a home with beautiful curb appeal takes a cohesive plan incorporating all these elements. If you need help, reach out to our team of Austin architects. We’d be honored to reimagine your home’s exterior design.