Whether you’re ready to sell or want your house to look more welcoming, these exterior lighting upgrades offer a big boost for a small budget. Plus, they’re easy to do yourself on a weekend!
To most homeowners, outdoor lighting means a pair of decorative wall sconces by the front door or a few lights along the walkway. But landscape lighting can dramatically increase curb appeal and improve safety and security.
Window Boxes
A window box filled with flowers or plants makes any house brim with color and life. They complete your home’s exterior design and can make it stand out among the rest of the neighborhood.
You can purchase ready-made wood boxes or build your own, using old crates and other containers for the base. Ensure the boxes have drainage holes before filling them with soil.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your flower or plant window box in scale with your home. Choosing a style that’s too large can dwarf your windows, while one that’s too small looks awkward. After that, put a layer of gravel in the container’s bottom before adding potting soil. This prevents water from settling and keeps the plant roots from becoming too compact.
Planters
Whether you’re ready to put your home on the market or want to make it feel cleaner and more inviting, planters are an easy and inexpensive way to elevate your curb appeal. Planters that frame the front door or line a walkway help give the house more polish and create a welcoming outdoor entryway, often in just minutes.
Filling a planter with full sun flowers such as petunias or million bells instantly makes the front porch look brighter and more cheerful, and well-tended growers show that you’ve been taking care of your home.
If you’re looking for something more dramatic, try creating a planter fountain to serve as a focal point in the yard. These can be made from various materials and set up standing upright or on their side to add visual interest.
Fresh Coat of Paint
The front of your house is the first thing potential buyers see. In today’s buyer’s market, a fresh coat of paint can increase your home’s curb appeal, protect surfaces from the weather, and increase its saleability.
Uplighting a focal point in your yard, such as a tree or fountain, can draw attention to the feature and make it stand out from the surrounding landscape. A glowing walkway is also a welcome sight to guests and reduces tripping hazards.
If you’re looking for a quick project that can significantly impact your front yard, try installing a birdbath or water sculpture. The gurgling sounds help cool the air and make hot days feel more pleasant. Choose a style that fits your landscaping or matches the color of your home for an attractive look.
Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting transforms your home from a dark blob against the gentle, starry night sky into a nighttime sight. By illuminating your garden, walkways, or unique architectural features, landscape lighting draws attention to your property and highlights its best qualities.
Potential buyers highly seek this type of exterior lighting Winter Park, which can increase your home’s value. In addition, it is a simple way to extend the use of your outdoor space for dining, parties, and late football watching into the evenings.
Wall-mounted lights tucked away in planters and recessed lights buried in the ground illuminate pathways and highlight a lush lawn or beautiful trees, shrubs, and plants. Modern transformers offer various intelligent options, such as location-based astronomical timers and integrated controls for home automation devices like security cameras and doorbells.
Mailbox
Your mailbox may seem outside your home’s exterior design, but it is often the first thing people notice when driving or walking by. It’s also a crucial part of your home’s curb appeal and can be an opportunity to show off your creativity and style.
Experts recommend choosing a simple mailbox that coordinates with the overall style of your home. For instance, a brick option pairs well with a classic house.
A stone pathway with plants surrounding your mailbox creates a welcoming ambiance and an eye-catching focal point. Opt for a mix of perennial and annual plants that grow well in your climate zone.
