15 Stunning Exterior Home Renovation Ideas

Explore 15 stunning exterior home renovation ideas to boost curb appeal and property value. Transform your home's exterior with trendy siding, roofing, windows, and landscaping options.

Enhancing your home’s outside can make a big difference and turn heads.¹ See how simple changes can make a huge improvement.¹ Adding a fresh coat of paint, new features, and tweaking the design can work wonders.¹ Dive into these 15 awesome ideas to give your home a facelift and increase its value. Think about modern siding, roofs, windows, and gardens that can turn your place into a gem.

Key Takeaways

Updating the home’s exterior can boost its curb appeal and worth.
Changes like paint, siding and added architectural details freshen up the look.
The right landscaping and lighting can greatly enhance the outside of the house.
There are many styles, from modern to classic, that homeowners can pick to suit their taste.
Even small touches, such as a new paint job or updated windows, can really change the outside.

Exterior Paint Refresh

Getting your home’s exterior repainted is a simple and budget-friendly way to make it look new. You can go for traditional historic colors or bold, modern shades. Either way, your house will look better from the outside.¹

Choose Historic Colors

For a classic look, stick to the palette of your area or neighborhood. Colors like Charleston green or coastal blue add timeless class.²

Go Bold with Bright Hues

Or, go all out with a bright and daring paint choice. A bold yellow or gold brings energy to the facade. If you prefer, try a raspberry shade to make your house stand out.²

Complement Existing Materials

Pick your paint to match your home’s materials and style. This ensures a harmonious and beautiful exterior.¹

Seasonal Planters and Accents

Add planters and changing accessories to make your home’s look better and interesting. For areas like front steps, think about using topiaries or groups of pots. You can choose evergreen boxwoods for a solid look all year. Then add blooming flowers for a pop of seasonal color.³

Contrast with Exterior Color

Choose planter colors that contrast well with your home’s outside. For example, if your house is white, pick purple and blue decorations. This makes the planters and flowers stand out and look good with the house.³

Keep it Simple and Coordinated

Don’t use too many different types of planters and decorations. Simple and coordinated designs look best with your home and garden. This careful choice boosts your home’s look.⁴

Install a Picket Fence

“I love a picket fence,” says Anne Daigh, a pro landscaper. She says it welcomes you like open arms.⁵ Choose a picket fence with a simple wooden design for homes like bungalows. For bigger or older houses, like Georgian ones, pick a wrought iron fence. Just keep it low, under 32 inches, to avoid a fortress look. Make sure the fence style fits with the house’s look.

Welcoming Charm

A picket fence warms up the outside of your home, adding charm.⁶ It outlines your space, improving the first impression. This fence style is classic, creating a friendly look that goes with many house designs.

Match Architectural Style

Choosing the right picket fence means it should look good with your house.⁶ Think about if a wooden or iron fence fits better. This ensures your place looks put together and beautiful outside.

Pressure Wash Exterior Surfaces

Pressure washing is both quick and affordable. It gives your home an instant facelift. According to Realtor Chauncey Clark, it’s a lot cheaper than a new paint job⁷. You can easily rent a pressure washer at a local store. Use it to clean your home’s siding, walkways, and other outside areas.

You should be careful with the pressure washer settings, though. Stucco needs a lower PSI, around 1200 to 1500⁷. Brick houses can handle more pressure, around 1500 to 2000 PSI⁷. For vinyl siding, you’ll want a higher PSI, roughly 1900 to 2800⁷.

Safety is key when using a pressure washer. Always wear protective gear and stand on a secure spot⁷. Keep the spray away from people and plants. Also, make sure there’s good airflow if you’re using a gas-powered machine⁷. Test the pressure on a hidden area to prevent any damage.

Before pressure washing, fix any broken joints and rinse the area with water. When using detergent, be gentle around the siding gaps⁷. For stucco, hold the spray gun at a 45-degree angle, keeping it 24 inches away. Cleaning gutters might need a stronger spray⁷.

The price of professional pressure washing depends on your house and the prep work. But, a pressure washer can do much more than just clean your house. It can spruce up your driveway, sidewalks, fences, and even your car⁷.

Landscaping for Curb Appeal

Having too many plants is a big mistake. Anne Daigh, a landscape architect, says, “Let the architecture shine. Let the foundation be seen; it adds presence. Too many plants can make the look messy.”

Let Architecture Shine

Use anchor plants like boxwoods at the corners to provide structure, but don’t block the foundation.⁸ Fill in with grass or low-growing groundcover that runs right up to the foundation.⁸ This lets the home’s design be the main focus.

Use Anchor Plants

It’s good to use plants of different heights, including short ones and ground cover.⁹ Planting a tree makes landscaping better in 1 out of 10 cases.⁹

Add Groundcover

Using flower beds can really make your home look better.⁹ It’s also smart to edge the beds to keep them neat and stop grass from growing there, which is suggested in 1 out of 10 ideas.⁹ Putting down mulch is an easy and cheap way to improve curb appeal.⁹

North, different features were shown. These include a tropical spot in Florida, Xeriscape in Colorado, and water-wise designs in Washington State.⁸ They used modern walls in Colorado, curved beds in Maine, and gathering spots in Washington State.⁸ It was shown that you can do a lot with a small budget.⁸

Using native plants, bright colors, and seasonal flowers are popular now.⁸ To update, try power washing, repainting doors, and using new hardscape materials.⁸ The studies stressed making the front entry welcoming.⁸

Problems like slopes, unused spaces, and too many plants were discussed. This shows the many different issues people face when trying to improve outside looks.⁸

Window Boxes and Planters

Adding window boxes and planters can make your home look lovely. They boost curb appeal and welcome guests. Pick the right depth, make sure they drain well, and choose the best plants. This helps your display stay healthy.¹⁰

Proper Depth and Drainage

Window boxes need watering often, even daily. Make sure they’re easy for you to get to.¹⁰ They need to be 12 inches deep so plants can grow well. Also, they must drain properly to avoid too much water.¹⁰ Good depth and drainage are vital for a lush window box or planter.

Plant Selection

Choosing the right plants is crucial. Anne Daigh suggests starting with dwarf boxwoods and ivy, then adding pansies in winter and a summer annual.¹⁰ It’s about picking plants that love the window box or planter’s conditions. This ensures a beautiful, lasting show.

Curved Walkways

A slightly curved path is like a picket fence. It adds a unique, welcoming touch to any home. If you can’t change the path, try using old materials like reclaimed brick or worn stone. “It’s like you’re adding a bit of mystery to make people want to come to the front door,” says landscape architect Anne Daigh.¹¹

Add Visual Interest

Even a simple concrete path can look unique with limestone chips and pea gravel. These materials give it an old, interesting look.¹¹ Deciding on a new front sidewalk brings up the choice between curved or straight.¹¹ A curvy shape offers a natural, inviting look compared to the more common straight one.¹¹

Use Reclaimed Materials

A curved driveway goes around natural features like a pecan tree and a studio side.¹¹ They want the sidewalk and driveway to be all concrete with a rock salt finish. This idea came from a house in Dallas.¹¹ It makes the path more unique and adds charm for anyone visiting.¹¹

Exterior Home Renovation

Changing your home’s outside look can make it more beautiful and appealing. You can upgrade it by using climbing vines and green plants¹. Or, boost charm with porch swings and seats¹². There are many ways to make your home’s outer space stand out.

Climbing Vines and Greenery

Not all climbing vines look the same. Pick wisely, and your home will look like something out of a storybook.¹ Try climbing hydrangea, Jackson vine, or star jasmine. They bring beauty without getting out of control.¹ Placing these green touches carefully changes a boring front into an eye-catching one.

Porch Swings and Seating

The porch swing of today offers the “bed swing,” perfect for relaxing in style.¹² And, don’t forget about vintage wrought iron gliders and wooden rockers. They make the outdoors more inviting, keeping your guests comfortable outside.¹ These additions turn your home’s outer space into a peaceful, welcoming spot.

Exterior Accents and Details

Improving your home’s look starts with small touches.¹³ Pick a mailbox that fits in with your neighbors’ styles. This creates a cohesive look.¹³ If you’re selling, switch out college flags for American or state flags. A small flag can add some patriotism.¹³

Window and Shutter Updates

Old windows might make buyers think your house needs more work.¹³ Put in new windows and repaint the shutters to revitalize your house’s outside.¹³ Match the shutter color with your house’s overall style for the best effect.¹³

Color Contrasts

Color can really make your home stand out.¹³ Try adding vibrant colors to the trim and shutters for a big change.¹³ Keep other decorations to a minimum. Let the colorful details and natural plants show off your house’s beauty.¹³

Conclusion

Working on your home’s exterior can make it more appealing and raise its value. You can change your home’s look by painting it, updating the yard, and adding special touches. Paying attention to color, materials, and welcoming parts can make a great first impression. This shows off your style and makes your property look better.¹⁴

Choosing energy-saving siding, windows, and doors can cut your bills. Newer exterior materials are also better at dealing with wear and tear, lasting longer against things like fading and pests.¹⁴¹⁵ It’s important to think about the costs of the materials and your budget when doing these projects. Keeping up with maintenance will help your changes last.¹⁵

Adding practical improvements and good design can make your home stand out. Transforming your home’s exterior can increase its value and make it a place you love to be in. With the right choices, your home’s outside can be amazing.¹⁴¹⁵

FAQ

What are some popular exterior home renovation ideas?

Many people choose to update their homes from the outside. This can include getting a new paint job, changing the siding, or putting up a new roof. You might also want to replace your windows, work on your landscaping, put in new lights, build a deck, or make your patio better. These changes can really make your home look nicer.

How can I choose the right exterior paint colors?

If you’re not sure what color to paint the outside of your house, look around your area for inspiration. Traditional colors can add charm while bold choices can make your home stand out. Be sure the color you pick matches your home’s style and the materials it’s made of.

How can I incorporate seasonal planters and accents?

Adding seasonal plants and decorations can make your house look great. Add plants and items that line up with the season’s colors but also stand out against your house’s color. Simple and coordinated planters and accents are best.

What type of fence works best for enhancing curb appeal?

The right fence can really improve how your home looks from the outside. A wooden picket fence with a classic diagonal design is perfect for some homes. If your home is more grand, consider a wrought iron fence. Remember, a fence shouldn’t be too tall; 32 inches is the max. This keeps your home looking welcoming.

How can pressure washing improve my home’s exterior?

Pressure washing doesn’t take long, is quite affordable, and makes a big difference. It cleans your house’s siding, walkways, and other outside surfaces. It’s a great way to refresh your home’s look without the cost of a new paint job.

What landscaping tips can enhance my home’s curb appeal?

Beautiful landscaping can really make your house look better. Use plants around the house’s corners to make it stand out but, catchy but don’t cover the base of your home. Grass or low plants should go all the way to the bottom of your house.

How can I ensure my window boxes and planters thrive?

Wider, deep window boxes let plants grow better because they have more room. Make sure the boxes drain well. Plants like dwarf boxwoods, ivy, and pansies look good and help your home’s exterior.

What design elements can I add to the walkway?

A gently curving path to your door adds something special to your home. Old bricks or worn stones can make your walkway look interesting. This design will welcome visitors in a unique way.

What other exterior features can enhance curb appeal?

There’s a lot more you can do to make your home look better. Vines that grow up the wall, a porch swing, and the right mailbox and flags can make your home’s entrance more welcoming and beautiful.