As winter months blanket your surroundings in layers of snow, the curb appeal of your home takes on a unique charm. This chilly season presents a perfect opportunity to focus on the exterior of your house and make lasting impressions on passersby, visitors, or potential buyers.
Maintaining a strong curb appeal not only creates an inviting atmosphere for guests but also enhances the overall desirability and value of your property, making it a wise investment in both the present and the future. Here are my ten tips to boost your home’s curb appeal in the winter months. From adding thoughtful decor elements to keeping your property pristine, these tips will equip you with the inspiration and knowledge to make your home stand out, even in the coldest months.
#1 Keep Things Clean
Bare trees of winter offer a clear view of your curb appeal so keeping things clean and maintaining this clean state is very important. Here are some things you could easily do:
- Clean the gutters
- Ensure that the windows shine
- Replace broken pavers
- Prune any overgrown shrubs
- Power wash the hardscape
- Store away any garbage, recycling containers, snow shovels, and other cleaning supplies
- Repaint any peeling paint on doors and windows
#2 Outdoor Christmas Tree
Consider grabbing an outdoor Christmas tree while you’re picking one up for the indoor. This would look adorable on the front porch with a strand or two of twinkle lights and a simple burlap skirt.
If you already have pine trees, add lights on them as it can add a touch of holiday cheer and create a sense of warmth and coziness. Remember to hang them evenly and neatly but avoid using too many lights as this can make your home look overwhelming and cluttered.
#3 Light It Up
Exterior lighting is an integral feature of your winter curb appeal since it can make your home look inviting and cozy, as well as create a warm glow. Ensure that all pathways are lit up and replace any burned-out bulbs.
For a charming welcome, place a string of mini-white lights in a lantern and display it on the front porch. Moreover, this season is a great time to light up the front door with an outdoor chandelier, cafe lights strung along the porch roof or the eaves, and add DIY luminaries along the porch rail and stairs.
#4 Create a Cohesive Style
Come up with the look and vibe you want and purchase exterior accessories, like lighting and door hardware, in the same finish and style. When making a choice, you have to consider your home’s architecture to create a unified, pulled-together look that complements the entire area.
Don’t forget to give your mailbox a much-needed refresh or install a new one. For winter, consider a copper or warm bronze finish to infuse an additional glow.
#5 Clear Walkways and Driveways
Making sure that all ice and snow have been removed from your walkway and sideway not only guarantees that your guests will not slip and fall but also gives a first overall impression of a well-maintained property.
Don’t leave the shovel and other cleaning supplies near the front door; see to it that they go back into the garage so it doesn’t necessarily become sloppy front porch decorations. To keep the surfaces clear in busy outdoor areas, you may also consider using heating mats.
#6 Redecorate Your Front Porch
Cozy up your front porch’s decor with textured, brightly colored throws, pillows, ottomans, and cushion covers. Textiles like knit, flannel, and fleece can bring warmth to your outdoor spaces.
It’s also an ideal time to give your front door a bright, new paint color. Don’t forget a boot scraper and a fresh welcome mat to tie everything together.
#7 Update House Numbers
One of the most overlooked curb appeal elements is address numbers. Find styles that speak to the character of your home or go for a design that makes a statement. Opt for numbers that contrast with the background and are large enough to be seen from the street.
#8 Fill Planters with Winter-Friendly Options
Fill your empty planters with mini trees, evergreen branches, or other hearty greenery and plants. Some winter-friendly potted plant options include cypress, inkberry holly, winter heath, blue spruce, boxwood, and yew. These plants can breathe life into your exterior setting and will look lovely all season long.
#9 Use Tasteful Holiday Decor
Instead of the grass-killing inflatables, opt for a more restrained holiday decor style. Remember you’re showing off your home, not your decor, so going for a more subtle approach can be the right call especially if you’re selling.
Choose elegant simplicity over animated figures or elaborate light displays. This will make your home look timeless and put together.
#10 Hang a Bird Feeder
What better way to liven up your front yard than by installing a colorful and well-placed bird feeder to attract some feathered friends? Since this cold season provides us with plenty of gray days, placing a bird feeder can show some colorful signs of life like cardinals and bluejays.
Takeaway
Winter months can be chilly and gray but it doesn’t mean that your home’s exterior can’t be full of warmth and color. Curb appeal isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a sense of comfort and pride that resonates with you. With these tips, I guarantee your winter curb appeal won’t leave you out in the cold.
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