Home with Keki

Staging Real Estate

How to Update and Add Curb Appeal

Design Ideas, Staging

Being a home stager I am in the business of first impressions and to update and add curb appeal is crucial, like #1 on the list. If people drive by and it looks, well, ugly or run down, they can only imagine what your interiors looks like, even if it is fab. With that said, I have always tried to update and add curb appeal every 2-3 Springs. Here in Chicago the winter weather will take an enormous toll on our front yard. From stained and dirty limestone, dead bushes and lawn, and more. At the same time, I can’t stay with the current trend forever. Five years ago I painted our door St. Lucia Teal by Benjamin Moore Teal. I am NOT joking, every block now has a teal door. That was my number one reason to start thinking about a new color. Second, it has been 5 years. Third, my own home style has evolved. For a long time I have always felt shy to express myself with style. Well, I finally decided to stay “eff” it, this is what I like, this is me. It might be a little bold, it might be a little out of the norm, but I think it works. So, if you are thinking of selling or simply claiming your voice in your home, consider some of these tips.

Here are some easy go to tips to adding curb appeal to your home, from a pop of color front door to planters. For me, check out www.homewithkeki.com #curbappeal #popofcolor #interiors. #homedesign

 

How to Update and Add Curb Appeal

Add Color

All around us the world has turned grey and white. Now, I am not saying it is going away any time soon. It is not. What I am saying is that my once teal door was the perfect example of all of us saying, “I like blue, but I don’t think I can really go bold blue, so teal works.” Ummmm, go bold. Why Not?

Now, I had tested a few different Benjamin Moore Colors:

  1. Patriot Blue
  2. New York State of Mind
  3. Evening Blue
  4. Dark Royal Blue
  5. Blue

I am not kidding, but I couldn’t see a blue I liked when I tested them out. Finally, I knew I liked something about Patriot Blue but it wasn’t “elegant” enough. So I add a little Bold Blue and there you have it. My own custom mix. I would say it is 80 / 30. About 80% Patriot Blue and 30% Blue.

Here are some easy go to tips to adding curb appeal to your home, from a pop of color front door to planters. For me, check out www.homewithkeki.com #curbappeal #popofcolor #interiors. #homedesign

Here are some easy go to tips to adding curb appeal to your home, from a pop of color front door to planters. For me, check out www.homewithkeki.com #curbappeal #popofcolor #interiors. #homedesign

Add Unique Plants Instead of Seasonal Florals

Every year for 10+ years I have added potted flowers. You know, all those options we see at the chalet or Home Depot. They look great, right? They cascade and add pops of color. But, every year I dreaded picking them out and every year I dreaded knowing I had to water them, maintain them, or they would simply look like s–t.

So this year I decided, Why? Why head to Home Depot and stock up on carts of seasonal flowers? NO MORE.

I am bringing those indoor plant outdoors. Ha ha, when I was at the local “chalet” and asked if I could bring my indoor plants out, she looked at me flabbergasted and said, “They would have only been devastated have you not been bringing them out every summer, everyone including our plants love sun and summer,  I hope you were bringing them out.” oops.

As I walked away with my tail between my legs, ashamed that I am that one person who has not brought my indoor plants out, I decided no more, UNTIL THIS SUMMER—BOO YAH!

Here are some easy go to tips to adding curb appeal to your home, from a pop of color front door to planters. For me, check out www.homewithkeki.com #curbappeal #popofcolor #interiors. #homedesign

Here are some easy go to tips to adding curb appeal to your home, from a pop of color front door to planters. For me, check out www.homewithkeki.com #curbappeal #popofcolor #interiors. #homedesign

no more summer planters, say hello to my Mother – in – law Tongue every time you drive by

Revive The Old

So I have old hinges and fixtures. I know that if I were to try to purchase them today on Chairish or other vintage sites I would be paying way too much. So, before I painted my door I removed everything I could. I soaked them in a warm bath of brass finish then I scrubbed and scrubbed. Anything that couldn’t get clean, which was only the 2 hinges, I decided to paint to match.

Years ago I discovered the metallic paints, and their gold color is perfection. I have used it on light fixtures and doors hinges, it is a perfect match. It is the Modern Masters Metallic Paint Collection.

Here are some easy go to tips to adding curb appeal to your home, from a pop of color front door to planters. For me, check out www.homewithkeki.com #curbappeal #popofcolor #interiors. #homedesign

Here are some easy go to tips to adding curb appeal to your home, from a pop of color front door to planters. For me, check out www.homewithkeki.com #curbappeal #popofcolor #interiors. #homedesign

Here are some easy go to tips to adding curb appeal to your home, from a pop of color front door to planters. For me, check out www.homewithkeki.com #curbappeal #popofcolor #interiors. #homedesign

So, when updating your curb appeal, don’t be subtle, don’t be safe, and try something new and different.

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Comments

  1. robin rue says

    We just re-mulched our mulch bed in front of the house and now our yard definitely has much more curb appeal than before. Love all your ideas 🙂

  3. Jane Davidson says

    As a real estate agent, I tell people about the importance of curb appeal all the time. It’s so important! Like the #1 most important thing about the appearance of your home. And your home is downright dreamy! I love your custom paint color. Elegant is the perfect way to describe that blue!

  4. Carolyn says

    I love this bold blue color. I bet everyone will start copying you again because it is super elegant! Love the brass hardware against it too.

  5. Jackie says

    I just love your style. The door looks so pretty. I think it’s about time I start looking after my place and I want to paint my door a pretty color. You did an amazing job and such a great read. Thanks for sharing and your different thoughts.

  7. Janel says

    I absolutely adore the color you chose for this door. I have always wanted to do something like this to my front door to but my husband isn’t keen on the idea.

  8. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says

    I love that blue, and I’m with you about flowers…go for greens! We have been working on the back yard first because we are having a birthday party out there this weekend. However, the front is on my to do list!

  10. Marcie says

    I love that door color! Great job finding the winning combination of paint shades! And the American flags are a great touch!

  11. karen says

    Love that you are up on the house trends – but I’d still be all about the St. Lucia teal color, However, I am really digging the current blue you have! Its so classic and chic!

  12. Amanda Love says

    I love the color that you picked to be honest, and adding gold as the secondary color was awesome. It looks sophisticated and very up to date! It’s definitely a lovely idea to change the colors.

  13. Elizabeth O. says

    It’s nice that you chose a deeper, darker blue for your front door. It’s really classy. I’ve been thinking about doing this for some time now, it’s a good move and I definitely appreciate your tips!

  14. Jeanine says

    So gorgeous! I can’t wait for our next house to have a front area again. I miss having a pretty front of the house!

  15. Blythe Alpern says

    My sister just bought a new home and we were talking about how much we love blue doors. Going to pass this post on to her as I know this will serve as inspiration.

  16. Tiffany Haywood says

    Really great tips! I love that they don’t take a major renovation to accomplish and still get great results! PS – the square wreath is so unique – I love it!

  18. Rachel says

    I saw these pots at Home Depot and I loved them. I would love to get these. I also want to paint our door a fun color.

  19. Brittany says

    I love these tips! I’m the worst when it comes to decorating spaces so I need all the help I can get. I love how much a little paint can do too.

  22. katriza says

    I saw this post on facebook and just love it! I love the blue door, that totally makes your curb appeal pop! I need to try some of these ideas too! <3