Summer is just starting and that means there are more reasons to get outdoors and freshen up the look of your home. It is important to make the exterior of your home as inviting and comfortable as the interior. Now is the time. Use these 5 summer tips to increase your curb appeal and start enjoying your home even more. 

Tips for Summer

1. Add greens and colorful plants

Colorful plants are appealing to the eye, especially during the beautiful summer months with some especially designed for early and late seasons in the upper Midwest. Freshening up your landscape with green and colorful plants, trimming trees & shrubs, or even simply removing dead branches and cleaning up the shape of existing plants, will help to make the home look new again. Adding pots to the front step or entry with seasonal plants will make the entrance even more inviting  and welcoming as well. Adding windows boxes or beautiful flowers to the front of the home or entrance is a wonderful way to add a pop of color. 

2. Update the front door

Changing the color or updating the style of the door is an instant way to get a fresh look to your home. Select a bold new color that compliments the house paint color, or install a new glass or wood door to give the home a more modern appearance. These options can add class and value to the home. Don’t forget to add a welcome mat as well since it will be what your guests see before entering your home. 

3. Install lighting

Updating the light fixtures around the front door can make a bold or dramatic difference to the entrance of your home. Adding things like motion detected lighting can provide practical assistance to guests at night and provide extra security. Make sure the lighting fixture styles match or compliment each other along your doorway and garage or anywhere that lighting is needed. Adding light to a driveway, sidewalk or uplighting a tree can look beautiful at night and also add to the curb appeal of the home. 

4. Clean your drive

Pressure washing your sidewalks, driveway, front entry and even the exterior of the house can do wonders to the look of the home. Every spring it is a great idea to try to remove the dirt and grime from the previous winter and make your home look fresh, clean and ready for summer outdoor fun.

5. Pay attention to the mailbox

Believe it or not, a well maintained mailbox can have an impact on the curb appeal. Add a fresh coat of paint, fix any issues if it is leaning or in need of repair, or completely replace the mailbox with a new one if needed. Try to spruce up the base of the mailbox as well. Decorate the base with fresh flowers, greens or even decorative stones to complete the appearance.  

Curb appeal can make a good or bad first impression to guests and can directly impact actual or perceived value of your home, but it is always important to make your home feel inviting and comfortable for you as well. Use these simple tips and in no time you will have your home spruced up, ready to impress, and a place you enjoy even more.