When it comes to home improvements many of us spend most of our time and money working on the interior, and our back gardens. We want a house that we love and a garden that we can be proud of. Few of us give much thought to the front exterior of our houses. We often use our front gardens to park our cars and commit little more than the time needed to sweep up debris now and then.
But the frontage of your home is important. It is what makes your first impression to passers-by and guests, but also the sight that welcomes your home. Spend a little time refreshing the area in front of your house and you’ll make a better impression, create a more welcoming entry, and truly have a home that you can be proud of.
Tidy Up
As with any other part of your home, the first thing that you should do when it comes to refreshing your front garden or drive is to tidy up. Over autumn and winter, there’s bound to have been some damage, a build-up of leaves and other debris, and a general mess. Spend a little time sweeping up, mowing the lawn if you have one, cleaning the paving slabs, cleaning windows and doors, wiping down frames and removing any dead plants and shrubs.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
Chances are your windows and front door take up quite a bit of your home’s frontage. They’ll be one of the first things that people notice. So, why not upgrade them? If you are happy with yours, simply cleaning them up and maybe changing handles and numbers will be enough. But a new, modern front door can make a difference and if your windows are tired, old and the same as every other home on your street then upgrading to something like sash windows will make a big impression.
Add Some Colour
If your home looks a little dull, or blends in with the neighbours, then adding some colour is one of the easiest ways to make it stand out. Even if you have a very small front space, you can add colour with window boxes and hanging baskets filled with colourful flowers.
Freshen Up the Paintwork
Any painted areas, such as fences and gates might need refreshing in spring. Make any repairs that are needed and then add a fresh coat of paint. If you want to make a big change, try a bolder colour that isn’t typically seen on fences.
Highlight the Entryway
Framing your front door can be an excellent way to create a more welcoming exterior. If you have space, a porch can be an ideal way to upgrade the entry. If your door is up steps, adding planters and lighting can be a great way to create a welcome strip. Other options include mounting lights and baskets or placing planters at either side of your doorway.
Spring is often a time to refresh, declutter and spruce up, so when it comes to your spring cleaning this year, don’t forget to include the front of your house.