A lot can be said for kerb appeal. While most of us prefer to keep neighbourly interactions to a friendly hello, there's no denying that people notice more than we think as they walk past. I'll admit after walking the same route every day, I've started noticing the little things that shape a home's appearance – permanently overflowing bins, coloured-over-time net curtains, and mismatched fabrics pinned up at the windows. It got me thinking: if I'm spotting these details, what are my neighbours noticing about my home?
Fortunately, many of the details that form a first impression can be refreshed in an afternoon. From updating tired window dressings to giving your front entrance a quick style refresh, a handful of thoughtful updates can make your home look more welcoming from the street and might even give you a little more privacy in the process.
1. Overflowing bins
Whether they're constantly left out, overfilled, or have gradually become part of the outdoor furniture, overflowing bins can quickly weaken your home's appearance. They draw the eye for the wrong reason, making your entrance feel cluttered.
Quick fix:
In an ideal world, we'd all have a generous side return where bins can be tucked neatly out of sight. In reality, that's not always possible. If you can, store them out of sight or at the rear of the property. Where space is limited, a smart bin store or handy screen can help disguise them while still allowing easy access. If the only home you can find is at the front, then strategically position them away from the front door and adjacent to any windows.
2. A neglected front garden
We're not suggesting your front garden should resemble a show home, but it’s one of the first features people see from the street. Overgrown bushes, self-seeded weeds (even those sprouting through the pavement outside your home) and an overgrown lawn can make an otherwise well-maintained property look uncared for. Spending just 15 minutes deadheading flowers, pulling up weeds and sweeping paths can instantly make the space feel more cared for.
Quick fix:
If gardening isn't your forte or you're short on time, opt for low-maintenance planting such as lavender, evergreen shrubs or a small tree like an olive or bay. A fresh layer of bark mulch will instantly neaten borders while helping to suppress weeds. Finally, swap lots of small, mismatched pots for one or two larger statement planters to create a cleaner, more considered look.
3. Outdoor clutter that’s become permanent
Let's tackle the 'deal-with-it-later' pile. Temporary collections of broken plant pots, old furniture or bags waiting for the recycling centre have a habit of becoming permanent and quickly become part of your home's first impression.
Quick fix:
Schedule a seasonal declutter and be ruthless about what stays. Broken pots, unwanted furniture and anything that's been waiting for ‘one day’ should either be recycled, donated or thrown away.
4. Peeling paint and other exterior maintenance
Wear and tear is inevitable when your home's exterior is exposed to the elements year-round. Peeling paint around windows and doors, grubby glazing, moss-covered paths, self-seeded weeds and broken fence panels can make your home feel unloved, even if the interior tells a different story.
Quick fix:
A pressure washer might just become your new best friend. It's one of the quickest ways to refresh paving, patios, driveways and brickwork – it can even make lightwork of cleaning windows. Finish by sanding any peeling paint and applying a fresh coat where needed, before fixing damaged fence panels for a kerb appeal boost.
5. A tired-looking front entrance
Your front entrance attracts more attention than any other part of your home's exterior, so it's worth spending a little time getting it right. A faded doormat, rusty house numbers, a wonky letterbox, a broken doorbell that's clearly been held together with tape for months or a seasonal wreath that's long outstayed its welcome can all leave the wrong impression before anyone has even stepped inside.
Quick fix:
Refresh your door furniture by choosing one finish, such as matt black or aged brass, replace a worn doormat and give the doorstep a good sweep. If you love the look of a hanging wreath, choose a design that works year-round – you can always update it with seasonal foliage or berry sprigs when Christmas comes round.
6. Outdated window dressings
Curtains and blinds aren't just for providing privacy, they play a big role in your home's facade too. Tired window dressings such as bent venetians, faded fabrics or even curtains that are permanently closed can make a home feel dated whether indoors or out.
Quick fix:
Consider swapping heavy or aged treatments for lightweight voiles or cafe curtains for a softer, more contemporary look. Steam creased curtains so they hang nicely, replace damaged blinds and open curtains during the day to make your home feel brighter and more welcoming from the outside.
7. What your windows reveal (or conceal)
Whether you want them to or not, our windows offer neighbours a glimpse into everyday life. A clothes airer drying laundry, piles of unopened post, dead houseplants or cluttered windowsills can all attract unwanted attention. Taking a few minutes to edit what can be seen from afar can help create a better impression from the street.
Quick fix:
Consider putting clothes airers out of sight – bathrooms that are well ventilated are ideal places to dry clothes. Have a sweep of the windowsills, ensuring they are free from everyday clutter. Swap out any houseplants that are past their best for easy-care varieties.
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The Kerb Appeal Edit
Primrose Gunmetal Black Galvanised Zinc Rectangular Garden Planter
Long Ornate Iron Black Rubber Entrance Doormat
