Seeking Lavender Lane

May

05

Adding Curb Appeal with Character

Spring is officially in the air and Summer is around the corner this means outdoor projects and DIY! woohooo!!!!!!!!! I love getting my hands dirty and getting the front and back yard lookin’ pretty. Last year we started some projects and did some painting, but we really did not do too much since it was our very first summer in our home. Of course everything costs money and as you know it truly takes years for your house to really be the home you desire it to be. The outside does sometimes take the back burner since the inside of the home is where you are living and usually the first of the projects are invested inside.

It is just about time to purchase flowers and start entertaining, but I don’t want to just stop there. I believe we are going to concentrate mostly in the front yard this year make a few minor changes to the back yard, but wait until next year to do more.

I have made-up quite the to do list including a sketch of how I want the front yard to look. I have to say our current yard is pretty, but lacking my personal taste on it. Mostly still has the look that the previous owners had put into it. Probably the best part is that our house is white (my favorite exterior- and interior- and all around color) and this is for sure easy to work with.

One of the most important design needs that I have is to always add character. Our house can definitely feel very “cookie cutter” in a very “cookie cutter” neighborhood and I for sure want elements to make my home have added character to stand out. I just believe all homes new or old should have layers of warmth and texture and vintage/rustic finishes always bring out extra character.

Here are some plans that I have to do, and hopefully inspire you for your upcoming projects to feel more like a less “cookie cutter” home and one that attracts the eye with perfect added character elements.

Adding Curb Appeal with Character to Your Home

If only these exteriors, were exactly what my home looked like lol

A girl can dream…and can image…and can DIY!

1. Adding New Light Fixtures

Not just any light fixtures, but light fixtures with character of course. Our current ones are 1980’s at it’s best. Rusted and with non aesthetic appeal. I myself am torn between a Farmhouse light fixtures or just a really gorgeous lantern, here are a few that I have found while browsing.

Birch Lane Sandy Bay 2-Light Outdoor Lantern Sconce

Birch Lane for $389

A0156_030415_01_a0156

Rejuvination for $199

allen + roth North Haven 14.72-in H Bronze Outdoor Wall Light

Lowes for $79.98

2. Adding a Walkway (preferably in brick)

I love walkways, they create such cute and charming, yet convenience to the front yard. Ours especially has a very strange layout and I absolutely hate walking all the way around to the driveway to get to the side walk. I happen to love brick pathways because they add texture to the front yard, especially if you have no texture or stone accents to your house. Our’s is perfect for this reason since it really is a blank slate with just white siding. Here is some inspiration and eye candy with walkways that have character.

clay brick paver walkway

Source

Brick Walkways
I love how the porch has brick too…I have been trying to convince the hub to do the same to our house (we will see)
3. Adding a pergola over the garage
Last year I had seen a home on Pinterest that had this detail and ever since, I have been obsessing over it. Our garage is plain and boring. I added some faux window boxes last year with painters tape and black paint, but have been desiring for barn door style garage doors. What is better than that and a as  pergola over the top to add some extended vines and greenery to. Well, not really expecting a new garage door anytime soon just too much money and ours is in perfect working condition. I think the pergola should be an easy (I’ll let you know how it goes) project and will still give our house a unique look.
garage trellis
trellis over garage doors at tatertots & Jello
Source – check out this site for more pergola and trellis inspiration.
4. Adding street numbers spelled out.
Our house number is a single digit. It can definitely look a little boring as just a number on the front of the house. I have been desiring to have it spelled out across the top of the porch in letters. Funny thing…the hubby had thought the same thing (we’re so much a like). Any suggestions where I could find these and for my others viewers would be great. Here is some inspiration.
written out street address
5. A really great front door! 
We currently have the boring front door with the two cut out windows on the very top (letting in very little natural light) We do have a (1980’s) storm door, that I painted white with black (now chipping) handle, but I would love to ditch this all together and get a door with more natural light. My number one pick would be to have a dutch door, but I am also open to having one that just has windows to the center of the door and some window panes. I think a really cute farmhouse screen door would be great as well.
Custom_Dutch_Door_1.pngCustom_Dutch_Door_2.pngCustom_Dutch_Door_3.png
porch makeover
This is just a few of so many ways to add character to your curb appeal. I am just hoping to even get to half of these this year. I really hope this helps all of you that are looking for ways to add those unique touches to your exterior and not quite sure where to start. Please share with me if you do…I love hearing from you! Drop me an email, comment on my page…or share with me through Instagram or Facebook. I am just inspired by all of you as. this is my life and my dream to design and decorate and it truly brings me joy.
 PLEASE STAY A WHILE
Barn Door Closet
Spring-2BTopiary-2BDecor

 

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Hi! I'm Deb

I love a well designed home and I believe you can create this on every type of budget. Follow along here and join me for more seasonal inspiration, trend alerts, DIY , vintage styling, and our newest project, The Mountain Chateau.

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13 Responses

    1. Thanks Deb! I agree…not much for having a green thumb for painting and projects I’m ready for : )

  1. Hi Deb! Great inspiration photos & ideas! We started our front exterior makeover last November, but the landscaping and a few other things have since been on hold, including a new front door. I love the statement a black front door makes. We have a dutch door elsewhere, and it’s been great for light and air flow. You’ll love it. Can’t wait to see what you do!
    Carol @ CAD INTERIORS recently posted…Low ceiling inspirationMy Profile

    1. Thank so much Carol! Would love to see how your front yard and door looks. Can not wait to get our hands dirty and share the outcome!

  2. You can find your ” street numbers spelled out” from an on-line shop called “Welcoming Walls” . I have used this sight and am very happy with the results. Hope this helps.

    1. Hi Karen,

      Thank you for your suggestion and for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

    1. Thank you Mary Alice, can not wait until I can do all these projects to my own house! So happy you stoped by

  3. These are all great ideas! I’m with you on the brick porch – I have that one on my wish list as well. Thanks for sharing at Talented Tuesday!

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