homestyle
THE ENTRaNCE TO yOuR HOmE IS THE fOCal pOINT Of ITS kERb appEal aNd IT CaN alSO REflECT THE HOmE’S INTERIOR dESIgN. addINg a blaST Of COlOuR IS aN EaSy Way TO dRaSTICally INCREaSE THE kERb appEal.
5 ways to improve your
kerb appeal Kerb appeal is one of the most important factors to take into account if you are looking at renting or selling your house. It can also be an easy way to give your home a fresh new look and give a lasting first impression to your guests and neighbours.
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ISSUE 154 WORCESTERSHIRE Now april 2016
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Adding a blast of colour is an easy way to drastically increase the kerb appeal
I
mproving the kerb appeal of your
our
creating
You can even use lighting to light up
home doesn’t have to be a big
symmetry at the front of your house
the edges of a pathway, this looks
undertaking; use these 5 ways to
can create a lasting effect. You can
especially appealing if the pathway is
change your kerb appeal from a
create symmetry effortlessly using
decorative in some way.
basic before to an inspiring after! Spruce up the entrance The entrance to your home is the focal point of its kerb appeal and it can also reflect the home’s interior design. Adding a blast of colour is an easy way to drastically increase the kerb appeal. If you are happy with the condition and colour then you can still give it a fresh look by cleaning it and using metal polish on
subconscious
and
planting and lighting which will draw the eye and create a clean and smart look. An example of using plants is by placing two identical planters on either side of the door. Planters can be easily made with some organisation and planning. Don’t be afraid to get creative with colours and shape. You can even make your own with help from my other article in this issue: Creating Creative Planters. You
acceSSoriSe Adding design accessories are a quick and easy way to draw the eye and complete your front of house look. A candle, a designer door mat or even a small piece of furniture are just some examples. My personal favourite are hanging baskets that reflects the current season and matches with your door colour.
can apply the same idea with lighting
maintain the eSSentialS
by fixing a pair of lights on to the
House numbers, the door fittings,
wall either side of the door, but keep
a wall-mounted postbox, and an
create Symmetry
in mind that if the lights are too big
overhead light fixture are all elements
Symmetrical design positively effects
or too ornate they can look brash.
that can add style and interest to your
the knob and fixtures. This polished look makes the house more inviting.
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Adding design accessories are a quick and easy way to draw the eye
ISSUE 154 WORCESTERSHIRE Now april 2016
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homestyle
You can even use lighting to light up the edges of a pathway
home's exterior kerb appeal. If they
dramatically change the look of your
out as it gets the person interested
are out of date or rusting, your home
home as they cover so much surface
into the right frame of mind before
may not be conveying the aesthetic
area of the front of your house. One
they have even stepped through
you think it is. Maintaining them is easy
way to upgrade your windows is to
the front door. The house market is
and should be completed regularly.
install some window boxes which
all about split decisions and it takes
If you are thinking about replacing
can add tons of character to a house.
perspective homeowners 8 seconds
them remember that they work best
Wooden window boxes are perfect
if they function collectively rather than
to achieve that cottage feel, but if
mixing pieces with different designs
you are looking for something more
and colours. The same idea can be
contemporary then choose copper
implemented to larger objects like
or iron as the material. Fill them
the guttering, window sills and the
with plants that match your outdoor
gate. These should all be maintained
lighting and colour scheme.
regularly and match visually if they can.
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Symmetrical design cues positively effects our subconscious and creating symmetry at the front of your house can create a lasting effect
Combining all these steps will create
upgrade your windowS
a better feeling when approaching
Do not let the only design feature
the front door and thus increasing
of your window be the design of
your kerb appeal. Improving your
the net curtains from within your
kerb appeal is important when
home. Windows have the potential to
looking to sell your house or rent it
ISSUE 154 WORCESTERSHIRE Now april 2016
to make a decision about a house so first impressions are vital. Creating a clean, welcoming facade isn’t just important when selling or renting your home. Taking a fresh look and carrying out some simple alterations to your driveway or front garden can help alleviate stress when arriving home after a hard day’s work and generally makes coming home each day that little bit more pleasant. By charleS mcQuaid