Beyond Spring Cleanup: Tips to Enhance Your Home’s Exterior

Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman

Now that Mother Nature has determined there will be more warm days than cold here in Indiana, it is time to consider bringing your home’s interior charm to the exterior. Let’s go beyond normal exterior maintenance like tidying up your landscaping and power washing your home, patio or driveway (basically anything that does not move, unless your teenager has not showered in a month, then go ahead and spritz them too).

There are fun, charming trends that can allow you to showcase your home’s charm while also being inexpensive. Below are the best trends I have been spotting in the area, and I promise you they will not break the bank. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, you may need to secure approval for some of these - it’s always better to ask first than regret it later.

Paint your front door a cheery color. Years ago red doors were all the rage - now, sunny yellows, happy oranges or dazzling greens can create complementary pops to the front of homes. Choose wisely - the best choices make visitors smile rather than gasp.

Change your front door handle. You can go keyless and tap into the latest technology, or make a bold statement with an older, more traditional handle. Bonus points if you add a whimsical door knocker - there are many fun options like bees, golf clubs, dogs, pineapples and everything in between. If you have a passion for something, chances are strong that someone has incorporated it into a door knocker.

Go bold with a colorful planter. You can pick up great planters online or at a home improvement store, and you can also make personalized planters by painting terra cotta pots with colors that complement your home. Give these to friends and family as gifts to spruce up their porches too.

Add porch seating. Whether it is a porch swing or just a couple of colorful chairs with cushions, either will give you additional living space and add exterior charm. seasonal banners, kid art and pallet flags all come to mind. My favorite outdoor art is what I call painted rocks with a purpose. If you recently mulched your flower beds, paint some rocks and form a smiley face, flower, snake or turtle - the Pinterest possibilities are endless, and the results are bound to make you and your neighbors smile.

Finally, doormats have become super fun, and are an easy way to reflect your personality. Some of the most festive mats I have seen lately say things like: “Knock slowly so we have time to clean up”, “Yell ding-dong loudly, the doorbell is broken”, and, “Hope you like dog hair”. Have some fun with this - the possibilities really are endless.

Cheers to your charming home!

Claire-Ann is a West Side Realtor helping people make Hendricks County their home. You can reach her at 317-345-6640 or caikman@callcarpenter.com.