Design · · 2 min
What makes the outside of a house look expensive
The impression a house makes from the street comes from a few elements, most of them simple to improve.
The exterior of a house shapes what people think of it, from those passing by to future buyers. Improving it is rewarding, and it is often simpler than expected. These are the elements that matter most.
The front door
The front door is the first thing a guest sees, so it deserves the most attention. A door with sidelights or a transom looks more elegant and brings more natural light into the entry hall. A fresh color on the existing door is a lighter alternative, and a chance to show some personality.
If the door itself stays, new hardware alone refreshes the entry. Consider handles, latches, locks, kick plates or a knocker.
The windows
Old, tired windows make a house look old and tired. New windows with clean frames improve the exterior considerably, and they improve energy efficiency at the same time, which shows up over the years in lower heating and cooling bills.
The garage door
On many houses the garage door is the largest single surface facing the street, and it changes the face of a house more than people expect. Modern garage doors come in many styles. The right one makes the whole house look newer and more considered, at a fraction of the cost of larger work.
The approach
- Walkway. Trim the planting, clean the paving or brick, and add fresh flowers for color.
- Window boxes. Fill them with greenery, flowers or both, and replant each season so the house looks cared for all year.
- Lighting. A well-lit garden at night is a quiet luxury. Light washing up the facade, along a garden wall or beside the entry path changes the house after dark.
None of these requires a major project, and each can be done on its own. Taken together, they give a house the composed, well-kept look that reads as quality from the street. They also add to its value, and there is real satisfaction in seeing a house look its best.