They say looks are only skin deep, but if you make an effort to look good, chances are you'll be given a better chance up front. The same goes for your home.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So, let's talk kerb appeal and making your home live up to its prettiest potential.
Start by standing on the kerb, looking at your home and everything that lays between - you may walk this path every day, but do you really stop and pay attention?
What do you love about what you're seeing and what's not right or needs improvement, big or small? This is what you don't notice anymore but others do!
There's a lot to take in, so break it down into chunks. Starting from the kerb, think of it as four sections, working together seamlessly: nature strip, boundary, garden and house facade.
The council nature strip might sound like we're stating the obvious, however this strip of land is your first chance to impress. Water, fertilise, mow: when it's given love, it makes such an impressive difference.
The boundary separating the nature strip from your property is your first chance to delineate your kingdom, so it's an opportunity not to be missed. Make it clear that when someone passes through this line, they've entered your home.
It's your first chance to introduce the garden, so make sure the statement you make ties into the look of your home and is suitable to your climate and location - a dead strip here will kill kerb appeal.
If your council permits, we're all for a front fence. As well as a feeling of extra security, a front fence defines a garden space that is not just for appearance but becomes a functional space.
The front yard is considered to serve no purpose other than a way to get to the house. But it's also an opportunity for additional outdoor living. Fenced, it provides a children's play area, or use screening plants to create additional outdoor living spaces.
Maintenance of driveways and paths can make or break too!
The front facade of your home is no doubt the crowning glory of street appeal. If you do just one thing, think paint. Paint can totally change a home from drab to fab or distressed to fresh. We're talking all surfaces here, the walls, doors, window frames, and even the roof. Be careful with colours that are trending, they'll date before you repaint.
Some of you are not going to like this but we're going there ... Can we please stop with grey and white? We love a bit of a Hamptons as much as anyone, but with so many choices, why can't you make a statement that is you? All white makes a huge impact on facades, but also delicate greens and blues with subtle feature colours for your front door.
- Check out how you can save with the latest deals for your home and garden with discount codes from Australian Coupons.
Focusing on the simple and achievable aspects of the kerbside appeal of your home will make you feel proud.
- See mitchandmark.com. Their Reality Reno podcast launches in November.