5 Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Backyard This Summer

The following post: 5 Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Backyard This Summer was republished from The Devoleigh Blog

Your backyard is additional living space in the summer. Here are five simple ways to ensure you’re maximizing its potential. Best of all, these can all be accomplished in a weekend!

 

1. Paint Touch Up

Look around your home’s exterior for any faded or discolored spots, including trim around doors, window ledges, deck railings and shutters. It might not seem like much but touching up these spots will really make a difference to your home’s exterior.

 

2. Add Some Light 

Depending on how exposed your outdoor space is, you can get really creative with the lighting sources. Consider hanging string lights or oversized lanterns.

 

3. Mulch It!

With its rich colour, mulch instantly adds curb appeal to your yard. Mulch also retains water to help keep roots moist and keep weeds out. Mulch acts as an insulator, helping to regulate soil temperature to keep plant roots cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

 

4. Rearrange Patio Furniture

If your patio furniture is already stylish and in great shape, rearranging it can give your backyard a refreshed, new look. If you’re really feeling creative, consider adding an extra level of comfort by investing in weatherproof cushions and pillows. Choose a few fun designs to breathe new life into your patio setup.

 

5. Clean & Seal Your Deck

Cleaning and sealing your deck could be all that’s needed to make it look brand new again. Start by removing any debris from between boards - screwdrivers and putty knives are great tools for this chore. Then give your deck a good sweeping. Next clean the surface, which can be done with a pressure washer before applying the sealer. Once the work is done it will feel like you have a whole new deck!

from Devonleigh Homes http://bit.ly/2WTtVQ2

10 Common Landscaping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The post: 10 Common Landscaping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them was republished from The Devoleigh Blog

Landscape design mistakes are more common than you think – even for those of us with green thumbs! Read how to avoid these common blunders and keep your garden looking Pinterest perfect all summer long.

 

Mistake #1: Failing to Plan

Many of us get so excited by a landscaping project we forget to take the time to make a proper plan.

Solution: Take a step back and examine your yard. The keys to a thoughtfully planned landscape include taking size, color and texture into account, while striving to keep elements in proportion to one other.

 

 

Mistake #2: Failing to Set a Budget

Did you know that landscaping is 30 percent more expensive than any other type of home renovation project? Yikes! That’s why it’s so important to set a budget up front and stick to it.

Solution: Create a list of things to buy and stick to it. If you lack the budget to implement your ideal landscape consider implementing it in stages – do some of the work this year and then add to it a little bit each year.

 

Mistake #3: Buying the Wrong Plants

While a plant may look pretty that doesn't mean it will do well in your yard. You have to take into consideration your specific area and what would work best in those conditions.

Solution: Do your homework! Temperature, humidity, rain, wind and sunlight all affect plant growth choose. Nurseries and garden centers can be great information sources when it comes to knowing what will grow best in your yard and where it should be planted.

 

Mistake #4: Cutting the Grass Too Short

Cutting the grass shorter means I have to mow it less, right? Wrong! Scalped lawns grow at maximum speed to try and compensate for the vicious cutting. You can actually do more harm than good by cutting the grass too short. Scalped lawns can be susceptible to insects and diseases.

Solution:  Grass allowed to achieve a decent height will always look much greener and healthier. During the summer, the lawn needs more shade so let the grass grow just a little bit more. Also, slightly longer blades of grass will help the water not evaporate so quickly.

 

Mistake #5: Excessive Lawn Decorations

People often make the mistake of putting too many decorative items in their yard, which can distract from the beauty of the natural landscape and create a cluttered or tacky look.

Solution: Be selective! When in doubt, ask yourself why you're putting it there and how it fits with the overall landscape design. If possible, search for a unique piece and establish it as a focal point.

 

Mistake #6 Fertilizing Too Much or Too Little

There are two ways that improper fertilizing can hurt your lawn. The first one is not doing it at all and the second is over fertilizing.

Solution: Research which products are going to protect and preserve your lawn and then stick to a regular fertilizing schedule. You should never fertilize in the bright sun and watering always needs to follow.

 

Mistake #7: Overwatering

Speaking of watering, a lot of homeowners make the mistake of over-watering. Most lawns just need about an inch of a water per week.

Solution: Time your watering. The best time of day to water the lawn or garden is early morning so it has all day to dry.

 

 

Mistake #8: Overlooking Exterior Lighting

Since you planned your landscape in the daylight, you may forget how you want it to look at night. If you spend a lot of time outdoors at night this can be a huge oversight.

Solution: Take into account what elements you’d like to highlight with nighttime exterior lighting and incorporate it into your landscaping plan. Adding some exterior lighting not only helps with vision and movement, but it also really makes the landscape pop.

 

Mistake #9: Overlooking the Upkeep of Your Landscape

If you’ve taken the time to carefully plan and then create your ideal outdoor landscape, not performing routine garden maintenance is a sure way to ruin all those efforts.

Solution: Create a maintenance schedule and stick to it. If you don’t have the time or desire to do this, your budget should include money to spend on someone who will maintain it for you.

 

 

Mistake #10: Failing to be Functional

A lot of people get carried away with the theme of their yard. They don't think about how they are actually going to use the area.

Solution: Think about how you and your family will use the yard. Do you do a lot of outdoor grilling? Where do your kids play in the yard? If you entertain or dine outdoors, you need to know how much space you actually need for a table and chairs as well as the space necessary to move around them.

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5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

The following article: 5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal was brought to you by www.devonleighhomes.com/about/blog

 

Springtime is the perfect time to spruce up the outside of your home. These five simple things will enhance your home’s curb appeal, while also making your home look fabulous all year long.

 

1. Create a Welcoming Front Entrance

Your front entrance is the first thing people notice about your home. It’s worthwhile to invest in making the entrance as welcoming and inviting as possible. Some easy ways to enhance your front entrance include:

• Purchasing new house numbers if yours are old or faded.
• Decorating your door with a long-lasting wreath if you have an overhang or porch that protects your front door from rain.
• Adding a charming front doormat to great guests when they arrive, while also helping keep the dirt outside where it belongs.

 

2. Simplify Landscaping

Low-maintenance plants are a terrific way to minimize the amount of upkeep needed to keep your landscape looking beautiful. Hostas, lamb’s ear and daylilies fit perfectly into this category. Since all three are perennials they’ll continue to come back year after year. Be sure to add mulch around flower beds or shrubs and trim hedges for a clean and effortless look.

 

3. Upgrade Outdoor Lighting

If the light by your front door is too dim, simply replacing the light bulb to a higher wattage could make a world of difference. If the fixture itself is outdated, replace it. Adding landscape lights are a great way to bring curb appeal to your home at night time. Not only do they create a stunning visual display, but they also help visitors safely navigate their way to the front door.

 

 

4. Repair Windows

Windows contribute greatly to your home’s overall curb appeal. Touch up window frames if the paint is peeling and fix any ripped screens. You can spruce up dreary looking windows with new shutters or repaint your current ones. If you want even more of an upgraded look, consider replacing your existing windows. While new windows can be an expensive investment, you have to balance this against the aesthetic appeal they’ll add to your home. New windows may also prove to be more energy-efficient.

 

5. Give Your Exterior a Bath

After winter, most homes can benefit from a deep cleaning that only a power washer can provide. Power washers can blast away dirt and mildew from siding and decks, as well as some stains from the driveway. If you don't own a pressure washer, you can rent one from a local home improvement store.

 

 

 

If you have any other ideas on how to easily boost your home’s curb appeal, share them with us on Facebook.

from Devonleigh Homes http://bit.ly/2VuGNrK

How to Create a Functional (and Beautiful) Mudroom

The following information on: How to Create a Functional (and Beautiful) Mudroom is republished from Devoleigh's Blog

The mudroom. It’s a room you come through every day that’s filled with shoes, coats, backpacks, sports equipment and other assorted items that get thrown its way. It can be an eyesore, not to mention very unorganized and unstylish - but it doesn’t have to be that way. Our organization ideas will help turn your mudroom (or entryway) into a beautiful and functional area.

 

A Home for Shoes

If you don’t have the space for a full mudroom, make sure to at least dedicate a corner for shoes and boots. Store them on a shelf or rack and add a plastic tray for wet or muddy shoes and boots to dry off on.

 

Cubbies Aren’t Just for Kids

Cubbyholes are a great solution for mudroom storage. Both high-level and low-level (especially if you have kids) cubbyholes work well. Consider adding fabric or wicker baskets that fit into the cubbyholes to hide loose items that would otherwise look messy.

 

Add Wallpaper

Bright, patterned wallpaper can add a fresh pop of colour and personality to a mudroom. You can wallpaper every wall or even just one wall if you want to create a focal point.

 

Use Tile

Similar to wallpaper, using tile can inject a fresh burst of personality and character into your mudroom, especially if the tile is patterned. Best of all, tile is super easy to clean up.

 

Go for Style

Go against conventional thinking with your mudroom design. Use artwork and accessories to style the space and make it feel just as warm and welcome as the rest of your home.

 

Rethink How You Use Space

If space is limited or you live in an older home, chances are you have a closet at the front entrance instead of a mudroom. Take off the doors to the closet, then add a bench and some hooks. Keeping this space open helps keep it a clutter-free zone.

 

Take a Seat

A mudroom functions much more smoothly when there is a place to sit to take shoes on and off. That’s why a durable bench in the mudroom is a must. Plus, benches can serve a dual purpose as providing extra storage, whether under or inside the bench.

 

Make it Functional

A mudroom should be well thought out and have an ultimate purpose in the home. Make a list of everything you plan on storing in the mudroom and how you want it to look and flow with the rest of the home.

 

Efficient & Effective Storage

To ensure a mudroom stays organized and clutter-free, make the space functional and efficient for everyone. This is particularly important if your mudroom is doubling as a laundry room. Coat hooks are much easier than hangers for storing outerwear, and you can hang backpacks from them too. If you have the space, add outlets for charging phones or tablets instead of letting these electronics clutter your kitchen countertop.

 

Share with us on Facebook how you keep your mudroom and entryways looking beautiful and organized all year round.

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Elevate Your Space – 10 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Master Bedroom

The following article: Elevate Your Space – 10 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Master Bedroom was brought to you by http://www.devonleighhomes.com/about/blog/

Your bedroom is your personal getaway and the place where you’ll spend many hours in.

These simple ideas and innovative tips can create a room that both impresses and reflects your personality.

 

Make a Statement with Your Bed

Give your personal space some glamour with a statement bed frame. Whether it be a four-post bed or a platform, the options for a stylish bed are endless!

 

Invest in New Bedding

New bedding can give your space an instantaneous glamorous upgrade. Top your bed with covers made for snuggling, like a down comforter. You'll be beyond cozy in the wintertime!

 

Comforting Colours

You want everything in your bedroom to radiate comfort. Whether you prefer warm or cool colours, pick ones that give you a sense of calmness and tranquility (after all, this is where you sleep).

 

Warmth Under Your Toes

Nothing ruins the start to a new day more than stepping out of bed onto a cold, hard floor. Do your feet a favour and make sure they’re greeted with a cushy rug. Choose something soft, stylish and timeless.

 

More Lighting

Give yourself options by adding a dimmer or opt for several light fixtures throughout the room. If your room is small, nightstands and lamps affixed to walls are a great way to add more lighting without taking up space.

 

A Reading Nook

If you're going to be hanging out in your bedroom, you need a spot to sit other than your bed. Tuck a cozy chair into a corner along with a standing lamp for an instant reading spot.

 

Showcase Your Personality

The most important aspect of your bedroom design is that it should express your personality. Include artwork, knick-knacks and photos of all the things that you adore and are important to you.

 

Invest in a Good Mirror

Mirrors really are a designer’s best friend. Whether hung or propped up against the wall, they make any space feel larger and brighter.

 

Manage the Pillow Population

Pillows can be comfy and cute, but there is such a thing as too many. The general rule of thumb is usually between two to six pillows, depending on the size of your bed.

 

Move Things Around

Don’t be afraid to “shake” things up. Moving around a room's furniture or décor, can add new life to a familiar space. If you want to start small, rearrange items in a bookshelf for a new look.

 

If you have any other tips or tricks for a bedroom makeover, be sure to share them with us on Facebook.

from Devonleigh Homes http://bit.ly/2MRJ2C1

How to Hang Art Like a Pro

The following information on: How to Hang Art Like a Pro was sourced from devonleighhomes.com/about/blog/

Whether you're trying to figure out where to place a large-scale framed painting or you're planning a gallery wall to show off your family portraits, these tips and advice will take out the stress and guesswork of hanging art.

 

At Eye Level in the Living Room

The most common mistake is hanging art too high. In living rooms, people are usually sitting, so artwork should be lower. The golden rule is to hang art one hand width above the couch.

 

Size

When deciding where to hang art, be sure to consider the amount of wall space available. Small pieces work best between windows and doors. With larger artwork, there should be enough room for people to step back and admire the piece.

 

Practice Makes for the Perfect Arrangement

Save yourself the frustration of hanging and rehanging artwork or groups of pieces by “drafting” where it should go. Use paper and painter's tape to try out different placements and arrangements for the artwork.

 

Create Symmetry

Wall art displayed in even numbers, such as a pair or grouping of four, looks best when it’s hung in a symmetrical arrangement. A symmetrical arrangement creates a striking and simple focal point.

 

Create a Focal Point

Speaking of focal points, a random assortment of pictures and frames can work well together, but it’s always a good idea to have some sort of theme or colour to link them. The most prominent piece should be featured in the middle and at eye level. From there, work outward with smaller pieces.

 

Prop it Up Instead of Hanging it Up

For a more relaxed arrangement, group artwork together on a shelf or mantelpiece rather than hung on a wall. This also allows you to change the display regularly, or easily add similar pieces to an existing arrangement.

 

If you have any other tips for adding style to your home with art, share them with us on Facebook!

from Devonleigh Homes http://bit.ly/2SAdNxp

12 Festive Decorating Ideas for Stylish Holiday Cheer

The following information on: 12 Festive Decorating Ideas for Stylish Holiday Cheer is available on Devoleigh Homes Blog

No matter what your style or budget, we’ll get you (and your home!) into the holiday spirit with these festive Christmas décor ideas.

 

1. Break With Tradition

This holiday season try something new by hanging decorations from chandeliers. One suggestion is to use sparkling decorations and tie it all off with an elegant bow. Or, for a more rustic look, attach some pine branches around a chandelier's base and drape burlap ribbon over it.

 

2. Go Natural

For a natural festive look, use fresh evergreen boughs, berries, garlands and wreaths to decorate windows, tables and mantles.

 

3. Use Presents as Decorations

Yes! We’re totally serious about this one. If you’re going to spend all that time wrapping gifts, why not show them off? One idea is to line your staircase with presents for a simple yet effective decorating hack.

 

4. Set the Scene

The entryway is the first thing guests see when you welcome them to your home. Greet your guests with festive cheer the moment they walk in with a simple hanging wreath or other winter greenery. If you have a table by your front door, consider adding an animated winter scene to it or a tabletop-sized Christmas tree.

 

5. Artificial Trees are OK

If you’re tired of real trees leaving a mess in your living room, make the switch to artificial. As an added bonus, artificial trees usually have wires that are easy to bend so they better hold ornaments. Worried you’ll miss the scent of pine? Just add a pine scented air freshener nearby. Trust us, you won’t miss the mess.

 

6. That Personal Touch

Make a Christmas dinner all the more personal by making DIY personalized name tags for each guest at the dining room table. It also takes out that awkward moment if guests don’t know where they should sit!

 

7. DIY Ornaments

Create your own DIY Christmas ornaments by wrapping glass ball ornaments in leftover fabrics and ribbons.

 

8. Christmas Lanterns

Greet guests in style by arranging a grouping of festive candleholders or lanterns at your entryway for quick and easy holiday style. Using flameless candles will take out the worry if a candle tips over.

 

9. Match Your Décor

Plan your Christmas decorations so that they “jive” with your existing everyday décor. Even if your existing colours aren’t red or green, that’s okay! Modern day holiday décor can encompass a wide range of colours and give your room a chic and luxurious look.

 

10. Create a Festive Staircase

Drape garland up the handrail of a staircase. You can accent it with gold or red bows for a traditional look. Or instead of garland, change things up and add some sparkle by hanging icicle lights up the banister.

 

11. Holiday Pillows Bring Holiday Cheer

Swap out your every day pillows for festive, holiday-themed ones. This quick fix is an inexpensive and easy way to redecorate a room. It’s also a time saver if you don’t want to spend hours adding other decorations to the room.

 

 

12. Hang Vintage Ornaments

There’s no need to purchase new Christmas tree decorations every year. Instead, stick with the familiar and beloved ornaments that you have collected or made over the years. This adds a truly personalized touch to your tree.

 

Share with us on Facebook how you create festive cheer around your house during the holidays!

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10 Simple Ways to Transform a Room from Ordinary to Luxurious

The following post: 10 Simple Ways to Transform a Room from Ordinary to Luxurious is available on Devoleigh

Bring elegance and luxury to your home with these 10 simple and budget-friendly ideas.

 

1. Keep your home clean

No home will look expensive if it’s messy or cluttered. Dust regularly and be sure to minimize clutter by keeping countertops and coffee tables free of unnecessary junk.

 

2. Bookcases aren’t just for books

You can create style with a bookcase. If the bookshelf is full, remove a few books to make space for sculptures, small storage bins, potted plants and other elegant accessories.

 

3. Update old fixtures

A quick and easy way to decorate on a budget is to update old fixtures. Door knobs, light fixtures and light switch plates are small, inexpensive ways to give your home that high-end look.

 

4. Add a rug

If you don’t have carpet in a living room or bedroom, adding a rug is an easy way to define spaces and introduce texture.

 

5. Supersize it (with art)

Large-scale art prints create a focal point in a room that infuse elegant personality. It doesn’t have to be expensive either. Keep your eyes peeled for sales at known retailers who carry artwork. Or, if you’re really feeling creative make your own!

 

6. Incorporate antiques

Give your space a sense of wisdom and charm by incorporating an antique piece. Anything from a mirror to a small side table or clock will work - the older the better. Old family heirlooms packed away are a great place to look for these.

 

7. Stairway to heaven

Few people think of a stairway when looking to add some luxury to their home. However, a custom railing, high quality runner or piece of art can add class and elegance to this often-used space.

 

8. Everyone likes a classic

Classic items don’t ever go out of style. Go neutral with furniture, wall colors and light fixtures so you can use accessories to play with colors, textures and patterns. You can change the entire look of a room for much cheaper and more easily by replacing accessories instead of buying new furniture or repainting every year.

 

9. Add decorative moulding

Decorative molding (such as crown or base moulding) is a relatively inexpensive way to transform an ordinary room into a room full of character. It can make for a great DIY weekend project, or you can hire a professional while still keeping the costs relatively low.

10. Use a mix of materials

Get creative! You can drastically change a room by incorporating a thoughtful mix of different materials and textures. Use metals, glass, wood, textiles and leather to create a custom-designed, luxurious look.

 

If you have other ideas on how to transform a room from ordinary to luxurious, share them with us!

 

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Design a Home Office That Makes You Want to Work

The following blog article: Design a Home Office That Makes You Want to Work was republished from Devoleigh Homes' Blog

Whether you work from home exclusively or once a week, your home office is a place that should inspire and allow you to get work done. Sounds simple enough, right? In reality, most home offices are messy and unproductive environments, driving people to work anywhere but the actual office space. We’re here to help you create a workspace that fits your style while allowing you to focus and get down to business!

 

Location is Everything

You'll likely spend a lot of hours in your home office, so make sure the space is in an area that allows you to be the most productive. Do you work best in the thick of activity, or should your office be tucked away in a quiet nook away from distractions?

 

Stylish but Functional

Before purchasing furniture, take a good look at your office space and the rooms surrounding it. The office furniture should complement other rooms in your house. For example, if your home has traditional décor, warm wood and comfortable chairs are ideal. For contemporary homes, consider adding pieces of art or metal furniture.

 

The Command Chair

If nothing else, please, PLEASE invest in a good quality work chair for your office space. You will likely spend hours seated in your office chair, which is why investing in a comfortable and ergonomic chair is worth every penny. Trust us, your back will thank you!

 

Be Inspired to Work!

This is the fun part! Your home office space should inspire you while also reflecting your personality. Some simple ways to create this inspiration are:

• Painting the walls: Choose a colour that motivates you and not just something that’s trendy.

• Giving yourself a view: If your space has a window, position your desk so that when you glance up from the computer you’re greeted with a view of the outdoors. If that’s not possible hang a picture or painting above your desk.

• Adding cute knick-knacks: Your space can be functional and comfy – you don’t have to choose one over the other. Cute notepads, fun sticky notes and framed artwork from your kids’ school projects are just some of the ways to create warmth within your home office.

 

Clean Your Desk

For a few, it might be quite some time since seeing what the actual desk looked like because its buried under papers, notebooks and office supplies. Start by removing everything from your desk except for your computer and phone. Next, take advantage of your nearly empty desk to dust or vacuum it. Then comes the challenging part – review every item you had on your desk and decide whether to keep it. If you don't use an item at least once a week, put it aside. Once you've organized the rest of your office you can decide if it should be put away in storage, donated, or moved to somewhere else in the house.

 

Eliminate Cable Clutter & Protect Electronics

Having too many cables lying around creates a tripping hazard. Eliminate this hazard by binding cables together with ties, clamps, clips or Velcro so they stay in one place. Route the wires through the hole in your desk (if it has one) and make sure they're all behind your desk and against a wall so there’s no chance of someone tripping on them.

Last but not least, plug your cables into a surge-protected power bar to prevent your computer and other electronic devices from being fried during a power surge.

 

If you have a home office, tell us how you create a functional and stylish work space!

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How to Prep Your Yard for Fall

The blog article: How to Prep Your Yard for Fall was available on Devoleigh Homes' Blog

It’s true – summer is almost over. That means it’s time to prepare your yard for winter hibernation. When spring rolls around, you’ll be happy you did this prep work as you’ll be way ahead of the game! Here is your checklist of tasks to start tackling now.

 

Keep Mowing the Lawn

Continue to mow your lawn until it stops growing - yes, even if it's cold. If your grass gets taller than 3 inches it will mat, which could lead to snow mold. Don’t cut it shorter than 2 inches, otherwise you'll hinder its ability to make and store food for growth in the spring.

 

Seed & Fertilize

Fall is the ideal time seed and fertilize your lawn. Seed dead or bare spots and overseed the full lawn to get dense grass that’s rich in color.

 

Protect Your Walkways, Driveway & Deck

Now is the time to fill in those cracks in asphalt or concrete and apply a sealant to help prevent damage that can result from freezing and thawing. When it comes to your deck, use a pressure washer to clean the dirt and grime before sealing it.

 

Prune Trees & Hedges

Trim overgrown areas and remove dead limbs before they fall under heavy winter snow. As a general rule of thumb, trees and shrubs typically need a heavy pruning before winter to help prevent damage from snow and ice. Pruning can also be used as a way to control size for next spring.

 

Keep Watering Trees & Shrubs

Make sure all your trees and shrubs are sufficiently watered in September and October to survive the long winter. The amount of water depends on whether it’s a rainy fall season. If you receive less than four inches of rain for the month, you'll need one or two thorough hour-long waterings once a week for up to three weeks.

 

Make Your Garden Tools Shine Like New

Spend a few minutes wiping down your garden tools to remove debris and dirt. Applying a light layer of oil keeps them from rusting during the winter so they'll be ready to use in the spring.

Final Pack Up for Winter

Last but not least, bring in your sprinklers, nozzles and most importantly, hoses. Water in the hose will expand when it freezes and damage the hose. Be sure to shut off water lines to the outside as well. If you have an automatic irrigation system, having it blown out with compressed air before the water freezes in the pipes can prevent costly damage.

 

While this is not an exhaustive list, following these tips will help ensure the health of your yard – and tools - come next spring. If you have any other recommendations or ideas on fall yard maintenance, share them with us on Facebook.

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10 Simple Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home

The following blog post: 10 Simple Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home is published from The Devoleigh Blog

First impressions do matter. Adding curb appeal to your house not only allows you to take pride in it, but if you’re thinking of moving, it makes it that much easier to sell. With our curb-appeal improvement ideas, your home will be the envy of the neighbourhood!

 

Create An Inviting Landscape

Even if your home is gorgeous, overgrown landscaping, weeds and other unattractive sights can detract from the beauty of it. Here are some ideas to “clean up” your landscaping and provide a welcoming environment:

• Remove dead or diseased shrubs, plants and trees.
• Pluck weeds from the lawn and garden areas.
• Plant colourful annuals in groups.
• Frame the entrance with decorative pots that hold small trees or perennials.

 

Give Your Exterior a Good Wash

Pressure-washing siding, back decks, stained driveways and faded walkways are all extremely cost-efficient ways to increase your home's curb appeal.  If you don’t own one, no problem! Most hardware or home improvement stores will have them available for rent.

 

Dress Up Your Front Door

Your home's front entry is at the heart of its curb appeal. Give your front door a colour lift with paint or consider installing a custom wood door. At a minimum, be sure to clean off any dirty spots around the knob and use metal polish on the door fixtures.

 

Replace Old Hardware

House numbers, mailboxes, and overhead light fixtures are all elements that can add style and appeal to your home's exterior. If they're dingy or dirty, they detract from the home’s curb appeal.

 

Create Symmetry

Symmetry makes a house look very appealing and it’s super simple to do! You can easily add symmetry by placing two identical shrubs/planters and matching lanterns or porch lights on each side of the front door.

 

Light It Up

Landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home's curb appeal while also providing a layer of safety and security. Install solar fixtures if you aren't able to use lights that require wiring. A few decorative solar fixtures in a flowerbed or along a pathway will create a warm and inviting feel to your home.

 

Add Outdoor Personality

Give your yard a little personality in addition to curb appeal by adding weather-resistant artwork. Choose pieces that complement your home's natural look. Birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures and wind chimes are all good choices for outdoor art.

 

Paint Touch-Up

Unless your home’s exterior is a complete disaster, a full-house paint job can be very expensive and time-consuming. Focus on cleaning up trim, accents, shutters, windows and the front door.

Be careful with colour selections as unusually bold or bright hues can be an eyesore.

 

Let the Sunshine In

Clean your windows so they sparkle and shine. It’s best to work on a cool, cloudy day. Before you spray, sweep dirt from the window, frame and screen with a brush or vacuum it up. This will prevent dirt from turning into a muddy mess when mixed with water.

 

 

Clean Up Driveways

Asphalt cracks are a pretty easy DIY fix. Generally, you only need to remove any loose debris from the crack area, encourage bonding with a good surface cleaning and scouring then apply a thin layer of asphalt on top.

If your driveway is concrete and just has a few hairline cracks, you can likely carve them out before using concrete crack filler. Before filling any cracks, eliminate weeds that may be growing through the openings and clean out any loose pieces to create a tight bond between old and new concrete.

 

We would love to hear how you add curb appeal to your home, share your tips with us on Facebook!

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