Adding Porch Pop and Lawn Wow to a Home

NEW YORK — First impressions matter, and that especially goes for homes. From painting to lawn care, there's a curb appeal project for everyone. Here are top ways to boost curb appeal:

Stone touches

Use stepping stones, gravel, landscape stones or pebbles to create walking paths in your yard. They'll give order to your yard, help link points of interest, and make your yard look more well-planned.

A retaining wall can play many roles in your yard. Retaining walls prevent erosion, make a sloped yard safer for walkways and steps, manage drainage, and even allow you to garden with more freedom. And when it comes to front yard landscaping ideas, opt for locally sourced natural stone for optimal curb appeal.

Painting and power washing

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Consider repainting your siding or even just your front door and shutters for a new look. While you're at it, make sure your front door and porch area look clean and inviting. It might be a good idea to rent a power washer or hire a power washing crew to clean your home's exterior. Your front door may be small, but it plays a big role in curb appeal.

Lighting

Lighting also can make a big difference. Make sure all of your outdoor lights are working, and consider buying solar-powered path lighting for an easy, but noticeable, improvement. Landscape walkway lighting not only adds a touch of class, but it also improves safety and security. You can also install larger headlights to highlight a particular landscape feature.

Quick fixes

Don't forget about the little things. If your address numbers have seen better days, it might be time to replace them. Similarly, you should make sure your mailbox is in good condition. Even just hanging plants or decorative planters around your front porch or on the sidewalk can be a quick and easy way to improve your look. Consider adding window planter boxes on your windows or front porch railings to add a splash of color and tie into your overall color scheme.

Yard work

Don't overlook basic design principles. If one single color dominates your home or yard, add colors to the landscape or trim to balance it out. Strategically adding brightly colored shrubs or flowers can prevent monotony and add a cheerful look. Select a color theme that works for your home and go for it.

Your yard is usually the first thing people see when they come to your home. Keep your lawn tidy, prune any trees or shrubs, and take good care of your garden and flowerbeds. Keep beds properly mulched to discourage weeds and create a uniform appearance. Consider using landscape stones to match your driveway, lawn, flower beds or paver walkway. Landscape stones not only improve appearance, but they also help with water drainage and add an inorganic form of mulch.

© 2025 Mooresville Tribune