A house under renovation in Istanbul, Turkey – Photo Courtesy: Mwanasimba
If you’ve ever done up a house then you’ll know how the finishing touches often take longer than the structural work itself! The details are so important in house renovation, from the interior design to the practicalities.
In this article, we will focus on the little things you can add to the outside of a house to make it look more homely. After all, the outside is the first thing that any potential buyers or guests will see, so you’ll be looking to make a great first impression.
Here are some great ideas for sprucing up the outside of your house that you may not have considered:
A House Name and Number
If you’re proud of your house, then tell people! If your house has a name, then get it drawn up and designed professionally so you can display it on your front door or gate. Hand-engraved granite looks amazing, as does a name-carving on a piece of treated wood. Some people opt for a cast iron sign – whatever your preference, there is someone out there who will help you design it and make it up for you.
Then, if your house has a number, you’ll need to get a number to put on the door. Don’t go for something that’s dull with no character – every little thing is an opportunity to make an impression. Apart from the aesthetic improvement, the postman will also know which number you are!
A Letterbox
Talking of the postman, have you thought about a letterbox? Perhaps you want one on your door, in which case choose something unique and stylish. Other people opt for a post box on their gate or somewhere else that’s obvious. Don’t go for the obvious choice – have a look online at the wide range of styles, colours and patterns you can find.
Flower Boxes
Windows with flower boxes – don’t they look beautiful? Photo Courtesy: Dan DeLuca
Flower boxes on front windows add a splash of colour to a house and make it look more lived in. Often new or renovated houses lack any sort of character without any little decorations here and there. Pop in plants that won’t grow too high, and perhaps plant up some herbs in the kitchen window box. Go for an assortment of colours for a really eye-catching display.
A Garden Path
Up the garden path, Greek style – A home in the small village of Skala Potamia on the Greek island of Thassos. Photo Courtesy: Ronald Saunders
Laying a little gravel down for a garden path is a great idea to lead guests to the house. Border it at either side with some stonework or some wooden plinths. Or perhaps you could lay a herringbone design path instead? Have a look around for some creative path ideas, and when it’s done, make sure you plant up flowers on either side for a really grand entrance.
How else could you spruce up the front of your house? There are loads of ideas. Perhaps the outside needs a lick of fresh paint? Or maybe you could find some really attractive and unique gateposts? If you really want to impress people; how about a statue or a water feature in the garden? Have a think about ways you can create great first impressions with the front of your house!
Jenny Wadlow, is a freelance blogger. She regularly writes for Sassy Signs, a house number designer based in Australia. She likes to spend her spare time catching up on movies.
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