7 ways to give your home more pavement appeal

First impressions count. So whether you’re looking to sell or just want to make the neighbours jealous, here’s how to keep the front of your house looking lovely.

From a well-manicured lawn to a glossy front door, giving the front of your house a bit of a refresh every now and then will do wonders. And what better time of year to do it?

It doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, either. We’ve listed what you can do, from small jobs to bigger ones, so you can get more pavement appeal, no matter what your time or budget.

Give it all a good power wash

A clean house is a well-presented house, so start off by blasting away any built-up grime on and around the outside of your home.

Use a power washer to clean brickwork or cladding, blast your driveway, paths and tiles, wash dirty fencing and decks – you can even use it to clean the outside of your windows (saving money on window cleaners!).

You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make: blasting the grime away can leave the outside of your home looking like new.

Keep it green

If you’ve got any greenery at the front of your house, it makes a real difference if you keep it lush and looking smart. Be sure to water and mow the lawn, and keep plants pruned and looking pretty.

If you want to add some greenery to your front garden, fill large tubs with year-round plants, such as bamboo, topiary bushes or bay trees. For flowers, roses are a classic and beautiful choice.

Paint your front door

A glossy, brightly coloured front door adds a sense of grandeur to any home. Letterbox red, royal blue or racing green are classic colour choices.

You could also consider adding a beautiful brass door knocker (or polishing your existing one), and a matching door number can really sharpen things up.

 And if you have a garage door, paint it the same colour as your front door, to tie the whole look together.

Buy a bin store

You can make your home look as pretty as a picture, but we know that houses have certain practical needs: bins, for example. If there are no side passages to tuck them down, they can become a real eyesore at the front of your home.

Think about adding an attractive bin storage cabinet. Usually made of wood, you could choose a nice stained-wood option, or paint it to match your front door, or go green to blend in with your garden.

Embrace symmetry

Have you ever noticed how many stately homes are symmetrical in their design? While we’re not suggesting you move into one (although if you can afford it, why not!) you can recreate this look with symmetrical decorations and landscaping at the front of your house.

It could be something as simple as placing identical potted plants on both sides of your front door (topiary trees work really well for this). If you have a wall light, pop one on the other side too.

 If your front door is in the middle of your home, you could go a few steps further and have a garden path leading straight from it, then ensure the lawn and beds on either side are symmetrical.

Lighten up your doorway

Come nightfall, a darkened front door not only looks unwelcoming, but it can feel unsafe, too.

You could get a porch light installed (or two – see “Embrace symmetry” above). For a budget option, you could wrap some outdoor string lights around your door or porch frame. This will add a warm and welcoming glow to your home.

Create a path

Having a path leading to your front door instantly makes it feel welcoming. From stepping stones to sleek block paving, it will also help add some definition to your front garden.

Even if you have a paved driveway, simply using a different coloured brick to create the look of a path to your door can make all the difference.

So this summer, why not give the front of your house a makeover with some (or all!) of these ideas? Your home will soon have serious pavement appeal.

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