We’ve had tasteful greys, farmhouse whites, and classic beiges up and down the street for so darn long… It’s no wonder people are going cuckoo for color these days! Just think, with these projects, you can brighten up your life AND add to your house’s curb appeal in a weekend or less.
Front Door
This one seems like a no-brainer, and yet, so many people are afraid to try it out! The reason why? They’re afraid they’ll choose the wrong color or paint. That’s understandable. No one likes to get stuck with a do-over, and no one wants to live with a Shrek green mistake on the front of their home.
The easy solution? Go with what you know. Pick a color from the existing palette of your home and use a color that coordinates with that. Still not sure which color and sheen you should go with? Many local paint stores (like Sherwin Williams, for example) now have color experts in store; they can answer even the most difficult color conundrum. Just be sure to bring photos with you, because no one can pick the right choice if all they’ve got to go on is, “It’s a kind of brownish-reddish brick, I think…”
Shutters
If you have a wooden door, or you’re just not ready to make that leap yet, try adding color to your shutters.
Use the same guidelines you would for your door, and remember, this project’s even easier to tackle. So even if you aren’t totally in love with the look, you can throw on a coat of something new… easy-peasy lemon squeezy.
Trim Colors
Feeling gutsy? Then try this on for size. Bold trim colors are a very adventurous statement and they work well on modern homes, traditional homes, Craftsman homes… and so on and so forth.
If the rest of your exterior is neutral and you’ve got a fearless fashion sense, then this look will serve you well. Pair a citrusy color with cool tones (like the photo below) or add in blue trim for a more traditional look.
Flowers
Let’s move beyond paint, shall we? An easy, low-commitment way to add color is with flowers. Depending upon your climate, you can add full-on beds of annual color or put out pots full of flowers that change with the seasons.
Pro tip: If you have a brown thumb, you can even use FAKES. Make sure they’re changed out with the seasons (so no daffodils in December) and no one will even know the difference.
One more thing: If you’re in it for the long haul, flowering trees are SO heavenly in spring. Be sure to check what hardiness zone you’re in before you plant, though, because trees aren’t cheap and removing them is a total pain.
Seating
If you’ve got the space for it, seating on your front porch is just about the homiest thing ever. Who doesn’t have fantasies of having tea (or, perhaps more accurately, late night wine) and conversation on the front porch?
Swings are great, chaises are great, rocking chairs are great. Whatever your sitting pleasure, you can pump up the ol’ color factor with cushions and throws or go all out and PAINT THE WHOLE DARN THING.
Cozy, colorful, and companionable, these seats will make your front porch the envy of the block.
There you have it, friend — 10 terrific ways to add more elation to your front elevation, more pizazz to your porch, and more YAY! to your yard. Try one this weekend!
