We’re so busy focusing on the inside of our homes that sometimes we forget about the outside. We might not even think about curb appeal until it’s time to sell the house, and then only on the advice of a realtor. But curb appeal helps your home fit into the surrounding neighborhood, gives your property character and individuality and make it a welcoming place to visit.

Making your front yard and the front of your house look smart is another way of caring for and protecting the major investment in your life. Now, when you’re preparing your home for winter – cleaning out the gutters, getting the beds ready for hibernation and pruning trees – is the perfect time for adding those little touches of fall curb appeal that will showcase your home in time for Thanksgiving.

Shed a Little Light

Wall lights or porch lights on either side of the door make the entrance to your home hospitable. A lighted area also prevents tripping, falling or other preventable accidents from occurring. The ELK Lighting Kimberton Ridge 9″ Wall Bracket Light is beautifully crafted, with a leaf motif that is ideal for the season. The style and design you choose for the wall lights can be a “visual clue” for your visitors as to the design style of the interior of your home.

If the walkway from the street to your front door is in shadows, consider lighting the path with the Quoizel Autumn Ridge Large Post Lantern. The colors of the lamp’s glass are autumn rich.

Focal Points

Just like in the rooms of your home, creating focal points in the front yard draws attention, not only to the grounds but also to the house itself. Placed by a front living room window or in a corner of the yard, the Oakland Living Sunflower Birdbath in Antique Bronze, particularly when surrounded by bird-attracting plants, will be esthetically pleasing to avian creatures and humans alike.

Putting a piece of freestanding garden art like the Patina Products Small Sun Flower Garden Sculpture in a favorite flower bed defines the area, drawing attention to a specific architectural or landscaping feature. The Allsop Solar-Powered Garden Art Accent Light has the added benefit of being seen at night, making your front yard inviting even in the “dark.”

Make a statement with the Oakland Living Arbor with Gate and Base. As part of the entrance to your property, this arbor style gate is a visually stunning landscape element that will certainly improve your home’s curb appeal.

Take a Seat

While it might seem more of a backyard thing, an outdoor table and chairs set by a rose bed or a favorite tree creates that feeling that your visitors are welcome to enter your garden and enjoy the view.

An outdoor bench by the front door gives visitors a place to wait comfortably in the event that they arrive before you do. And again, from the street, a bench like the Uwharrie Nantucket Settee makes your home look welcoming and cared for.

These handy tips will enhance your property’s best features and help your home create a good first impression when guests come calling.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 4:56 pm and is filed under Bedroom Furniture & Design Ideas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.