When it comes to a home, it is often judged both by what is on the inside as well as what is on the outside.

First impressions begin with curb appeal as opposed to just when someone enters the home. The outdoor aesthetic is often decided by three key elements: the home exterior, landscaping and lighting.

Home exterior

The exterior of a home is often an indicator of what one will experience once inside the home. This is where maintenance can play a key role.

Choose landscaping that can allow for year-round succession of bloom. The goal is to always have a presence of landscaping during each season of the year. Also, consider incorporating landscape that will grow at varying heights. A colorful mix of landscaping that can be enjoyed all year round fills the frontage of this home.
Handout, Tribune News Service
Choose landscaping that can allow for year-round succession of bloom. The goal is to always have a presence of landscaping during each season of the year. Also, consider incorporating landscape that will grow at varying heights. A colorful mix of landscaping that can be enjoyed all year round fills the frontage of this home.

Curb appeal tips:

Maintain gutters.

Power wash the exterior annually.

Implement routine repairs.

Landscaping can be expensive. As a result, many homeowners on a budget often choose to omit or implement minimal landscaping. Investing in landscaping is a key to enhancing a home’s curb appeal and it doesn’t have to break the bank. A mix of landscaping of varying height and type creates an appealing first impression.
Handout, Tribune News Service
Landscaping can be expensive. As a result, many homeowners on a budget often choose to omit or implement minimal landscaping. Investing in landscaping is a key to enhancing a home’s curb appeal and it doesn’t have to break the bank. A mix of landscaping of varying height and type creates an appealing first impression.

Landscaping

Landscaping can be expensive. As a result, many homeowners on a budget often choose to omit or implement minimal landscaping. Investing in landscaping is a key to enhancing a home's curb appeal and it doesn't have to break the bank.

Rule of thumb

Choose landscaping that can allow for year-round succession of bloom. The goal is to always have a presence of landscaping during each season of the year. Also, consider incorporating landscape that will grow at varying heights.

When it comes to a home, it is often judged both by what is on the inside as well as what is on the outside. First impressions begin with curb appeal as opposed to just when someone enters the home. The outdoor aesthetic is often decided by three key elements the home exterior, landscaping and lighting. New shingles and roofing help to create strong curb appeal for this home.
Handout, Tribune News Service
When it comes to a home, it is often judged both by what is on the inside as well as what is on the outside. First impressions begin with curb appeal as opposed to just when someone enters the home. The outdoor aesthetic is often decided by three key elements the home exterior, landscaping and lighting. New shingles and roofing help to create strong curb appeal for this home.

Lighting

From pathways and sidewalks to the home exterior and house numbers, lighting is not only a matter of safety but can also help to enhance the overall look and feel of the curb appeal of a home. While hard wired lights are preferred and relatively inexpensive to install, these days there are also a variety of solar powered lights that can quickly and easily enhance a home's appeal.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design home staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and the Hudson Valley.