30+ Common Home Exterior Design Mistakes You Have to Avoid
The exterior of your home sets the stage for what’s inside, making it crucial to present an inviting and updated facade. However, achieving a fresh look transcends merely decorating with vibrant planters and attractive doormats. It involves a thorough evaluation of functionality and aesthetics. A well-considered exterior doesn’t just catch the eye; it combines form and function, ensuring that everything from lighting to landscaping contributes to a cohesive and appealing presentation.
While each home’s needs and deficiencies may vary, embracing a holistic approach to exterior design can universally elevate a home’s exterior charm. Remember, while guidelines exist to steer decisions, each home’s unique character means there’s always room for creative interpretation and exception.
Uncohesive Materials
When updating or remodeling your home, it’s crucial to avoid the pitfall of uncohesive materials. Integrating materials from different eras or styles can result in a disjointed appearance that clearly marks your home as outdated. This inconsistency affects the aesthetic appeal and can diminish the property’s value. Select materials that complement the existing architecture and color scheme to ensure a timeless exterior.
Whether it’s brick, siding, or roofing, consistency in texture, color, and style plays a significant role in creating a cohesive look. Consider consulting with a design professional to choose materials that will harmonize with your home’s overall theme, thereby avoiding the common mistake of a mismatched exterior.
Trend-Dependent Designs
It’s easy to fall into the trap of adopting trend-dependent designs that won’t stand the test of time. While these may offer a quick aesthetic update, they can make your home look dated as trends evolve. For instance, specific architectural trends like the modern farmhouse style or bold contemporary windows might feel fresh now but can quickly become passé.
To avoid this, focus on designs that enhance your home’s natural character and appeal across decades. Incorporate versatile and timeless elements, ensuring your home remains stylish and appealing long into the future, regardless of changing trends. This approach not only preserves the aesthetic value of your home but also its market value, making it a wise long-term investment.
Overlooked Landscaping
Overlooked or outdated landscaping is another area that can significantly detract from your home’s curb appeal. Overgrown shrubs, neglected lawns, and tired plants can make even the most beautiful homes look unkempt and dated. To avoid this, invest in regular landscaping maintenance and consider refreshing your garden design to enhance your home’s exterior. Introduce a variety of plants that offer year-round color and texture, and replace any vegetation that obstructs the view of your home or looks out of place.
Additionally, updating hardscaping elements like walkways, driveways, and borders can further refine your home’s appearance, making it welcoming and attractive to both guests and potential buyers. Remember, the goal is to complement your home’s design with landscaping that looks well-maintained and thoughtfully curated, avoiding the pitfall of letting your green spaces age your property.
Outdated Decorative Elements
Refresh your home’s appeal by addressing elements past their prime, such as leaded glass windows and ornate iron doors. Consider updates like new gutter systems, and repair or replace cracked pathways with fresh stone or brick for a modern look.
Simple efforts like power washing, window cleaning, replacing dim exterior lights, and updating welcome mats can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal, making it more inviting and up-to-date. These updates, though small, are impactful in maintaining the attractiveness and functionality of your home’s exterior.