You know how important first impressions are. But what if you could wow guests before they even step foot in your home?
You don’t have to do a full renovation to achieve curb appeal that stands out from the street. Kitchens and bathrooms matter when people visit your home but…it’s the little design details outside your front door that guests notice first.
It’s true. Exterior upgrades are…
- Inexpensive
- Easy to DIY
- Instantly noticeable
…and can mean the difference between a blah house and a curation winner.
What you’ll learn:
- Why First Impressions Start At The Curb
- The ONE Detail Guests Notice Before Walking In
- 5x Simple Upgrades Guests Instantly Recognise
- How To Choose The Right Upgrades For Your Home
Why First Impressions Start At The Curb
Most homeowners realise that first impressions matter when selling a home. Fewer people know that first impressions start at the curb.
Your home’s exterior defines the entire visitor experience. If someone catches your mail or rings your doorbell, they’ve already formed an opinion based on what they see outside.
Research shows homes that have good curb appeal sell for 7% more than similar houses without it. During slower seasons that number increases to between 10-11%.
That’s significant.
And it’s not just about pricing. Everyone that visits your home will notice the exterior. From guests and neighbours to delivery drivers and census workers. If your outside looks shiny and well designed…people instantly know you take pride in your home.
Watch anyone walk up to two front doors.
One has a stylish greeting sign plaque, illuminated lighting and brushed hardware. The other looks basic by comparison.
Walk up to the former and it feels welcoming. Walk up to the latter and it screams “don’t bother knocking!”
Lovely home exteriors are made up of a bunch of smaller details that work together. When you choose upgrades that are beautiful and well curated…guests notice right away.
One of the easiest ways to beautify your home’s exterior is by investing in high-quality plaques for your entrance. A stylish greeting sign plaque instantly adds personality and defines your home’s entrance like few other upgrades can.
The ONE Detail Guests Notice Before Walking In
Let’s talk about greeting sign plaques for a minute.
Okay. Let’s get into it. A greeting sign plaque is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your home’s exterior. But it has to be done correctly or you risk harming your home’s curb appeal.
Here’s what to look for…
- Material: Is it made from durable material that will look good for years? Think brushed metal, solid wood and powder coated aluminium.
- Match: Does the design match your home’s aesthetic? Modern architecture suits simple, straight-lined fonts. Victorian homes look great with serif lettering.
- Size: Can someone across the street read it? It should be big enough to catch the eye, but not too large that it overwhelms the entrance.
Taken individually, house plaques aren’t the most exciting home upgrade. But as soon as you pair them with other subtle exterior details…you’ve got a winner.
Think front door colour, lighting, hardware and more. Your exterior should feel intentional from the curb to the porch.
5x Easy Upgrades Guests Instantly Recognise
When paired correctly, these exterior upgrades create a welcoming home that guests remember.
Front Door Colour
Bold front door colours are hugely popular right now. Instead of beige, homeowners are going dark with navy blue, forest green and black front doors.
Paint isn’t super expensive and can make a huge difference in one weekend. Here are a few favourite front door colours that guests notice straight away.
Modern House Numbers
You’d be surprised how many homes have old, worn out house numbers. It’s such an easy fix that most people forget it’s even there.
Upgrade your house numbers to match your new greeting sign plaque and you’re winning at curb appeal.
Statement Lighting
Don’t have a front porch? That doesn’t mean you can skip this one.
Lighting serves two purposes. It looks great at night and keeps people safe while approaching your home. Look for pathway lighting, wall lights or subtle accent lighting. This layered approach adds texture and ensures there aren’t any dark spots.
Door Hardware
Door hardware is small details most people ignore. But shiny door handles, a sleek knocker and a modern letterbox cover speaks volumes.
When was the last time you replaced these at your home? Is the hardware brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze? Do your porch lights match?
These pieces should work together and feel like part of your home’s design. Upgrading your door hardware isn’t glamorous but it’s effective.
Porch Details
It’s the final touch. Styling your porch or entryway with a few well chosen items goes a long way.
Add a plush doormat, nice pot plant and perhaps a bench. That’s it. Keep it curated. Adding too many items actually hurts the appeal.
Here’s what your entrance should say. “Welcome! Someone lives here and they enjoy taking care of their home.”
You can tell someone spent time at this house.
That’s what guests notice immediately.
How To Choose Exterior Upgrades For Your Home
These exterior upgrades are great but they won’t look right on every home.
If you want to get it right…the keyword here is consistent.
Your exterior should feel like it was designed to look that way.
A modern plaque on a Victorian style home sticks out. An old wooden sign doesn’t mesh well on a new build either.
When choosing exterior upgrades for your home ask yourself…
- What style is the home? Traditional? Modern? Farmhouse?
- What colour accents are already on the exterior?
- Metal? Wood? Stone? Are there any finishes to pay attention to?
According to Better Homes and Gardens, half of buyers won’t even consider a home that “just doesn’t feel like home” when they walk in.
That judgement is formed the second they see your curb appeal.
When you upgrade your home’s exterior pay attention to the little things. Guests will notice immediately.
Wrapping It Up
Thoughtful exterior upgrades are simple and cost very little when done right. They also don’t take months of renovations like most people assume.
Buyers and guests instantly recognise beautiful details outside the front door.
A simple greeting sign plaque A freshly painted front door Tidy exterior lighting Brushed hardware
Stand out from the curb.
Here’s how:
- Focus on your home’s entrance first and foremost
- Invest in a nice greeting sign plaque that fits your home’s style
- Compliment the plaque with lighting, door colour and hardware upgrades
- Keep it consistent with your home’s architectural design
- Aim for cohesion. Every piece should belong at your house.
You don’t need to do a full exterior remodel to wow guests before they even enter your home.
Start small. Make improvements. Before you know it, your curb appeal will shine.