- There are many excellent ways to elevate your exterior home design.
- Landscaping and outdoor lighting can add character and beauty to your outdoor space.
- Don’t forget to decorate your front door, garage door, mailboxes and house numbers.
- Paint colors, pergolas, arbors, trellises, and some outdoor art and decorations can build a creative and artistic look.
- Being eco-friendly is becoming a part of modern life, so do consider adding some solar panels or other green features to your exterior home design.
When it comes to making wise investments in your home, it pays to think long-term. That’s why exterior home decorating is such a smart move — it will make your house more attractive and welcoming and boost its value come resell. According to the National Association of Realtors, 99% of members view curb appeal as one of the top things homebuyers look for.
But what are the best ways to spruce up the exterior of your home? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
20 Popular Exterior Home Decoration Ideas
Elevating your exterior home decoration doesn’t have to be a complicated task. If you are looking for new and fresh ideas, we selected 15 of the most popular ideas to uplift your exterior.
1) Landscaping
Landscaping is an important part of exterior home decoration that can add character and beauty to your property. It’s the basic step toward exterior home improvements, so consider featuring a garden or flower bed in your front yard to create a colorful and inviting entryway to catch the eyes of your neighbors and elevate your house’s exterior design into a show-stopping view.
If you have a large house front yard, plant some trees to create shade and privacy. You can also include a water feature or a decorative statue in your yard to add a unique touch and show some character. Choose your favorite flowers and plants and maintain your landscaping regularly to keep it looking its best.
2) Paint Colors
The color of your home’s exterior design can have a big impact on the house’s overall appearance and somewhat determines the exterior home design styles. The color should complement the general style of the home, but also of the surrounding environment.
Look for inspiration in your neighborhood when choosing a color. Neutral colors like beige, gray, and white are popular choices for modern homes, while brighter colors like yellow or blue can add a pop of personality to the exterior home decoration.
3) Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is an important aspect of the exterior home design that can enhance the safety and beauty of your property. Install lights around the perimeter of your home to increase visibility and deter burglars.
Include accent lighting to highlight features like trees or flower beds. Consider using solar lights or LED lights to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
Many great home exterior ideas include outdoor string lights for a romantic vibe. If you are an out-of-the-box thinker, add some lighting to your garage door as a part of house exterior design decoration and give it a shine.
4) Front Door Decor
The house front door is the focal point of your exterior home decoration. You might want to try painting your door a bold color to give it some extra personality and style.
The list of exterior house design ideas is long, but adding a wreath or a decorative sign to the door will create a welcoming entryway. Add plants or flowers on either side of the door to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Finally, do not forget to feature a new doorknob or a cool vintage door handle to complete the exterior design look and personalize it.
5) Window Boxes and Planters
Decorating window boxes and planters is a great addition to the home improvement tips and ideas list. First, consider your favorite plants and flower colors. Select the plants from that list that are easiest to care for and, at the same time, complement the style of your house front. You can also mix and match different types of plants for a more eclectic look to your exterior house design. Install window boxes underneath your windows and place planters on your front porch or along your driveway.
6) Outdoor Art and Decorations
Hang a piece of art on your house front porch or a unique sculpture in your garden to spice things up. Outdoor art and decorations are one of the best home exterior ideas to boost the personality and charm of your home’s exterior design. Add decorative elements like wind chimes, lanterns, or outdoor curtains to create a warm and interesting boho vibe.
7) House Numbers and Mailboxes
New homeowners tend to overlook the appearance of house numbers and mailboxes when actually these two items can make or break a look.
Updating your house numbers and mailbox is a simple way to enhance the curb appeal of your home exterior. Go for numbers and a mailbox that complements your home’s style and color and adds to the overall aesthetic.
8) Porch Furniture and Accessories
An obvious choice for great home exterior styles is porch furniture and accessories. They are essential for a comfortable outdoor space. A smart choice for exterior design decor is to select outdoor furniture that is durable and weather-resistant. Good material choices for exterior design furniture are wicker or metal.
To elevate your outdoors, include some decorative pillows and throws for a cozy touch. In addition, for a more intimate atmosphere, you can also add some exterior home design accessories like a rug or outdoor curtains.
9) Outdoor Rugs
We mentioned outdoor rugs above, but we believe they deserve a separate category. Exterior design rugs are amazing, adding color and texture to your outdoor space.
Mix and match different patterns and colors for a more eclectic look, or go for soft and neutral colors for more calm and boho vibes. Outdoor rugs are perfect for defining seating areas and elevating the aesthetics of your porch or patio.
In addition, they help create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere for your exterior home design. It’s important to go for an exterior design rug that is special for the outdoors. Exterior design rugs made of polypropylene or jute are durable and not easily damaged by different weather.
10) Pergolas, Arbors, and Trellises
Pergolas, arbors, and trellises are great exterior home design additions that can transform your home’s outdoor space into a cozy and inviting oasis while at the same time offering practical use. Pergolas provide shade and a structure for climbing plants, while arbors offer a romantic entrance to your garden or yard and can accommodate your outdoor gatherings.
Trellises can be used to create an outdoor wall or to support climbing plants. Depending on your taste and budget, these outdoor home exterior styles can be made of wood, metal, or even PVC, and be painted or stained.
So, whether you want to add a relaxing spot for outdoor dining or a shaded area for reading, pergolas, arbors, and trellises are excellent options to enhance your exterior design.
11) Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are popular exterior house design ideas offering a warm and cozy feeling. They can be built in a variety of styles, from rustic stone fire pits to modern steel fireplaces; it all depends on your style and aesthetic preferences.
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are perfect for entertaining or spending family time. There are as many options as you can imagine, from wood-burning to more clean gas models.
To complete your exterior home design, you can surround and combine the fireplace or fire pit with some comfortable outdoor furniture, such as chairs, benches, or even a sofa, to make the corner even cooler. Of course, the furniture should not go too close to the fire.
12) Garden Paths and Walkways
Garden paths and walkways enhance the functionality and curb appeal of your home exterior design. These can be made of a variety of materials, such as flagstone, brick, or even wood chips. The house exterior style and budget will determine the use of material.
Garden paths and walkways can be straight or curved and designed to lead to a garden or the front door. You can also lighten the garden paths to create a magical effect at night.
13) Fencing and Gates
Gates and fencing are essential exterior home decoration elements. They provide privacy, security, and beauty.
The fences and gates can be crafted from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or vinyl, depending on your house exterior style and budget frame. When choosing gates and fencing, consider the level of privacy and security appropriate for the living area and follow the general home safety tips.
Fences can be designed to be high or low, topped with decorative finials or latticework, while gates can be simple or ornate, depending on your personal taste.
14) Garage Door Makeover
If you are the type of person that pays attention to detail, a garage door makeover is a must-do for you. A garage door takes up a significant portion of the house front, so choosing a style that complements the overall house exterior design is important.
Play with some materials and textures to create a unique garage door. Use wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and many more, or add some decorative hardware, such as handles or hinges, to enhance the overall look. Apply a fresh coat of paint to transform your garage door.
15) Solar Panels and Green Features
Environmental awareness has increased in the last couple of decades, and being eco-friendly is becoming a part of modern life. That is where solar panels and green features come into play as popular exterior home design ideas that elevate your home’s functionality and help the environment.
Install solar panels on the roof or in the yard to generate clean, renewable energy. Green features, such as rainwater harvesting systems or energy-efficient windows, can also be added to improve the sustainability of your home.
16) Paint your front door
First impressions count, so make sure your front door makes a good one. A fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give your home a facelift.
When you choose a color, go for something bold and eye-catching — it will make a great appeal to visitors and passersby. Red is always popular, but you could also choose bright blue or green. If you want to play it safe, classic black or white always looks chic.
Nonetheless, you must be careful of your choice of color because it will also affect how warm or cool your home appears. Dark colors absorb heat, making your home look and feel more sociable, while light colors reflect heat, giving off a more relaxed vibe.
Depending on the general atmosphere you want to create, choose a color that will complement the style of your home. In doing so, you can create a harmonious and inviting space.
17) Add some greenery
Plants are a great way to inject life and color into your home’s exterior. They also help to create a sense of calm, so if you want to achieve a more zen vibe, consider adding potted plants or hanging baskets around your front door.
Succulents are a great choice as they’re easy to care for, while annuals and perennials can add a splash of color that will last all year round. If you have more of a green thumb, think about planting a small herb garden — it will look great and be handy for cooking.
But be careful not to go overboard — too many plants can make your home look untidy. Stick to a few key pieces and position them strategically around your door and windows. This way, they’ll frame your home nicely and add to its curb appeal.
18) Install new hardware
One of the quickest and simplest ways to achieve a high-end look is to install new hardware on your doors and windows. It could be anything from unique door knockers and hinges to drawer pull and switchplates.
You don’t have to spend a fortune — plenty of stylish and affordable options are available. Just make sure the hardware you choose complements the style of your home. For instance, if you have a traditional home, opt for more ornate pieces, whereas if your home is more modern, go for something sleek and minimal.
With this small change, you can significantly impact the overall look of your home’s exterior. It’s an easy and effective way to give it a facelift.
19) Change your light fixtures
Updating your light fixtures is another easy way to give your home’s exterior a makeover. Modern light fixtures can add a touch of elegance and class while also boosting your home’s security.
When choosing new light fixtures, it’s essential to consider the style of your home. For example, if you have a mid-century modern home, opt for light fixtures that are in keeping with this style. Alternatively, choose classic wall sconces or lanterns if your home is more traditional.
Not only will new light fixtures make your home look great, but they’ll also improve its function. Motion-activated lights are a great way to deter burglars, and solar-powered lights can help you save on your energy bill. So, it’s a win-win all around.
20) Add some character with sidings
Although not as visible as your front porch, sidings can still add a lot of character to your home. If you’re looking for something unique, consider adding wood, brick, or stone sidings. These materials will instantly appeal to your home and help it stand out.
Sidings are also a great way to protect your home from the elements. They could be a wise investment if you live in an area prone to extreme weather conditions. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to maintain, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.
So, don’t hesitate to contact your local siding company and see how they can help you transform your home’s exterior. You might be surprised at the difference it makes.
There you have it — five easy ways to spruce up the exterior of your home and boost its curb appeal. Now it’s time to get out there and start making some changes. Remember, even minor tweaks can make a big difference. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you and your home.
