First impressions matter, and your home’s exterior is the first thing neighbors, guests, and even potential buyers see. But boosting curb appeal doesn’t have to mean a major renovation.
Let’s dig into the changes you can make to get your home looking its best, from the roofline to the sidewalk.
Clean Your Home’s Exterior First
Before you plant flowers or pick porch décor, start with the basics. A clean exterior instantly boosts curb appeal and sets the stage for everything else you do.
Pressure Washing Essentials
Pressure washing is one of the fastest ways to make your home look new again. It removes built-up grime from your siding, sidewalk, and driveway, making everything brighter and more inviting.
- House siding: Get rid of years of dirt and mildew in a single afternoon.
- Sidewalks and driveways: Clean concrete makes your whole front yard look sharper.
For a powerful clean, try the 3300 PSI Pressure Washer. It’s tough enough for big jobs and will quickly remove stubborn stains.
DeWalt, 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer
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Roof and Gutter Maintenance
You might not see your roof and gutters every day, but visitors do. Even just clearing leaves from the edges will make your home look cared for and well-kept.
- Clean gutters: Clogged gutters don’t just overflow. They cause water damage and look messy. Scoop out debris and rinse them out.
- Keep roof moss-free: Moss holds moisture, which will damage shingles and make your roof look neglected. Use Moss Out or a similar product to safely remove moss and prevent it from growing back.
Moss Out! 100503874 Moss Killer, 25 oz
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Lilly Miller, Moss Out for Roofs & Walks, 1,000 sq. ft.
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Prep for Paint
If you’re planning to repaint your house or front door, a clean surface is key.
Paint sticks better and lasts longer on a surface free from dirt, dust, and algae. Pressure washing before painting helps you avoid flaking or bubbling later.
Whether freshening your trim or going bold with a new door color, a clean start helps you get the best results and that polished look.
Add Color with Paint
Once your home’s exterior is clean and ready, it’s time to roll on some personality. Paint is one of the simplest ways to improve curb appeal, from simple touch-ups to a whole new look.
Paint the Exterior for a Polished Look
Faded or peeling paint will make even a well-kept home look tired. A fresh coat of exterior paint gives your house an instant facelift and helps protect it from the elements, too.
When painting in the Pacific Northwest, you want something that stands up to rain, wind, and sun. Benjamin Moore Element Guard is made for exactly that. It’s tough, long-lasting, and keeps your home looking sharp even in unpredictable weather.
For help choosing colors and painting, check out our following guides:
And remember to patch and prime any problem spots before painting. This will help the new color blend in better and last longer.
Front Door Makeover
Your front door is one of the first things people notice. A fresh coat of front door paint in a bold or welcoming color will completely change your home’s vibe.
- Go classic with deep red or navy.
- Try cheerful hues like sunflower yellow or Robin’s egg blue.
- Stick with timeless black or charcoal for a clean, modern look.
No matter what color you choose, a crisp, freshly painted front door adds charm and helps improve curb appeal with minimal effort.
Pair it with updated hardware or a seasonal wreath for even more impact.
Lush Lawns & Smart Landscaping
Once your home’s exterior is clean and freshly painted, it’s time to turn your attention to the yard. A tidy, thriving landscape makes a huge difference to curb appeal – and it doesn’t have to be high-maintenance.
Lawn Love
A well-kept lawn shows you care about your home. Start by mowing regularly, edging along sidewalks and beds, and keeping bare spots in check.
- Patching and overseeding: Fill in thin areas with seed and fertilizer to get things growing again. Fall and spring are the best times to overseed.
- Fertilizer and watering: Use a good all-purpose fertilizer to keep grass green and healthy. A tripod sprinkler also makes it easy to water large areas evenly.
For more help, read Year-Round Lawn Care Schedule & Tips for Maintaining Your Lawn and 12 Water-Saving Tips for Your Garden and Yard.
Telescoping Tripod Sprinkler
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Dramm, Tripod Sprinkler with Impulse Sprinkler Head
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Plant with Purpose
A few well-placed plants will brighten your front yard and keep things interesting through the seasons. Mix flowers, herbs, and greenery for a look that’s both pretty and practical.
- Layer bulbs: Plant different types of bulbs in layers to get continuous blooms from early spring through late summer.
- Drought-tolerant options: Look for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants that can handle dry spells.
Need more inspiration? Check out our other guides:
Trees and Shrubs for Structure
Bigger plants like trees and shrubs help frame your house and give your landscaping shape. Just make sure to plan for their full size. Nobody wants a tree growing into their roof!
- Think long-term: Pick varieties that suit your space and won’t crowd the house as they mature.
- Placement matters: Use trees to create shade or draw the eye toward your front door. Shrubs work well to soften the edges of your home or fill in bare spots.
Read Pacific Northwest Shrubs & Flower Combination Ideas for more ideas on what to plant.
Pruning & Trimming Shrubs
Shrubs are great for structure, but overgrown ones block windows and crowd your yard. Trim them back a bit to keep things looking tidy.
Use clean, sharp pruners and aim to keep natural shapes. There is no need for perfect boxes or balls unless you’re going for a formal look.
Pro tip: Quality tools make the job easier and faster. Stihl hedge trimmers and chainsaws are great for controlling fence-side shrubs and small trees. Just don’t forget gloves, eye protection, and a sturdy ladder if you’re reaching tall branches.
STIHL, HS 45 Hedge Trimmer
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STIHL, Double Sided Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer
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Weed Control That Works
Weeds don’t just look messy. They also compete with your grass and plants for water and nutrients. Stay ahead of them by pulling what you can and using a targeted weed control product in trouble spots.
- Focus on common problem areas like sidewalk edges, flower beds, and lawn patches.
- Keep garden tools like tools from WFS or a handheld weeder nearby for quick pull-and-go fixes.
- Stay consistent – pulling weeds every week or two keeps them from spreading.
WFS, Garden Hand Tool Kit, 4 pk
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Porch Accessories & Decorative Touches
With your lawn looking lush and your paint job shining, it’s time to add the personal touches that make a nice house a warm, welcoming home.
Create a Welcoming Entry
Your front porch sets the tone for your whole home. Mix in a few pieces that reflect your personality or nod to the seasons to keep things fresh throughout the year.
- Seating: A bench or pair of chairs adds charm and provides a place to sit with a morning coffee.
- Planters: Use container plants in glazed pottery to frame your entryway and add pops of color. Try seasonal blooms, trailing vines, or fragrant herbs.
- Mats and more: A clean, stylish welcome mat and maybe a seasonal wreath on the door make everything feel complete.
Upgrade the Mailbox
Your mailbox might be small, but it’s one of the first things people see. A new one will add instant polish – especially if your old box is rusty or leaning.
Check out Gibraltar Mailboxes for classic, durable options that look great and hold up over time. Pair it with a freshly painted post or some surrounding flowers for extra charm.
Gibraltar Post Mailbox, Black Ribbed Galvanized Steel, Jumbo 15 in. X 11.5 in. X 23.5 in.
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Gibraltar Mailbox To Go, All-In-One Mailbox & Post, Black
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Gibraltar Elite Post Mailbox, Black Galvanized, Large, 10.87 in. X 8.5 in. X 20.25 in.
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Let Lighting Lead the Way
Pathway and porch lights help guide visitors to your door and make your home feel cozy and cared for after dark.
Use a mix of styles like:
- Wall-mounted lanterns near the door
- Solar lights along walkways
- String lights or sconces for a warm glow
Read Outdoor Lighting for the Home & Farm for tips on choosing and placing the right fixtures.
Fence & Finish
Want to really frame your yard and tie everything together? A well-kept fence is the finishing touch that gives your home a polished, pulled-together look.
- Clean it up: Got an existing wood fence? A good scrub or light pressure wash will bring it back to life.
- Seal the deal: Staining or sealing protects the wood and helps it look great longer. Try Ready Seal – it goes on easily and enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
- Add simple details: Even small changes (like new caps or hardware) will give your fence a fresh feel.
If installing new fencing, consider how it fits your home’s color and style. Picket, split rail, and horizontal slat fences each offer a different vibe.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Curb appeal isn’t a one-and-done project. It’s something you build on throughout the year. A little attention each season keeps your home looking great and prevents bigger issues down the road.
Here’s a breakdown of what to tackle each quarter.
Spring: Refresh and Replant
- Pressure wash siding, sidewalks, and the driveway.
- Reseed patchy lawn areas and fertilize.
- Prune trees and shrubs before new growth takes over.
- Clean out gutters and check for winter damage.
- Plant bulbs and container flowers for color into summer.
Summer: Water and Watch
- Keep up with mowing, edging, and weed control.
- Water deeply and consistently – use your tripod sprinkler to cover big areas.
- Trim fast-growing shrubs and hedges.
- Check paint for sun or sprinkler wear and touch up as needed.
- Add fresh porch décor or update your welcome mat for a summer vibe.
Fall: Prep and Protect
- Rake leaves and compost or mulch garden beds.
- Overseed lawn and apply a fall fertilizer.
- Clean and seal fencing.
- Trim back perennials and shrubs to prep for winter.
- Store garden tools and check outdoor lighting.
Winter: Tidy and Plan Ahead
- Clear gutters and downspouts after heavy storms.
- Remove roof moss before it spreads.
- Inspect fencing and porch areas for damage.
- Start planning for spring projects – browse seed packets and new tools.
- Add lighting or festive porch touches for a cozy curb appeal boost.
Keep Your Home Looking Its Best
Curb appeal isn’t just about what others see. It’s about feeling good every time you pull into your driveway.
Need supplies, ideas, or a little local know-how? Stop by your nearest Wilco Farm Store or browse our online shop to find all the tools, products, and inspiration you need to boost your home’s curb appeal – one weekend at a time.
