Curb appeal. Some houses have it, and some… well, let’s just say they could use a little help. The good news? It doesn’t take a full-on renovation to make your place shine from the street. A fresh coat of paint here, a few plants there, and suddenly your home goes from being just another boring house on the block to the one everyone admires on their evening walk.
Little projects let your home shine—and let’s be real: there’s nothing quite like pulling into the driveway and feeling that “wow, my house looks amazing” moment. We’ve rounded up four relatively easy ways to help you add some “wow” before your front door this fall.
1. Touch Up Peeling or Faded Paint on Trim, Shutters, and Front Doors
The quickest, cheapest, and easiest way to refresh your home’s exterior is a new coat of paint—or even just a touch-up in the right places.
Over time, paint fades, chips, and peels, especially in areas with lots of sun exposure like trim, shutters, and the front door. Start by taking a walk around your home to look for spots where paint is dull, cracked, peeling, or needs a fresh coat—especially in high-traffic areas like the front door, porch railings, and garage door trim.
Brush Up Curb Appeal:
• Front Door Refresh: A bold new color can completely transform your entryway. Earthy greens, fiery reds, moody blues, and playful citrus tones are all front door color choices that will take your home from tired to on-trend.
• Shutter Revival: If your shutters are faded, a fresh coat of paint will instantly brighten your whole home’s facade.
• Trim Touch-Ups: A quick swipe of paint on chipped areas goes a long way towards making your home look well cared for.
2. Power Wash Siding, Walkways, and Porches
Over time, dirt and mildew can build up and dull the look of your siding, driveway and walkways, outside spaces, and garage doors. A quick power wash will make your whole home feel refreshed.
Where to Point the Power Washer:
• Siding: Wash away dirt, mildew, and cobwebs that collected over the year.
• Driveways and Walkways: Stains, weeds, and grime can make the approach to your front door look unkempt. A good wash makes it feel fresh and inviting.
• Decks and Porches: A quick power wash cleans and refreshes surfaces; it also preps the wood if you’re planning to seal or stain it.
• Garage Doors: They catch more dust, pollen, and grime than you think. Cleaning them gives your whole exterior a more polished look.
Safety note: Always use the right nozzle setting for each surface to avoid damage.
3. Clean Windows Inside and Out
Clean, sparkling windows can make your entire home feel brighter—both inside and out. By giving your windows a thorough cleaning, you’ll not only boost curb appeal but also let more natural light into your home.
Steps for a Streak-Free Shine:
1. Remove window screens and rinse them with a hose to clear away dust and debris.
2. Use a mixture of warm water, a few drops of dish soap, and vinegar for cleaning the glass.
3. Wipe with a microfiber cloth or squeegee, working from top to bottom.
4. Don’t forget window frames and sills—dirt and cobwebs collect there too.
Pro tip: While you’re cleaning screens, check for small rips or tears and fix them with our self-adhering Screen Patches.
4. Swap Out Summer Plants for Fall-Friendly Pots or Planters
Just like you swap out your wardrobe when the weather cools down, your landscaping could use a seasonal update too. Freshening up tired planters with hardy fall favorites is an easy way to add instant autumnal charm to your porch, steps, and patio.
Fall Plant Ideas for Pots and Planters:
• Mums: A classic fall favorite, cheery chrysanthemums come in rich shades of red, orange, yellow, white, and purple.
• Asters: These pollinator favorites have star-shaped blooms in pinks, purples, and blues that last well into fall.
• Ornamental Kale or Cabbage: Their textured leaves and cool green and purple colors create striking contrast to fall flowers.
• Pumpkins and Gourds: These come in all sorts of shapes and colors and make the perfect fall accent when clustered with pots.
Why These Updates Matter
Curb appeal isn’t just about looking good—it actually helps protect your home’s value and keeps small problems from turning into big ones. A fresh coat of paint shields wood from moisture, power washing gets rid of mold and mildew, and clean windows make it easier to spot leaks or cracks early.
