Smart Exterior Design Tips To Help Your Home Stand Out From The Rest

Looking to make your home the star of the neighborhood? Your home’s exterior creates that crucial first impression everyone talks about.

Whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to enjoy pulling into your driveway more, these exterior design upgrades can transform your home from forgettable to fabulous.

I’ve gathered my top tricks that will give your house that magazine-worthy curb appeal without breaking the bank.

1. Paint Your Front Door A Bold Color

Nothing says ‘hello world’ quite like a door painted in a statement color! Red, teal, yellow, whatever matches your personality. The front door is relatively small but packs a huge visual punch.

While your neighbors stick with safe neutrals, your vibrant entry will become an instant landmark. ‘Turn left at the house with the sunshine-yellow door!’ Plus, this project takes just one afternoon and a single can of quality exterior paint.

2. Upgrade Your Exterior Lighting

Lighting transforms homes from drab to dramatic after sunset. Replace those builder-grade fixtures with statement pieces that complement your architecture.

Wall sconces, path lights, and uplighting on trees create layers of illumination. Smart lighting systems let you control everything from your phone.

My clients love programming different scenes for everyday use versus entertaining. The right lighting doesn’t just look fantastic, it provides security and safety for your family.

3. Create Symmetry With Landscaping

Ever wonder why some entrances just feel right? Our brains naturally love balance. Matching planters flanking your entry or identical trees lining your walkway trigger that satisfying sense of harmony.

Even asymmetrical homes benefit from thoughtful symmetrical touches. Start with the entry, identical planters filled with seasonal flowers make an instant impact.

Though perfect symmetry can feel formal, you can soften it by varying plant heights within those matching containers. This design principle works beautifully across all architectural styles, from colonial to contemporary.

4. Install Architectural Shutters

Real shutters (not those flimsy plastic ones) add instant character to any home. Choose designs that match your architectural style, board and batten for farmhouse looks, and louvered for traditional homes.

However, proportion matters enormously here! Shutters should appear functional, wide enough to actually cover the window they frame.

Mount them with proper hardware, including hinges and shutter dogs for authenticity. This small detail signals quality and craftsmanship to everyone who passes by.

5. Replace Generic Hardware

Those basic doorknobs and house numbers that came with your home? They’re the equivalent of wearing white gym socks with dress shoes. Upgrading to substantial, quality hardware makes a stunning difference in your home’s appearance.

Choose oversized house numbers in a modern font. Install a statement door handle set with a coordinating lockset. Add a distinctive mailbox that complements your home’s style.

These metal accents act like jewelry for your house, small but mighty style enhancers!

6. Design A Defined Pathway

Straight concrete walkways scream ‘boring’! Replace yours with materials that complement your home’s architecture, bluestone for traditional homes, geometric pavers for modern styles.

Widen the path to at least 4 feet so two people can walk side-by-side comfortably. Edge it with low plantings or lighting to further define the space.

A thoughtfully designed pathway doesn’t just lead to your door. It also creates anticipation and guides the eye exactly where you want it.

7. Install Window Boxes

Looking to window your way to instant curb appeal? Window boxes plant a little charm and color right on your home’s facade. They break up flat surfaces and grow life into your exterior.

For a look that’s truly trim-med and tidy, choose boxes that match your home’s trim color. Fill them with cascading flowers that seasonally steal the show, think geraniums in summer and ornamental kale in fall.

The key? Proper installation! Make sure they’re securely attached and have drainage holes, so your blooms don’t fall flat.

Unlike other upgrades, window boxes blossom with changing beauty all year long without digging too deep into your wallet.

8. Create An Outdoor Living Room

Front porches and patios shouldn’t sit empty! Arrange weather-resistant furniture to create an inviting outdoor room that shows you actually use your space. A simple grouping of chairs around a small table signals hospitality.

Add outdoor pillows in colors that complement your home’s exterior palette. Even tiny porches can accommodate a bench and small side table.

This lived-in look gives your home personality while extending your usable square footage. Bonus, you’ll actually enjoy sitting outside more!

9. Upgrade Your Garage Door

On many homes, the garage door occupies more visual space than any other element, yet it’s often the most overlooked! Replace a basic door with one featuring windows, decorative hardware, or interesting panel designs.

Can’t replace the entire door? Add magnetic hardware kits or paint it to match your trim instead of your siding.

Carriage-house style doors work with almost any home architecture. Since garage doors occupy so much visual real estate, this upgrade delivers a dramatic impact for your investment.

10. Add Texture With Mixed Materials

Homes with only one exterior material fall flat visually. Mixing stone, wood, and siding creates depth that catches light differently throughout the day.

Consider adding a stone veneer to your foundation or around your entry. Wood accents like cedar brackets under eaves or a timber porch beam introduce warmth.

The contrast between materials creates natural focal points and visual interest. Just remember my golden rule, limit yourself to three materials maximum to avoid a chaotic appearance.