How can I update this boring builder home?

Hi Josie, quite a few of our hometalkers have shared how they transformed their yards and added curb appeal. Maybe one of these ideas will inspire you - https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=curb%20appeal

Hello Josie!

Here are some ideas for you!

We bought our home 2 years ago, and we are slowly working on it. Our house was a dingy green when we bought it, and my husband painted the whole outside vinyl with Benjamin Moore vinyl paint in a pale yellow, and we put medium blue shutters on with a darker blue front door. We added several shrubs, perennials, hausta plants, butterfly bushes, and rose bushes, and it made our house look so different and so nice. We had the driveway blacktopped as well. Looking at the picture of your house as it is now, I would paint your door a color that would make the house pop in a dark blue or even red. I would consider putting a door mat outside the door, and even numbers for your house. For your little porch slip, You might paint your handrail a darker color, hang a small plant on it, and sand down and paint your cement block at the door, making sure it is a textured paint that will not be slick. Another idea would be to get a shepherd's hook (perhaps one that has 2 prongs that you can hang 2 full potted plants like petunias in bright colors that accent the house. And the bushes are nicely trimmed and you need some color in between the bushes. Perhaps consider putting in small flowering bushes like a butterfly bush, small rose bushes to make the house come alive.

I've listed one link that is mentioned for selling your home, and I know you are not doing that, but I really thought the way they did their yards was very eye catching.

https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/10-plants-to-add-instant-curb-appeal-when-selling-your-home-pictures

https://www.pinterest.com/houselogic/clever-curb-appeal-ideas/?lp=true

https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/

https://diycozyhome.com/52-ways-to-improve-your-homes-curb-appeal/

https://www.diyncrafts.com/5415/home/150-remarkable-projects-ideas-improve-your-homes-curb-appeal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tndEOy0STGQ

You have great bones for a wonderful looking yard. Just a little update for curb appeal is all it needs! I would round out the flower bed, make it wavy to soften the square/symmetrical look and plant a few flowers/mulch. If you go to "explore projects" then "make over" then type "curb appeal" in the search box, many ideas will pop up and you can pick and chose the ideas you especially like. I have chosen one for you, but there are many more ideas in that page. I hope this helps you and good luck on the ideas and great look! https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/exteriors/added-curb-appeal-to-home-9128916

Added Curb Appeal to Home

How about a new door color to start? Something you love will make it feel more like your own.

Making the flower beds have a more organic shape and adding some shrubs and flowering plants would help too. Right now the beds are very rectangular and the shrubs a bit sparse.

Those are some quick wins. Were you looking for something more in-depth?

Repainting the shutters and door would be a quick fix. You might consider some window boxes too. Variations of plant sizes, proportions, and heights will make things visually interesting.

Paint the door for a pop of color. You can also paint the shutters to match the door. I'm thinking a bright teal.

In the apex above the windows put a large decor piece like a metal windmill or compass.

Add some color between the bushes like purple heart.

Change out that handrail to something decorative or remove it.

Planters or window boxes below the windows.

Paint, Plant.. a duck egg blue in two tones, indigo shutters and doors. Plant with easy care hydrangeas, lavenders, heucera.

Paint the house.

Liven up the porch with some colorful and fragrant plants in brightly colored planters that match the new throw rug.

Get a new light fixture.

A rock garden or dry creek would look good and add some interest.

Some trees would add shade and break up the yard.

When you put in trees or bushes add some up lighting to high light them.

A water feature would look good.

Some people even use old bowling balls as a feature in the yard.