How To Boost Curb Appeal

A home’s exterior is the first thing we notice when driving up - and first impressions matter! Well designed exteriors make the home more attractive, boosting curb appeal and increasing property value. When remodeling a home, it is important to consider just how much redesigning will make the upgrades worth the investment.

When deciding on the renovation plans for the 1940s home in Kennydale, it was safe to say that redesigning the exterior would be well worth it in the long run. The original home was very plain and simple with few windows, a small front entryway and minimal landscaping. The house was outdated and not coordinating with the aesthetic of the newer homes in the area.

Original 1940s Kennydale home front view

Updated front view with improved curb appeal

Working with an architect was necessary for a new design that would be more functional while creating a distinct look that would fit in with the existing houses in the neighborhood. Creating dimension by adding a large covered porch would add interest to the front of the house and bring it up to date. Walkways and a driveway will complement the updated landscaping and appearance of the new porch, which will create instant curb appeal and an overall beautiful exterior!

How To Update An Older Home While Keeping Its Charm

While it may be tempting to completely gut an old house and fill it with all that’s trendy and new, keeping the home true to the era in which it was built will help preserve its charm. Before beginning any renovations, research the styles of the time period to determine what historical features should be kept and which could be updated.

For example, the design elements for a mid-century modern home built in the 1960s to 1970s will differ significantly from those found in a 1930s to 1940s art deco style home. And all the styles of decades past are completely different than the contemporary look of today’s modern homes.

With all the various styles and time periods to consider, design selection can be difficult and overwhelming when renovating. But with many of the “vintage” looks trending today, one can easily find new, similar pieces needed to complete the look. Done properly, you will have the charming look of an old home mixed with new home luxury!

We just completed a design project for a client with a 1960's mid-century modern home who needed new hard surface selections (the original designer hadn't kept with the true aesthetic of the home and took her way over budget). In keeping with the roots of the home, the exterior stone, wood beams, stone entryway, and some wood cabinets would remain in place while other updated surfaces would be added to enhance the original look.

These countertops and tile elements complemented the roots of the home beautifully

We found hard surfaces to match the stone entryway flooring

The result was a timeless masterpiece of genuine mid-century design mixed with modern pieces that update the space in every room. And we saved her over $23,000!