Curb Appeal: Small Upgrades Create A Big Impact

Curb Appeal, front door of lake home with view to the lake, brick walkway entrance, potted flowers, green foliage flanking walkway
Photo courtesy of Scott Walker, Lakelight Photography via Star Tribune

First impressions are everything—especially when it comes to our lake homes. Curb appeal is, after all, one of the most critical factors when buying and selling homes. But regardless of whether your house is on the market, we still aspire to generate a welcoming experience for ourselves and our guests. So whatever your taste—modern, transitional, traditional, cozy cottage—the entrance to your home should offer an inviting signature statement from the dwellers within.

There are many inexpensive ways to amp up your curb appeal surprisingly quickly and with minimal effort. Small changes can deliver significant impact. In addition, you’ll love the results yourself and will always look forward to coming home. So, if you want to put some wow factor into your curb appeal, check out these cost-effective changes that are sure to impress without breaking the bank.

Paint Power

turquoise blue painted front door surrounded by green foliage
Photo courtesy of Read McKendree via House Beautiful

There’s nothing like the transformative power of paint to create an instant refresh for your front door. Just look at how eye-popping and visually pleasing this turquoise door becomes when backdropped by gray shingled siding and lush green foliage. A fresh coat of paint packs a powerful punch, and there are endless shades to choose from. Try a vibrant red or bright orange for a modern edge that looks striking against a dark neutral backdrop. When selecting your shade, try a complementary color that will pop against your home’s exterior. A sleek, elegant black also makes a bold statement and lends a sense of refinement to contemporary and traditional styles. Beautifully grained natural woods are also an option if you want to create contrast without actually painting.

Next-Level Locks & Hardware

For an even more impactful door makeover, consider upgrading your hardware. This simple fix will create big drama and acts as the jewelry for your front door. Choose a finish that complements the style of your home’s exterior and pairs effortlessly with the color of your door. Brass, bronze, and matte black fixtures befit both rustic and modern looks. In addition, polished and brushed metals pair well with a multitude of styles, including traditional and contemporary. The shape of your hardware also contributes to the overall aesthetic, from clean and streamlined to curvaceous and ornate.

You can also consider upgrading your security with an integrated smart lock that you control via an app on your phone. There are many types to choose from that will blend harmoniously with the style of your front door.

Liven Your Landscape

front entrance greenery, potted flowers and potted plants, white stone walkway, arched glass door with metal accents, black metal lighting sconces flanking door
Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Do you have a lackluster landscape? Take inventory and start cleaning it up with simple things like weeding, trimming, watering, and replanting. Aside from your yard, you can dress up your front door with luxuriant potted plants and flowers that will frame the entrance to your home. Create a symmetrical look with pairs of matching plants and pots, or display colorful blooms for an eye-catching accent. You can even switch them out seasonally to create unique looks for spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Stylize Your Address

illuminated house numbers at front entrance of home
Photo courtesy of Ohashi Design Studio via Home Design Lover

It’s all in the numbers, as they say. In this instance, it’s your house number. Make sure yours is attractive to look at and easy to read for guests and delivery services. If it’s looking unpolished or outdated, replace it with a style that’s more appealing and befitting to your home’s exterior. You can choose from a range of styles, including ultra-modern numerals and 3-D numbers illuminated by LED lights for a brilliant display. For more rustic and traditional looks, choose classic or vintage styles. The options are endless, and you can easily find one that suits your taste and budget.

Thrive Under Pressure

If your exteriors look dull and dirty, it’s time for a pressure wash. You can hire someone to do this for you, or you can rent or purchase a pressure washer if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer. This is an excellent technique to scour away grime and mildew from your siding, driveway, and walkways. It’s also an efficient way to clean decks, patios, and even outdoor furniture. To go the extra mile, consider re-staining your wooden deck to enhance the beauty of the grain and protect it from the elements.

Enlightened

Exterior lighting for lake home at front entrance, lawn, under eaves, and rooflines
Photo courtesy of Southview Design

One of the most dynamic enhancements you can make to your home is exterior lighting. This sets the tone for your home’s curb appeal at night and also highlights the architectural features. You can illuminate almost any area with sconces, uplighting, and overhead lighting, especially at the front entrance. Accent with lawn lighting to set your landscape aglow and create a welcoming ambiance for friends and neighbors.  

Shoreline Appeal

lake home seen from the water with tiered landscaping and steps leading to the back yard
Photo courtesy of Supreme Lawn & Landscaping

As lake homeowners know, your home has another curb that needs constant attention. Showing off your home from the water is often the most important view, so ensure your lake landscape and shoreline are tidy and well-manicured. If you have a dock, refresh the paint when it looks worn, and do the same with your outdoor furniture.

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your curb appeal and get ready for another glorious season at the lake. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and enjoy the new look you create.

Enjoy this article? You might also like: 5 Things to Know About Selling Your Lake House in the Fall

Green Thumb Glossary: Need-to-Know Gardening Terms for Your Lake Home

Photo courtesy of Bullis Photography via HGTV

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ‘green thumb,’ anyone who attempts to garden—from hostas to hydrangeas—needs to have some basic knowledge to get things growing. And as a lake homeowner, it’s essential to know a few lake-specific garden terms to ensure you get the most from your scenic waterside landscape.

We spoke with Peter Wodarz, the owner of Gardenbau Group and a landscape architect/project manager for Michael Schmechtig’s firm Sheldon Landscape in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This full-service landscape management company and its award-winning staff have served residents throughout the beautiful lake region for more than 42 years. Here, Peter shares—and demystifies—some of his top gardening terms and tells us why these are important to lake homeowners. 

Annuals

Photo courtesy of Lynn Coulter via HGTV

An annual is a plant that lives for just one growing season. You must replant annuals every year, as they will sprout, flower, seed—and then die in the winter. “Annuals provide seasonal displays of abundant color and texture,” says Peter. “Their colorful masses—mixed in with perennial borders and shrub beds— brighten the landscape throughout the season, and annual displays in containers bring a splash of color to front entrances, porches, balconies, and piers,” he adds. 

The advantage for many lake homeowners is that annual plants quickly display their color and hold it all summer long—the most common time for lake dwellers to enjoy their outdoor setting. New varieties of New Guinea impatiens and begonias are perfect for shadier areas of the garden. Marigolds and petunias are common choices for sunnier spots, and in the southern regions, they can provide three full seasons of color. Pansies, vincas, and zinnias are trusted standbys for long seasonal colors in warmer climates.

Perennials

Photo courtesy of Sheldon Landscape

Perennials are plants that return year after year with little required care. These “forever” plants are often used to highlight the seasons as different varieties typically provide color for four to six weeks when in bloom. Woven together, they can form a tapestry of color.

“Perennials such as coneflowers, bee balm, catmint, and astilbe found in Midwest lake home regions provide easy care with long seasonal color displays,” says Peter. “They are perfect for those weekend staycation days meant for relaxing at the water’s edge and not toiling in the garden.”

Other easy-to-grow perennials include Shasta daisies, black-eyed Susan, yarrow, hardy hibiscus, aster, Siberian iris, daylilies, hostas, and moss phlox. When designing your lake home garden, be sure to plant a mix of varieties that will flower at different times of the year to ensure a continuous burst of blooms. If you’re unsure of what to plant, ask a gardening professional to recommend perennials—and annuals—that will thrive in your garden zone.

Native Plants

Photo courtesy of Julie Martens Forney via HGTV

“Native plants thrive in their natural environment—the region’s climate and soil conditions—and therefore require little care and watering,” says Peter. The U.S. Forest Service defines native plants as: “All indigenous terrestrial and aquatic species that evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat.” Life forms include hardwood trees, conifer trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and others. Generally, native North American species are recognized as those appearing on the continent prior to European settlement.

 “Native plants in the Midwestern region such as blazing star, false indigo, and blue star can attract birds and butterflies common to the area, adding movement and activity to the lake home lifestyle,” Peter adds.

These plants also create beautiful landscapes, promote biodiversity, and offer many environmental benefits, making them essential for lake home gardens. Large swaths of native plantings also provide habitat for wildlife such as foxes, rabbits, and other small mammals. For a list of native plants in your region, visit PlantNative.

Ornamental Grasses

Photo courtesy of Donald Pell via HGTV

Ornamental grasses bring a dynamic element to your lakeside environment. They sway gracefully with the breeze, color the landscape, and provide beautiful visual interest even in winter. There are many types and sizes of ornamental grasses that can punctuate your exterior spaces with tall plumes or large, vibrant masses low to the ground.

“One type of tall grass ideal for screening out unpleasant views is maiden grass,” says Peter. “Varieties such as ‘Purpurascens’ (flame grass) begin to flower in late summer and retain their showy plumes through winter. It begins to turn red in late summer, changing to a striking orange-red in fall,” he explains. Prairie dropseed is another outstanding ornamental grass that reaches a height of nearly two feet. Airy seed heads appear in late summer and dramatically capture the morning sunlight as it peeks over the water. It can be used in large masses or interspersed with perennials to provide contrasting foliage. To find the best options for sun and shade, visit HGTV.

Raised Beds

Photo courtesy of Hortus, Ltd./P. Allen Smith via HGTV

Raised beds are typically used to grow annual flowers and vegetable gardening. They help prevent overwatering and allow the plants to perform their best. Combined with a permaculture technique of using logs and wood chips at the bottom of the raised bed, proper soil moisture is much easier to maintain.  As the logs decompose, they act as a sponge soaking up excess moisture and releasing it when the plants need it. This makes the task of daily watering unnecessary and provides peace of mind when you’re out of town or occupied with friends and family.

“Raised beds typically warm up quicker, giving lake homeowners a jump on the season,” explains Peter. “They also deter slugs and snails, making pest management easier as well,” he adds. By merely adding fresh compost and not tilling the soil every year, weeds are suppressed, freeing up time to enjoy life while still reaping a harvest of fresh vegetables and flowers. For more information, visit HGTV.

Lakeshore Terracing and Viewing Terraces

Photo courtesy of Westphalen Photography via HGTV

One of the most compelling elements of any lake home is the view. When properly placed, an outdoor terrace provides a setting for daily activities while capturing that all-important vista.  

Lake homes are typically situated on a sloped lot, with the terrain angled towards the water. This can be used to the homeowner’s advantage to create a beautiful backyard terrace. Nestling the terrace into the hill can be done using a retaining wall of natural stone or other material, which will hold back the slope while also creating the opportunity to incorporate a seating area directed toward the water.

“Constructing the walls of locally sourced materials such as granite boulders or outcrop stone can help tie the area to its natural surroundings, making it feel at home in the landscape,” Peter explains. “You can reiterate this look in the materials chosen for your terrace surface as well. Large irregular flagstone pieces lend a casual lake house vibe, while patterned stone such as bluestone creates a more formal aesthetic,” he notes.

Nothing says relax more than a pair of Adirondack or lounge chairs looking out over the water. Having some moveable seating allows you to capture that perfect sun and water angle throughout the day, and incorporating a fire pit into your terrace extends the entertainment possibilities into the night. Bringing the elements of fire and water together make for a great gathering spot for friends and family. For more techniques on terracing, talk to a landscape professional.

Plants for Shoreline Stabilization

Photo courtesy of Sheldon Landscape

Many shoreline properties are sloped towards the lake and require thoughtful solutions to avoid erosion. Plants play an essential role in stabilizing the sloped areas by setting down deep roots. These plants work together to hold soil in place. 

“Plants such as Siberian Iris, fox sedge, and Joe Pye weed are valuable plants used to prevent soil erosion and add color to the landscape,” says Peter. “The Iris variety Caesar’s Brother blooms from late spring to early summer and has graceful grass-like foliage. Fox sedge is very adaptable and has a spray of bronze seed heads in late summer, creating a beautiful display,” he adds.

For more information, visit Solitude Lake Management, or contact your lake management professional to help determine the best plant species for your area.

Ready to start a gardening project at your lake home? Get growing, enjoy, and share your results with us!

5 Tips for Boosting Your Curb Appeal This Fall

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

Aesthetics aren’t everything at a lake house. Your special vacation home is about what’s on the inside where memories are made with friends and family. It’s about unwinding, relaxing, and embracing imperfection. However, when it comes to selling your lake home, looks are important. It’s what your sellers first see when they arrive at your home. According to Homelight, a home with an attractive, well-maintained landscape will attract 5.5-12.7% more than those with no landscaping. At off-lake homes, the curb is the home’s front exterior. But at a lake house, there’s a second curb to consider — your shoreline. As a lake homeowner, it’s important to devote equal attention to improving both curbs. At Lake Homes Realty, we have some advice for you.

Lawn Maintenance

Taking the time to manicure your lawn is the first, most essential rule of boosting curb appeal. A well-kept lawn is an immediate sign to prospective buyers that your home is in good shape. But it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. There are plenty of low maintenance strategies for landscape maintenance. Even cutting the grass doesn’t have to be demanding — check out this tool that mows your lawn automatically. However, during the fall, one piece of manual labor required is picking up leaves. In the winter, this means taking care of the snow. A lawn that’s overcrowded by the elements will look unappealing.

 

Pressure Washers

Photo courtesy of Country Living Magazine.

When removing leaves from your lawn, the rake and garbage bag routine can get old and arduous. For a quick solution, a pressure washer can help. You can spray these leaves off your walkway, driveway, or even lawn with a high power hose. This technique also works for plastic porch furniture, outdoor patios, and stone or concrete that needs a quick and powerful cleansing.

Paint Upgrade

Painting house exterior
Photo courtesy of HGTV.

Most illustrations of haunted, abandoned houses all share one trait in common — chipped paint. To avoid your lake home looking like a ghost town, make sure to give the front of your home a fresh, new coat if needed. It’s an easy and often fun DIY task that makes a big difference for curb appeal. It’s also worth considering changing up the original color. For example, if your house is gray or white, a red door might be charming. Kristine Ginsberg, a home designer in New Jersey, told HGTV “make sure there is a contrast between the front door and the facade of the home.”

Update Outdoor Furniture

Photo courtesy of Apricity Outdoor.

When visiting your lake house, potential buyers want to imagine themselves relaxing on the front porch. Showcasing attractive furniture will help those buyers bring their vision to life. An essential piece of outdoor furniture maintenance is removing mold, mildew, and pollen from the cushions and furniture frames. Thankfully there’s plenty of DIY solutions for making your furniture shiny and new — it’s easy to create a simple mixture of ammonia, vinegar, baking soda, and water. If your outdoor furniture is truly beyond repair, you may also want to consider buying entirely new porch furniture. Brands like Summer ClassicsPolywood, and Brown Jordan are excellent, high-quality choices for lake living. When choosing furniture, you may also want to consider this year’s furniture trends.

Tend to the Shoreline

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

As we previously mentioned, your shoreline is your second curb! It may even be more integral to increasing your curb appeal than the traditional homefront. After all, potential buyers are most interested in the lakefront. Ensure that you’re maintaining the landscape, paint, furniture, and overall aesthetics of your backyard just like you would for the front. 

Throughout the selling process, keep in mind that lake homes sell year-round. The idea that spring is the best time to sell is simply a myth. With the right curb appeal and the right agent, you’ll be able to sell your lake home this season!

4 Ways to Boost Your Lake Home’s Curb Appeal

When it comes to your lake home’s most valuable assets, curb appeal is easily in the top three.

Not only is it a major selling point when putting your house on the market, but it’s also a mark of personality that acts as a source of pride for the homeowner.

Keep in mind that for a lake home, curb appeal applies to more than its street-side. Boaters can see your waterfront side as well, so it’s important to maintain that too.

Boosting your home’s curb appeal can also add thousands in property value, which is always a plus.

So here are four ways to spiff up your exterior to make your home the most memorable one on the block (and the lake).

Replace the Siding

Replacing the siding on your home can make it look brand new. More importantly, though, it’s a necessary part of home maintenance.

Siding is exposed to the elements 24/7. These include pests, water, UV rays, fire, snow and natural disasters.

Water damage may be gradual, but it’s harsh, and can cause cracking, swelling and mold/mildew. Also, wood composite–a common siding material–has been known to expand, buckle and crack when exposed to consistent precipitation over time.

Because of this, it’s crucial to invest in durable, long-lasting siding to ensure your home stays in tip top shape and looks good while doing it.

There are plenty of options, like vinyl, seamless steel and cedar shingles. However, fiber cement, a heavy duty siding that’s moisture, rot and fire resistant, is the number one choice for homeowners.

In fact, Remodeling Magazine has ranked it as the best value home improvement option for five years running.

While new siding can typically cost anywhere from $5,000 to $14,000 roughly, it ensures a 78 percent return on investment, on average. And it lasts! Experts report that after upgrading the siding, it can last for 25 to 40 years.

So this quality investment not only boosts curb appeal, but strengthens the longevity and health of your home.

Upgrade the Front Door

This one is cheaper, easier and also less pertinent than replacing the siding.

A shiny coat of paint, a new knocker and even upgraded door knobs can do wonders for curb appeal. However, if you have a little more change to spare, it’s always best to start fresh.

A quick front door replacement instantly enhances the appearance of your home and, according to Therma-Tru, can increase the value of a $190,000 house by $8,000.

Homeowners would be wise to invest in a steel front door, which costs about $600. They’re more affordable than most alternatives and are considered a crucial feature for owners and buyers focused on security.

This would explain why a steel door’s return on investment is, on average, 129 percent.

Manicuring and Landscaping

An eye-catching, well-manicured yard is an obvious aspect of spectacular curb appeal.

Try incorporating stone or brick edging between your lawn and planting beds. Not only does this prevent your lawn from invading your flowers and plants, but it also creates crisp barriers for a clean, finished look.

Curving brick pathways and colorful foliage that’s easily maintained are decorative favorites among homeowners.

When it comes to landscaping, it’s best to keep it simple and low-cost. Ornate lawn structures and high maintenance plants could backfire when trying to sell.

Simple touches like a healthy lawn, or well-maintained bushes, trees and flower beds can add up to a 200 percent ROI.

Architectural/Decorative Detail

Whether it’s interior design, fashion design or architectural design, the details matter more than you might think.

Consider updating the hardware on your home for a cohesive, stylish look. This can be anything from new house numbers and a new mailbox to small embellishments like planter boxes and decorative shutters.

Outdoor lighting not only adds safety and decorative drama, but it makes architectural features stand out and extends your outside living space.

None of these finishing touches are particularly expensive, but they do wonders for your curb appeal and make selling your house that much easier.

3 Unique Outdoor Upgrades for Lake Homes

There are many ways to make a house a home, and lake properties are no exception. In addition to making your home more enjoyable to live and entertain in, these outdoor ideas can even add value to the property by increasing curb and shore appeal.

Shore Appeal

Outdoor upgrade for home: shore appealOne quality that sets lake properties apart from non-lake property is shore appeal. In addition to traditional curb appeal, lake homes have shore appeal, as many homes are actually viewed from the water just as much or even more than they are viewed from the road.

Before you undertake any shoreline projects make sure you double check your local laws and regulations as modifications can have a dramatic impact on the local environment.

Some lakes allow the construction of seawalls which can be created out of concrete, wood, or natural boulders. Seawalls protect your shoreline from erosion, and enhance the visual appeal of your shoreline.

Swimming Pool

Outdoor upgrade for home: swimming poolSwimming pools can be a great addition to any home, but can be particularly fun for a lake home. If you are thinking about adding a pool, here are some things you could consider:

  • Take advantage of an infinity/vanishing edge pool design to incorporate your scenic lake view.
  • Pick a plaster color to give your water a similar shade to the lake.
  • Natural stone pool decking.

Walkways and Paths

Outdoor upgrade for home: walkwaysStone tile walkways can create a natural looking yet convenient pathway between your key outdoor features such as the boat dock, pool, or a gazebo.

It also helps keep your lawn from becoming trampled which helps keep the grass healthy and green.

In addition to stone tile other unique and visually appealing alternatives for creating paths include cobblestone, brick, pebbles, or mulch.

For a great cohesive effect you may even consider redoing your driveway to match or resemble the pathways you have throughout your property.