10 Outdoor Decor Mistakes That Could Diminish Your Curb Appeal

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The first impression your home gives visitors and passersby is your home’s exterior. Your home can look beautiful and welcoming and polished, and every time you come home you will feel proud. However, small outdoor decor mistakes can eat away at that “wow” factor, leaving your curb appeal wanting.

If you’re wanting to spruce up your exterior, it’s just as important to know what to avoid as to know what to include. Here are 10 outdoor decor mistakes that could be causing your home to look less than spectacular, and how to easily fix them to make your home the star of the street.

Overly Cluttered Porch

It’s tempting to pile your porch with decor, but less is usually more. Too many plants, statues or furniture can clutter up your porch and the result would be chaos rather than welcome. In this case, go for a few statement items that add personality but don’t overwhelm the space. A stylish bench, a couple of good plants, and perhaps a tasteful outdoor rug will give you a balanced look.

Ignoring the Front Door

Cheap Things That'll Help Your Entire Home Look Fancier Than It Really Is — Photo by ellenapril

Any home’s exterior has a focal point, and that focal point is the front door. It can leave your whole house looking drab if you leave it plain or need a fresh coat of paint. Repaint your door in a bold color that matches the rest of your house or simply put up a wreath or tasteful seasonal decoration. Your front door should not make people feel like they knocked on the wrong house, it should invite people in.

Old Equipment or Incompatible Hardware

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Small details like house numbers, light fixtures, door handles, all matter far more than you’d think. Unmatched or outdated hardware can make your house look old and uncared for. Replace old fixtures with a set that works together and matches your home’s style. Whether you choose modern or vintage, consistent hardware will tie everything together.

Excessive Lawn Decor

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Lawn decor can be quirky and fun. However, if you have too many pieces, your yard can become more cluttered than charming outdoor space. Limit your lawn decor to a few well chosen items to serve as focal points. A tasteful statue or birdbath can give character without over powering the eye.

Neglecting Pathways

The most well kept yard can look unfinished if your pathway is cracked, neglected, or out of place. If your pathway is clear, clean and in good condition, it invites people into your space. You can use stone, gravel, or even pavers, but the pathway to your door should not have cracks or weeds. And if your pathway is already in the best shape it can be, then why not frame it with small shrubs or flowers?

Overgrown Landscaping

the landscaping debacle — Image Credit: Hans/Pixabay

Plants and flowers are supposed to make your home beautiful, but if they’re too big they can look wild and unkempt. Every day, make sure bushes are trim, flowers are pruned, and the lawn is mowed in order to look all neat and polished. It’s okay to let things grow naturally, but a little routine maintenance will keep them from taking over your outdoor space like they own the place.

Poor Outdoor Lighting

Your home will look warm and welcoming with a well lit exterior. But if you only rely on one bright porch light, you may be passing up the opportunity to show off your best features. You can use soft pathway lights, accent lights around flower beds or even a cute lantern by the door. Lighting in your home is good on several levels; it brings out your home’s beauty and it deters burglars.

Lacking Seasonal Decorations Thoughtfully

Seasonal decor is fun, but it’s easy to go overboard. Some like giant inflatables or over the top holiday lights can go from festive to tacky quickly. If you’re going to use seasonal touches, keep it simple with a few classic seasonal items like wreaths, potted plants or subtle lighting changes so it looks perfect, yet inviting.

Unkempt Lawn Furniture

If your outdoor furniture is looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to replace or repair it. Drab, worn out cushions, rusty chairs or tables covered in dirt will only drag down your curb appeal. Choose outdoor furniture that will last and cushions or covers in neutral colours. The little details matter and a clean, well maintained seating area shows it.

Skipping Symmetry

Elevate Your Curb Appeal: 17 Luxe Landscaping Tips — Photo Credit: iriana88w/123rf

Symmetry is pleasing to the eye naturally, and it will do wonders for your curb appeal. If you have a potted plant on one side of the door, put one on the other side too. Having a balanced look makes your home look inviting. A simple tip is to include matching planters or coordinating lighting on both sides of the entryway which will immediately give your home an additional feeling of harmony and beauty.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.