Boosting your kerb appeal does not have to mean a costly renovation. In fact, some of the most effective upgrades are also the cheapest — from a freshly painted front door to quick pathway tidy-ups and clever planting. Whether you are preparing to sell or simply want your home to feel more polished and welcoming, a few small fixes can make an instant difference. From expert-approved basics to three cheap fixes, here’s how to make your home look smarter from the street without overspending.
Before you start: expert kerb appeal tips to know
Before jumping into quick fixes, it’s worth getting the basics right. These expert tips will help you prioritise, budget and avoid costly mistakes.
Set your budget
'It's crucial that you know how much you have to work with,' says Andrew Griffiths, founder of interior design studio, A New Day. 'This will help you focus on your priorities and decide what's worth investing in.'
Know your ‘why’
Are you looking to create a home that makes you smile every time you arrive, or are you aiming to impress potential buyers? Being clear on your goal from the outset will help guide your decisions, from how much you spend to which updates you prioritise.
Be realistic about DIY
There are plenty of simple DIY updates that can instantly improve the front of your home, but some jobs are best left to the professionals. Be realistic about what you can take on yourself and where expert help is needed, and factor this into your budget from the outset to avoid costly mistakes later.
Borrow ideas locally
Chances are you have already spotted features you like on homes nearby, from smart landscaping to neatly designed bin stores. If something stands out, consider asking your neighbours for recommendations – they may be able to point you towards reliable local tradespeople or suppliers.
3 easy, low-cost fixes to boost your kerb appeal
If your budget is modest, consider these simple ways to spruce things up.
1. Paint your front door
'We often find that homeowners overlook the front door when thinking about home renovations, yet it is one of the first things people notice about a property,' says Jade Oliver, showroom stylist atExpress Bi Folding Doors.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to transform your home’s exterior, but what colour should you go for? 'Choose a colour that reflects you and what you love. And for a harmonious look, tie it into the palette of your interior,' suggests Andrew.
Need a new front door? If you're on a budget, save with a door from a company such as Howdens, which has brilliant reasonably priced options, and elevate the look by spending on a great paint job and sleek door furniture.
2. Swap out furniture and accessories
Mark your home one of the smartest on the street with a few easy upgrades. New handles, a fresh letterbox, or some updated house numbers (Etsy has lots of options) can completely change the feel of your front door — and it takes less than an hour.
3. Add plants
Go green! 'Natural greenery really softens the look of the front of your house and can help disguise less attractive but necessary things such as bin stores or even your car. Bluum offers a range of bespoke bin and log stores with green roofs to be planted up,' says Andrew.
'If outdoor space is limited, invest in window boxes planted with colourful perennials,' adds Lisa Grosse from Cedral. 'If you’re tight for space, use a hanging basket full of bright flowers and trailing ivy to create a welcoming entrance.'
Smart tools to plan your kerb appeal without overspending
Don't embark on a major project without checking out these great services, as recommended by Andrew – they'll help shape ideas as big as your imagination.
1. Back to Front Exterior Design Consultancy can transform the whole look of your home.
2. Marshalls Garden Visualiser allows you to create your ideal 3D garden design.
3. If you have a period tiled pathway that has seen better days, check out The Vintage Floor Tile Company and Lassco before ripping it up. These reclamation specialists have a treasure-trove of evolving stock and could offer pieces that mean you’ll be able to repair it.
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The Kerb Appeal Edit
Primrose Gunmetal Black Galvanised Zinc Rectangular Garden Planter
Long Ornate Iron Black Rubber Entrance Doormat
