You only ever really get one chance to make a good first impression...
Does your home have kerb appeal? Sometimes you only get one chance to make a good first impression, and while you may be focusing on beautifying your indoors, the exterior of your property is just as important.
Tony Pell, senior product manager at JELD-WEN, shares his top tips on how to create kerb appeal. Take note!
'No matter if your property has a large, medium, or minimal sized approach, making your front door a focal point will always create great kerb appeal, as well as providing added security and performance to meet the demands of modern life.
'Choose a front door that will keep with the overall design of the home. For example, an oak design offering a natural look or glazing panels to create more of a statement feature and contemporary look.
'To create an entrance that will be the envy of the neighbourhood, JELD-WEN's INSULUX doorsets can also be painted in any RAL colour allowing you to choose the perfect shade to adorn your property. The doors are also available in dual colour finishes, meaning you can select a statement colour for your exterior and a more neutral look to match your interior décor.'
'If you're looking for a quick fix to improve the appearance of your home, consider choosing a new colour palette to unify the appearance of your windows and doors. Not only will this tidy up any worn-looking aspects of your exterior, but it will also create a fresh, new look that will refresh even the most tired of facades.
'For a seamless look, choose complementary shades that will work together, including a neutral tone for dominant areas such as rendering or masonry, then accent colours for doors, and trim colours for window and door frames.'
'The devil is in the detail when it comes to fittings so whether your house numbers have been on your porch for longer than you've lived there, or you don't have any at all, adding bold numbers is also a subtle yet effective way of updating the front of your home. Mirror the style of your interior to give guests a taste of what to expect, with large, bold fonts for a contemporary look, or hand-painted ceramics or slates for a more traditional feel.
'This also applies to your front door hardware such as knockers, handles and letter plates, which you can update to easily incorporate a stylistic flair to your entrance. Sleek, chrome replacements will add instant modernity, whereas vintage, antique black options will be at home in a more traditional scheme.'
'There's a lot to be said for keeping the original features in your home and working with what you've got. However, if your windows are looking worse for wear and aren't offering adequate insulation, then replacing them could be the best option, giving your exterior a new lease of life.
'Opt for double or triple glazed windows to ensure that your home is as efficient as possible and personalise with a colour finish. The design is also an important consideration, with sash designs working particularly well in grander more traditional properties and casement windows a great all-rounder that can suit any property.'
'Create an instant transformation and inject colour across your front garden by introducing front beds with vibrant perennials that will bloom every year. If you are short on space or are looking for an immediate fix, you can also opt for containers which offer versatility and are easy to update. Use these to incorporate herb planters such as lavender and rosemary, which will add beautiful scents to your entrance.
'Many flowers will bloom across certain seasons only, so for colour across the whole year, consider also planting evergreen shrubs which provide structure and interest even in the dead of winter. Channel your creativity when planning the design, however symmetry always works well to give an organised and modern look.'
'Consider the path through your front garden as a journey to your home, giving visitors an all-important first impression. Your pathway may have stood the test of time, however, even durable materials like cement and stone can be tested by the elements and develop cracks and wearing.
'If you have a small budget, then a high pressure washer can quickly remove build-up of dirt, however for a more dramatic transformation, consider replacing concrete or paving stones with a fresh design.'
'Replace porch or front light fixings not only to help you find your keys late in the evening, but to also add a stylistic statement.
'Solar light fixtures are also a great way to add character to your property's frontage, while remaining affordable and easy to install. Use them to highlight your garden's best features, such as a well maintained flower bed, or place them beside a pathway to clearly outline a route to the front door.'
For more information about JELD-WEN's exterior doors and windows, or to view their complete range of joinery products, visit www.jeld-wen.co.uk or call 0845 122 2890.
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