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They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure the first impression of your home is wow-worthy with these quick DIY projects for weekend warriors that amp up your home’s curb appeal.
Doors that Make a Statement
One of the quickest ways to transform your home is to update your front door with a fresh coat of paint. Not sure what style you’re after? Check out our picks:
Go Bold: A red front door is always classic, but if bold is the look you’re after, why not opt for something a little different — like a cheery, sunshiny yellow to add a pop of happy, welcoming color?
Go Playful: Add a touch of whimsy with a grassy green door, a preppy, nature-inspired hue that goes with almost any exterior color.
Go Classic: Pantone named Classic Blue its 2020 Color of the year. Embrace the trend with a regal, dusky blue door accented with bronze hardware.
Go Neutral: If you want a sophisticated feel, think beyond basic black. Instead, choose a soft, dove grey – it’s timeless and anything but boring.
Go Monochramatic. Matching your door to your siding color can make a surprisingly big impact. Choose a color that’s a shade or two lighter or darker than the house color, or go for the same color in a glossy finish to really allow hardware accents to pop.
A quick design tip: If your front door is framed by sidelights, the surrounding wood is usually painted the same color as the trim.
Add a Burst of Color
Planters boost curb appeal and make your entryway more welcoming. We’ve got tips to help even novice gardeners plan planters that will wow all season long.
What’s your style? Do you like the formal appeal of uniform, matching containers flanking the front door? Does a mass of eclectic pots and plantings cascading down the steps appeal to you? Monochromatic blooms or a riot of color? Before you start digging, determine the look you want to create. Flip through magazines, visit garden centers, or even just drive around your neighborhood to identify the plants and arrangements that appeal to you.
Start with the right container. There are so many different container styles available. Whatever you choose — classic terracotta, vintage-y galvanized buckets, sophisticated urns, colorful pottery— keep a few practical points in mind. Choose planters that are large enough to be seen from the street. Think about how large your plants will grow and choose a container that’s big enough to accommodate the roots of mature plants. Make sure containers have drainage holes (or drill them yourself) so water doesn’t get trapped in the pots and cause root rot. If you travel frequently, you may want to consider self-watering planters that have a reservoir for extra water so your plants don’t dry out while you’re away.
Use a quality potting mix. The dirt you use matters for plant health, so choose a quality potting soil made of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or vermiculite. This mix will hold moisture and nutrients around plant roots, while making sure that there’s enough air in the soil to let the roots breathe. Most potting mixes also include a slow-release fertilizer as well. If you have a lot of large-scale planters, potting mix can get expensive — to save money, you can line the bottom of pots with rocks; this will also help with drainage.
Choose the right plants for your exposure. Sun-drenched entryways that get plenty of light throughout the day can host an array of different blooms. Think colorful geraniums or zinnias, potted hydrangeas, or on-trend succulents, and add a trailing vine for visual interest. North-facing or covered entryways can present challenges. Choose container plants that can tolerate shade, like ferns, begonias, impatiens, or coleus.
Think long term. Shrubs—such as boxwoods, dwarf arborvitae, or yucca—can also work well in containers, and they provide four-season greenery. Choose shrubs that are one to two hardiness zones tougher than the zone you live in so they can survive over the winter, and plant them in frost-proof containers that can stand up to cold weather. Fiberglass, iron, heavy plastic, stone, or glazed porcelain will typically not crack in frigid temperatures.
Routine Maintenance
Once you’ve spruced up your entryway, it’s time for some basic door maintenance.
Check hardware to make sure knobs, hinges, and faceplates, and tighten the screws if they are loose.
Test the locks; if they stick, lubricate them.
If your door has glass panels, check for moisture or fog which indicates that the glass seal needs to be repaired.
Look for cracks, gaps, or discoloration in the weatherstripping that surrounds the door. If you notice any of these issues or if the weatherstripping doesn’t bounce back when you press on it, it’s time to replace it.
Finally, check the threshold and door bottom to make sure you have a tight, secure seal. If the seal is not tight, that means air, moisture, and bugs can make their way into your home. Frost King has replacement door sets, thresholds, and door bottoms for a variety of door styles.
Watch this video to learn how to choose the right door set and threshold for your home:
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. Homeowners should always consider safety precautions before starting any home improvement project. While we strive to offer accurate and helpful advice, Frost King does not assume responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any consequences resulting therefrom.
