Moving into a new house is always going to be an exciting time in life. Whether the house is a new build or an older home, it’s new to you and therefore it acts like a blank slate in which you can make your own personal mark. So, while you may already have big plans for the interior, sometimes the exterior seems to go unnoticed and doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
With that said, we’ve put together a list of projects both big and small that will help to add beauty and interest to the exterior of your home. Even if the landscaping is in good shape, there are still little touches that you can add that will make it yours. And, of course, spring and summer are the ideal time of year to be addressing the exterior.
Embrace the Beauty that Ornamental Trees Can Add
Planting a tree in a yard is a wonderful way to provide that sense of nature, create a serene environment, and even add some privacy to the outdoors. However, not everyone has a backyard that is large enough to handle a tree. Although they start out small enough, 10-20 years from now, that tree could be towering over the yard, blocking out all the sun and making it hard for anything to grow beneath it.
If you’ve got a smaller yard, or you just don’t like the idea of a massive tree, you can look into ornamental trees. Ornamental trees can add the same sense of beauty and nature as a standard tree, but many species will be a fraction of the size. This makes them perfect for small yards and even gardens. Just make sure you focus on the height and width of the tree when it is mature, and what kind of light and soil conditions they require.
Some of these ornamental trees are flowering, so again, they really take the interest in your yard to the next level.
Spruce Up Garden Beds with Landscaping Gravel
While most homeowners are quick to top up garden beds with mulch, that's not your only option. Maybe you want something a little different that will last longer than the traditional mulch or wood chips. If that's the case, landscaping gravel can be a wonderful option. This is made up of various sized stones and tends to have a bunch of colors mixed in. The end result is really something beautiful, clean, and modern looking.
By using landscaping gravel, it won't be blown around by the wind, it doesn't become faded in the sun, it does an excellent job of protecting plants from drought, and it helps to stop the evaporation of water from the soil. So, your garden will look great and the maintenance will be easier for you. Just be sure to properly estimate the amount of gravel needed so you can spread a thin even layer across the garden beds.
Create an Area of Sitting, Relaxing, and Entertaining
Then there is the outdoor living trend that homeowners everywhere seem to be embracing. It’s a great way to expand your living space, enjoy the outdoors, and really make the most use out of your backyard. Your outdoor living space doesn’t have to be huge and over-the-top - just get started with a level hard surface area where you can set up a table and chairs, or other types of outdoor furniture.
Ideas for the level surface include poured concreate, interlocking brick, paving stones, decorative slabs in materials like stone, bruddskifer (slate), or even porcelain, wooden decking, and so forth. In terms of how big to make the seating area, most experts suggest going as big as the yard and the budget will allow. You will always find ways to use that space, so chances are you won’t regret going big.
Besides the outdoor furniture, you can also add:
- Oversized planters with brightly colored flowers
- Decorative outdoor cushions for the seating
- An oversized standalone umbrella for shade whenever you want it
- A well-planned exterior lighting plan
- An outdoor kitchen perfect for preparing and cooking those outdoor summer meals
A Fresh Coat of Paint Can Do Wonders
The final project is relatively simple and cost-effective, yet it can have a huge impact. Why not give your front door, and garage door (if applicable), a fresh coat of paint? This is your chance to pick a color that suits your personal style, helps to make your home stand out amongst the others, and injects a bit of style into your outdoor aesthetics.
No matter which of these exterior home projects you choose to do, all will have an impact, and each one will add to the beauty and interest of your home, making the outdoors that much more enjoyable.
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