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10 Front House Styling Ideas

If you happen to live in a house that is not well-maintained, it’s time to take it back from the clutches of dilapidation. To do so, you have many ways at your disposal. The simplest one would be to give the front of your house a new paint job. This idea will help if you want to maintain a classic look or just want an inexpensive solution for a quick fix.

The front house is the first thing that your neighbors and passersby may notice. Thus, it has to be impressive and inviting. You do not want it to look like an abandoned house like the one you see in horror movies, do you?

You can find many ways to better the curb appeal and make your house look attractive. If you have not spotted anything that suits your style and budget, try these 10 front-house styling ideas. They are extremely easy yet will give you impressive results. For more detail, follow the Simphome link inside the reference section.

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List Entries:

10 Garden in Front of The House Ideas
10 Ideas to Keep Your House Cool This Summer
10 Small Comfortable House Ideas
10 Lazy Ideas to Make Big Change in Your House
10 House Exterior Update Ideas

10. Replace the Hardware

Do not underestimate the role of the hardware in your home’s exterior. They may be small, and some people may overlook them. Still, if you choose their styles and renew them fastidiously, they can help you improve the curb appeal.
If you want to create an impressive exterior without costing you a fortune, you can begin with replacing the hardware.

The entry door lockset, overhead light fixtures, sconces, house numbers, and wall-mounted mailbox are the elements that you need to carve out a particular style you want. If you wish to have a more traditional look, opt for oiled-bronze finish hardware. However, if the contemporary style is your thing, try brushed nickel.

Always remember to use the same material and style to the sets of hardware. This way, you can create a cohesive look rather than a haphazard one due to the mix and match pieces without any harmony.

Detailed Instructions:

  1. Clean the Existing Hardware
    If you want to remove and replace the existing hardware, the first thing that you need to do is clean them thoroughly. You can use a wire brush to scrub away all the dust and grime.
  2. Sand the Metal Surface
    When you have done cleaning, prepare for sanding. You can use medium-grit sandpaper to start with for this purpose so as not to damage the finish of your hardware.
  3. Remove the Paint and Rust
    If you have installed new hardware, you can skip this part. On the other hand, if you want to replace the existing hardware, you need to remove any paint and rust. Use a hammer and chisel for this purpose. Make sure that you choose a chisel with a sharp edge not to destroy the metal surface.
  4. Clean the Existing Hinges
    If you have removed the paint, you need to clean up any rust that remains. Use a wire brush for this purpose. If there are rust stains, it is best to use a power sander to remove them altogether. This way, you can save yourself from having to do more work later on when the rust eats into the old areas of your hardware.
  5. Sand the Hinges’ Surfaces Flat
    After you have cleaned up all of the hardware and removed any paint or rust, it is time to sand down any roughness so as not to mar its smooth appearance. This way, it will last longer and still look nice.
  6. Apply a Primer
    Before you paint the hardware, it is best to apply a primer. This step will prevent any exposed metal from rusting and give a clean surface to paint. Make sure that you choose an oil-based primer so that the paint will stick to it.
  7. Paint Your Hardware
    After you have applied the primer, it is time to use your color of choice for painting. Make sure that you choose high-quality paint for this purpose. You can use oil or water-based paints depending on your preference and what needs to be done afterward with the hardware of your choice.
  8. Sand the Hardware
    You need to use medium-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots on your hardware. If you prefer the patina look, it is best to wait for about six months before painting. After that, you can use high-grit sandpaper after the primer has dried completely.
  9. Clean Up Your Work
    Just before you paint or stain a surface, you must clean up properly so that no paint drips into areas where you will not use it in the future. For this purpose, use a rag and a dilute detergent solution to clean up your work area and hands.
  10. Apply the Final Coat of Paint
    After you have applied all of your coats, it is now time to apply the final coat. For best results, do not use low-quality paint for this purpose. Once that is done, you can install your hardware and admire your handiwork.

9. Use the Magic of Paint

When it comes to embellishing either interior or exterior, the idea of changing the colors may pop into your mind. Thus, a gallon of paint may have a significant impact on the overhauling process.
If the budget, energy, and time are available, you can paint the entire exterior walls. Just make sure that you use contrasting colors for the trim, shutters, and doors.

However, if you think painting them all is too much trouble, you can just change the door’s color.
The door is the first thing that your guests will notice. It even has an important job – welcoming your guests. Therefore, it has to be striking. Still, do not exaggerate it, though. You still need to pay attention to the existing color palette to create balance.

Detailed Instructions:

  1. Remove the Existing Paint
    If you want to paint the walls, there is a likelihood that some of the existing paint on them will have to be removed. You can achieve this by using a razor blade and a putty knife. Make sure that you use a putty knife for this purpose.
  2. Apply a Basecoat of Color
    This step is crucial for any room’s interior, mainly if it has previously been painted. Use an oil-based primer to make sure it can cope with any moisture in the air over time. But make sure there are no spills or drips on its surface before you begin painting. This way, it will last longer and look better than ever before.
  3. Apply a Basecoat of Color to the Doors
    Next, you need to prime the doors. This step usually means that you have to apply a basecoat of color to all of them. For this purpose, use an oil-based primer because it will keep the doors dry. However, avoid any spots on its surface because they can be difficult to remove later.
  4. Apply a Basecoat of Color for Interior Walls
    For interior surfaces, there are two options – using an oil-based or water-based primer. Water-based paint is mainly used for interior walls to not let moisture in from outside through the windows or doorways when they are opened wide enough to let in sunlight too strongly.
  5. Apply a Basecoat of Color to the Ceiling
    The ceilings are usually painted in white because this creates a bright background for all the other colors. However, you can choose to use any color you want if it matches the one on your walls.
  6. Apply a Basecoat to Walls and Ceiling
    Once you have applied the primer, it is time to apply three essential coats. For any smooth surfaces, apply bed paint or an oil-based enamel. Make sure that each coat is completely dry before starting the next one. Otherwise, they will rub off when they are removed later on.
  7. Apply a Topcoat of Color
    After you have applied the final coat, it is time to apply a topcoat. This step will make it resistant to water and sunlight and give your walls the look that you want. Make sure that you use oil or water-based enamel because it will Last longer than enamel based on oil.
  8. Apply the Last Coat of Color
    Now, there is one last step – applying the previous coat. The last coats should be a bit thicker than those in previous coats so as not to skip any surface areas where paint has already been applied previously. If you have special paints, you can apply them now, but make sure each coat is completely dry.

8. Create a Seating Area

If you have a spacious porch, you can try setting down a cozy sitting area. Using different color hues in the chairs, couch, hanging daybed, and tables will immensely perk up your front house.

It is not just something that can improve curb appeal. Arranging a sitting area on the porch extends the living space in your house. You can sit there chilling while enjoying your afternoon tea and cookies. If you are afraid that your outdoor furniture will fade, you can invest in outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella.

Detailed Instructions:

  1. Choose the Right Color Palette
    For interior embellishments, you have to remember that not all colors are acceptable. First, try to match your furniture with the general ambiance of your house. If possible, choose dark brown or red to highlight them against white or beige walls. For outdoor furniture, there are two good options – black and white. Both are elegant and modern, so they can look great if you decorate them properly.
  2. Choose the Right Materials for Your Porch
    The right materials are also crucial for making your front porch inviting for guests into your home. For instance, wood or metal can both have a rustic tone that just looks great. Use a stain that you can use to varnish if you want to get a smooth, dark finish on the wood. For the others, get grip-free material so they will stay in place whether your furniture is being used or not.
    ~ If you are looking to improve your home’s curb appeal, choosing suitable materials for your porch is important because everyone will notice them before they enter your house for the first time since they are facing your home directly
  3. Apply the Right Colors to Your Porch
    In addition, add some color to your daybeds and another outdoor sofa/furniture with cushions by using bold colors on some of them while using monochromatic colors on others. For instance, consider using one sofa cushion in the shade of blue while the other is in green.
    ~ After you have chosen the right materials for your porch, you can select the right colors to use on it. Make sure that they do not clash with each other. Keep in mind that most people try to focus on the primary colors of your house when they are trying to compliment it, but do not forget that you can also hang some colored lanterns or images in frames around your porch’s entrance.
  4. Add Some Decorations to Your Front Porch
    Just like indoor embellishments, you can also consider adding some decorations to your outdoor furniture to improve the look of your house. For instance, you can place some vases or pots with potted plants on the table or hang them from the Ceiling to let flowers bloom there.
    ~ If you are looking to improve your home’s curb appeal, you can choose the suitable materials for your porch since everyone will notice them first before they enter your house for the first time because they are facing it directly. Ensure that you have enough porch lighting on hand to let visitors easily see their way into your home.
  5. Add Some Lighting
    Finally, do not forget to add some lighting just like you do indoors. This idea will illuminate the porch and enable visitors to quickly see where they are going into your home. You can also beautify your front porch’s entrance by adding some lighting to the gate.
    To complete your front porch, you can place some potted plants in front of it. This step will give you an excellent reason to spend time outside in the fresh air. It can also prevent dust from accumulating indoors when you do not need it to do so anymore.

7. Accentuate Your Mailbox

The mailbox is a part of your home’s exterior that you should not neglect, especially if it is a freestanding type on the street. If it looks old and dull, consider replacing it. Then, you need to accentuate it.

Try growing annual flowers to accentuate your mailbox. You can also add some creeping Jasmine to create a more dramatic look instead.
You can also apply a particular theme to welcome an upcoming event like Halloween, Thanksgiving, or even Christmas, or else.

Detailed Instructions:

  1. To make a mailbox stylish, you can add a small flower box on its sides. A big perennial flower-like Mums (Chrysanthemum) will add more to your mailbox.
  2. If you do not want to display flowers on the sides of the mailbox, hang some Holiday decorations around it, such as Christmas ornaments and Halloween lanterns. You can purchase these or make your own (check my website for DIY projects).
  3. Alternatively, you can remove the flags and replace them with some flowers like Petunias (Petunia) and annual Geraniums (Geranium).
  4. You can also decorate your mailbox with leaves. It will give it a more natural look if you are using the hanging baskets. Just choose any type of leafy plants that are easy to plant or grow in your area. Be imaginative!
  5. For the finishing touch, add some final touches using paint or colored pencils. You can use bright colors for an upcoming event like Halloween or Christmas, or other events, while neutral colors will make your mailbox look sophisticated and suitable at any time of the year.

6. Escort the Guests with Lights

Your front house will remain there all the time. Therefore, it has to be fabulous during the day and night, meaning you need lighting to illuminate it well.
You might think that you can simply apply your backyard lighting scheme to your front house. Apparently, they do not share the same purpose.
The lighting in the front house offers not only beauty but also security. Thus, you need to choose the appropriate lights thoughtfully.

Consider installing step lights. This way, you can guide any visitor or even your family member to the front door while minimizing injuries.
You may also need to install lighting in your entryway. By doing this, you will help your guests see the entrance better. Besides, it provides greater peace of mind when answering your front door.

@Pinterest

Also, consider installing lighting for your house number too. It will help visitors find your home. Outdoor wall lighting fixtures are also important because they add beauty to space immensely.
If you have some specific features like exposed brick or climbing vines, consider installing accent lighting to accentuate them.

5. Re-Style the House Number

After making all of the improvements for your front house, you may forget to renew your house numbers. The truth is it is necessary to refresh them because visitors will notice your home by looking at the numbers.

You can buy new numbers to give a fresh look. If you cannot afford them, you can always DIY them. It is much cheaper and somewhat more attractive.

More instructions:

  1. Put the numbers in the proper position. As a general rule, put them about 6 feet above ground level.
  2. Clean your old numbers with soap and water, or you can use alcohol to remove the dirt.
  3. Print out the new numbers in their correct sizes on cardstock paper or cardboard using your home printer or plotter. Do not forget to include the name of your house number style, if necessary!
  4. Apply white acrylic paint to your numbers with a sponge brush to make it pop!
  5. Allow the paint to dry and clean the brush and sponge once finished.
  6. Use a black marker to highlight or highlight your house numbers in a particular style, like an arrow or a series of dots. This idea will make them stand out more.
  7. Hang your new numbers for all to see!

4. Get the Shrubs Well Trimmed

One of the critical elements of curb appeal is the well-manicured shrubs. Besides, nice flat-top shrubs will provide a clearer view of your front yard and porch. It acts like a border that accentuates the beauty of your house.

More instructions:

  1. Divide your shrubs into three or four sections. You can either do this by your creativity or based on their heights.
  2. Take away the dead leaves and flowers by using garden shears.
  3. Collect the leaves carefully in a bin or trash bag before removing them to avoid scattering them all over your yard.
  4. Divide the remaining leaves into three piles that you will treat differently: brown, yellow, and green.
  5. Cut off any withered twigs with pruning shears until you see fresh, healthy bud at each point where you will cut it off to keep your shrubs healthy and safe from disease outbreaks, among other things.
  6. Trim your shrubs with a good pair of shears. Trimming, whether it is shaving or otherwise, does not have to be a laborious process.
  7. Arrange the trimmed while trimming your shrubs back into the desired shape without going too deeply into its roots. You can either do this while cutting or finishing it for easier maintenance in the future.
  8. Or Make an Omnidirectional Lush Landscape
    To do the job, you basically only need to know how to handle the shovel and garden spade, but also some general knowledge about plants, shrubs, and trees is essential.
    The builder of the Busy Bee Garden explains that planting on your front lawn or front yard is pretty straightforward. You can do it yourself. First of all, you need to choose the right spot for planting, usually in the middle of your lawn or in some corner at its side. Next, position the shrubs and trees carefully (make sure they don’t interfere with each other while growing). Cover them with several inches of soil (preferably topsoil). Then water them very gently so that they can get settled correctly.

3. Perk It up with Planters

It would be easier and nicer to decorate a spacious front yard. The fact is you do not have it. You only have a small porch. So, what should you do?

You do not need to worry. Displaying some planters will add a significant impact on your front house. They also allow you to grow more plants despite the limited space you have. Besides, some containers come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, which enrich the look of your front house.

Several kinds of plants you can consider are :

  1. Cacti and Succulents
    The easiest type of plant to display in a container is a succulent. They have unique characteristics that make them suitable for the purpose. They do not need a lot of water or soil because they can store water in their leaves and stems. Considering this, you can put them together with rocks in a basket. It will require zero maintenance from you!
  2. Perennials
    You can use perennials to adorn your porch or your front house by making some planters from containers. Flower planters will look great when displayed on a porch together with a basket of fresh fruits and vegetables, which make an impressive sight!
  3. Ornamental Grass
    They look majestic in the front yard. Besides, they add royalty to any area where you add them.
  4. Tall Plants
    Tall plants, like herbs, appeal to your eyes. They also add height to any area where you position them.
  5. Smaller Plants
  6. Or Use a Decorative Wall-Mounted Weather Station
    This simple device will not only increase your curb appeal when placed near your front porch but can also provide you with a great deal of information regarding the weather in your neighborhood and your room. You can use virtually any type of weather station that measures temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. These units usually have a screen that displays this data to show you weather-related information in real-time.
  • Conclusion: Landscaping for the Front Yard
    Understand that landscaping does not just mean adding shrubs to your front yard or adding flowers to your front porch or planting trees in the backyard – it also means maintaining all of them by maintaining their health, watering them, and pruning them occasionally.

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2. Clean the Front House Thoroughly

You have painted the walls, trimmed the shrubs, and renewed the house numbers and lighting. Still, something seems not right. If you feel that way, maybe you can try to clean your front house thoroughly.

Stain on the walkway and driveway may ruin the curb appeal. You can get rid of it by renting a pressure washer to clean them all. If the oil stains do not want to go, consider using a degreaser prior to pressure washing. This way, you can remove them more easily.

More details:
1. Degrease the sidewalk to clean away oil stains.
2. Use a pressure washer to clean both driveways and walkways.
3. Use a power washer to wash sidewalks and walkways, too.
4. After pressure washing, rinse stains for at least 20 minutes before applying any sealant or paint.
5. If you are not satisfied with your results, hire professionals like AllProCleaners to give your house a makeover by removing all of the dirt stains. And removing the oil stains (on the driveway) without damaging your wooden or cement steps or walking boards with an automated pressure washer.

Lastly, Number 1. Dress up the Windows

Just because you want to style your front house, it does not mean you have to only focus on the front yard. You can also bring beauty inside out by updating your window dressings.

You can try hanging lined curtains or blinds to create a neat appearance that will amaze passersby. Another option you can try is wooden shutters. They will give a distinctive accent to both interior and exterior.

Detailed Instructions:

  1. Shop for quality curtains to dress up your windows.
  2. Go to the hardware store and buy moisture-resistant curtains rings.
  3. Measure the distance between the curtain rod and the window frame.
  4. Measure the width of the window frame, too, to find out if you need a wider or narrower curtain rod.
  5. Make sure that you get high-quality rods made of heavy-gauge steel because flimsy ones do not work well in moist weather conditions; they break easily, too; they do not support heavier drapes, and they will leave marks on your wall (such as paint scratches) when you adjust them or remove them from your wall
  6. Measure the height of your windows, too. If you have high-grade windows, you can use a rod between 40 and 70 inches in length or more.
  7. Buy a new or replacement curtain rod from the hardware store for between $15 and $65, depending on the size of your windows and the type of rod (steel or aluminum).
  8. Now you will need new curtains to go with the rod. Look around at your favorite designs and place an order once you have decided how you want your window curtains to look.
  9. Buy some plain window panels from a home decor store to replace vented ones that would be better for light purposes outside, such as a sunroom.
  10. Install the curtains and lie them out on your windows.
  11. If you use a curtain rod with a screw-on cap, sort through all of your curtains to find ones that have enough length to fill in the back gaps on end. This idea will ensure that nothing sticks out of your windows and that your new curtains will not hang loose on your windows when you open them.
  12. Once you get a rod with a cap, screw it onto the top of the curtain rods, so they are securely fastened to the window frame, too.
  13. Next, hang the curtains, so they are at their proper length.
  14. Make sure that you have enough curtain rings to go around the curtain rods, too.
  15. Once you are done, you will have a lovely window dress-up that gives your front house a style all of its own.

Conclusion:

Your front house is a reflection of your taste and personality. You want it to reflect that. The best way to achieve that is to style it with the help of the solutions given here. Since these solutions are easy and inexpensive, you can do them yourself.
Please note that the tips given here are applicable for front-house styling and any type of exterior stylings, such as landscaping or siding.

In the end, without a doubt, front-house styling will make your house more attractive from both sides—from you and from everyone else who may pass by your house daily. It will also help improve your curb appeal and increase your home’s value through appealing looks and colors.

Finally,
Carving out an outstanding curb appeal does not have to make you break a sweat or even drain your savings. Some simple and affordable ways can work like a charm, just like these 10 front-house styling ideas.

References:

10. Bhg.com
9. Lifestorage.com, Realsimple.com, Bobvila.com
8. Thespruce.com
7. Mymove.com
6. Homebnc.com, Blog.louielighting.com
5. Hgtv.com
4. Bestlifeonline.com
3. Bestlifeonline.com
2. Hgtv.com
1. Diy.com

Written by Simpson

I am hired to run this website and challenged to make it popular. I have few Youtube Channels too but I am sure you don't want to know that information.