Curb Appeal - Small Changes Make a Big Impact

Let's talk curb appeal....

Enhancing your curb appeal might sound like a hefty project with a big price tag but you’ll be surprised at how a little work and a small budget can go a long way. I’m going to show you three ways to spruce up the outside of your house without breaking your back or the bank.

  

 CURB APPEAL WITH SMALL STRUCTURAL CHANGES

 Making some small structural changes can completely change the appearance of a home. By adding a new stepping stone path to the front door, a picket fence, an arbor, new railings and a fresh coat of paint this homeowner has transformed their house into a beautiful home. So inviting now!

above: These photos from Hooked on Houses show off the dramatic transformation.

below: We found these great pics are from Renewal Design.

Is this even the same house? This mid-centry ranch got a facelift with a larger porch and gable, which breaks up the horizontal lines of a traditional ranch style home. The home owners also gave it new front door, removed the old shutters, and repainted. 

CURB APPEAL WITH PAINT

It’s astonishing how much curb appeal can be attained simply from painting the exterior of a home. Whether you choose a completely new color palette or just freshen up the existing color, a little paint can go a long way.

Sharper Impressions Painting provides a great example here of how freshening up the paint without making any dramatic color choices can make a big difference in curb appeal. 

Merchant Circle added some color and contrast to make this home pop.

 

Buckets of Color added interest and elegance to this brick home by working with a three color paint scheme. 

Helpful Hints for Choosing Exterior Paint Color: 

• Be aware of your surroundings - pick a color that will look nice next to the exterior paint color of neighboring homes or buildings.

• Choose your paint colors outside. The light is different outside than it is in your kitchen. You want to be sure you know what the color will look like on the outside of your house.

  

 CURB APPEAL WITH A LITTLE SPRUCING UP 

 Adding a few accessories and swapping out and/or painting the front door can do wonders. Check out the before and after photos below to see how polished these homes look after their makeover.

Cozy.Cottage.Cute.Cozy.Cottage.Cute. embellished this little cottage making it warm and inviting. 

Stephens & Stephens exhibit three prime examples of how painting and/or changing out your front door, adding some potted plants and foliage, changing light fixtures, and putting new numbers on your home can change the look entirely.

NEED HELP BOOSTING CURB APPEAL?

If you are interested in boosting your curb appeal and need a little guidance I would be happy to help! Please call me at 408-623-4936 or email me at caitlin@symmetrydesigns.net

Which Countertop Material is Right for You?

Have you been thinking about remodeling or updating your kitchen?  You may be feeling overwhelmed by how many different choices you have for countertops.  We did some research and put together pros and cons on the most popular materials being used in today’s kitchens.  

Granite:  A natural stone that is very durable comes in many natural colors and is unique from slab to slab. PROS: It provides scratch, mildew, stain, and heat resistance.  Granite is easy to clean CONS: Needs to be sealed annually	Granite Photo Courtesy of www.granitecountertops.net
Carrara Marble:  Made in a region of Italy and is typically a white or grey marble.   PROS:  A timeless beauty!  Less expensive than Quartz.  Timeless with elegance and brightness. CONS:  Soft and porous material.  Can scratch and stain easily and must be sealed annually.  Wipe any spills immediately to avoid staining.	Marble Photo Courtesy of www.countertopspecialty.com
Quartz:  An engineered material that is made up 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polymer resins.   PROS:  This is a low maintenance material that has a non-porous surface so 99.9% bacteria free.  No need for annual sealing.  Unlimited color choices available. CONS:   Can be damaged with excessive heat, so use hot pads.	Quartz Photo Courtesy of www.countertopguides.com
Limestone:  Is a sedimentary rock that is made up of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral. PROS:  Has a resemblance to marble but not as expensive.  It is heat resistant. CONS:  Porous material so does stain and has tendency to scratch.  Should be sealed at least once a year.	Limestone Photo Courtesy Connelly Construction
Concrete:  Homeowners and designers have started using concrete more often in their homes. PROS:  Indestructible for countertops.  Many options for different looks just depending on stains, pigments or coatings being used.  Stain and heat resistant when sealed. CONS:   Occasionally may develop hairline fractures in countertop when material settles.  Large countertops can have seams, so you will want to use a seam filler.	Concrete Photo Courtesy of www.diynetwork.com
Corian:  A cross between laminate and granite.   PROS:  There are over 100 color options, textures, and designs.  It is less expensive to install than granite or quartz.   CONS:  It is not heat resistant; so don’t put hot pans directly on countertops.  Scratches are a common occurrence.	Corian Photo Courtesy of www.countertopspecialty.com
Vetrazzo:  Made of recycled glass.  Fairly new to the market but catching on quickly. PROS:  The color and texture options are endless and eco-friendly.  It is easy to clean.  Heat and scratch resistant. CONS:   Typically at the high-end price point.  If acidic foods are left sitting on the counter or harsh cleaning products are used it can mar the acrylic surface.	Vetrazzo Photo Courtesy of www.stonesaver.com