How to add kerb appeal to your front garden

When designing the layout for the space in front of your house, give plenty of thought as to how the area will be used on a day-to-day basis, as well as the aesthetics. 

For example, while a winding pathway may look pretty, it’s not the quickest route for accessing the front door and you’ll end up cutting the corners more often than not. A direct and clear route from the pavement to the front door is generally a better option. 

Similarly, a front garden lawn can certainly add kerb appeal, but bear in mind the maintenance required to keep it looking in good condition and the practicalities of having to mow and trim it every few weeks.

Front door painted in Sandtex 10 year exterior satin paint in seclusion, from £19 for 750ml; plant pots painted in Sandtex rapid dry satin in cloudy day, from £17.99 for 750ml; house painted in Sandtex smooth textured masonry paint in pure brilliant white, from £18 for 2.5L, all Sandtex

If you’re looking for a quick fix for the outside of your home, giving your front door a mini-makeover is a good place to start. 

Weather-proof paint comes in a whole host of colours, from cool, chic grey to bold, cheerful yellow, and will smarten up even the drabbest of doorways. 

Be sure to properly prepare the surface of your door before painting—sanding and priming will help create a smooth finish and remember to always carry out this type of project on a warm, dry day to achieve the best results.

Fuschias, £2.99; ivy-leaved geraniums, £2.99; diascias, £7.99; nepeta, £2.99; silver helichrysum, £2.99; petunia surfinia, £2.99; mop-head hydrangeas, from £16.99; scabiosa pink mist, £7.99; nemesia, from £4.99, all Dobbies

Changing up your door’s hardware is another option for a speedy update that won’t break the bank. Your door knocker, bell, letterbox and house number all contribute to the overall look and feel of your property, so invest in a coordinating set for a stylish look. 

Depending on the type of property you live in, you may wish to choose something that complements its aesthetics. For example, a traditional brass ring knocker will make an elegant feature on a Victorian house, or opt for a sleek, contemporary design to suit a more modern build.

Rowlinson apex double wheelie bin storage in natural timber, £249.95, Cuckooland

No matter the shape or size of your entrance, a little greenery can go a long way in adding kerb appeal. Flowerbeds or a series of potted plants can soften your entrance, as well as providing a layer of screening from the road or neighbours. 

If you’d like your front garden to have a little colour and privacy all year round, choose hardy evergreen shrubs that will keep their leaves in winter and require little maintenance. For more green-fingered homeowners, climbing clematis will make a pretty feature along the front of your house or plant some perennial geraniums for a splash of colour in spring and summer. 

A duo of potted trees or bushes either side of your front door will also make a smart feature or go for hanging planters filled with blooms if you’re limited on space. 

Triangular cane planter support, £12, Wilko

If your path or driveway is looking a little tired, lift off the layer of grime using a powerful pressure washer. This ideally needs to be done annually in order to keep the surface of the paving slabs or tiles in good condition. If its beyond repair or you are thinking about completely renovating your driveway, it’s worth speaking to professional companies like Driveways Sussex which would be able to advise you on the best options for your use case and budget.
 

Gravel is a smart alternative floor covering for your front garden and also aids security by enabling you to hear people approaching the house. Victorian-style patterned tiles laid along a path will complement this type of period property, while slate slabs offer a contemporary look if you’re after something more pared back.

St Ives galvanised steel mast path light, £75, Garden Trading

Keeping the front of your property neat and tidy will greatly contribute to its outside appeal. Recycling and refuse bins can be bulky and unsightly when kept on show, so invest in a wooden or plastic bin store to keep them tucked out of sight. Making your own is a great way to keep costs down if you feel confident tackling some basic DIY or want something a little more bespoke to fit into an awkward space.

Outdoor lighting, particularly in winter, is an important factor to consider when designing your front garden. A porch or front door downlighter will make a practical addition, as it will help to illuminate your door number for visitors and aid your search for keys in the dark. 

If you have a pathway leading to the front door, small lights can make a pretty feature and guide guests safely in and out of the house. Solar-powered torches can be easily dug into the flowerbeds and will charge up during the daytime to then light the front garden when the sun sets.