Monday 30 September 2013

DIY Ideas That Will Transform Your Home’s Exterior



Could the outside of your home use a little pick-me-up? If the outside of your house, your garden and your landscaping aren’t exactly enhancing the curb appeal of your house, don’t worry. There are lots of ways you can transform your home’s exterior by taking on some do-it-yourself projects that are fun and easy to do.

The trick to transforming the exterior of your home is to envision what you want it to look like. Identify problem areas and think about what you want the area to look like instead. Then, find creative ways to make that happen. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Add Shutters

Shutters can add a lot to the outside of a home. They can take windows from boring boxes to interesting features of the home. Look for shutters in a colour that complements the colours already on your home and that fit the same style. There is a big variety of shutter options available at most hardware stores, so chances are you will find some that work for you.

Make this a DIY project by buying unfinished shutters and giving them a custom paint job or simply hanging them yourself this weekend.

Lay a Garden Pathway

If you have a larger garden, you can create your own garden pathway to make it easier to navigate and to add some charm and beauty. You can buy pavers, bricks or stones at your hardware store and then clear an area in your garden for them. Or, you can pour cement into any mould you want for your own unique look.

Try pressing things like leaves, sticks, objects around the house or door mats into the cement while it is wet to give it a different texture and design.

Install Window Boxes

Window boxes are another element that adds a lot to your home’s windows. They add colour and life to an area that is often overlooked. Window boxes are also charming and classy and can make your home look polished and put together.

You can easily install your own window boxes and then plant whatever kind of flowers or greenery you want inside.

Arrange Potted Plants on Your Porch

If your porch is looking a little bare, use some potted plants to give it new life. Find some interesting and unique pots at your hardware store or take it a step further and create your own planters. You can make planters with anything from old cartons to old food containers or buckets.

Arrange the plants strategically with bigger ones near the back and smaller ones in the front. Use plenty of pots and plants grouped closely together for an especially lush look.

Hang a Wreath from the Door

Anyone, regardless of how crafty he or she is, can make a wreath. A wreath hanging from the front door will make you home look cozy and feel inviting. Start with a wreath form from you craft store and then use silk or live flowers, leaves, twigs and berries to create a custom wreath. This project is great because you can easily change it out each season to give your door an updated look.

Create some DIY Lawn Decorations

Making your own lawn decorations can be a fun and creative way to make your home more visually appealing. With some creativity you can create anything from fountains out of old flower pots to borders out of stones for your garden. You can also use colourful pipes to line your gardens or to create modern art in your yard or on the side of your house. What's more important is to always take care of your lawn and garden - not just during the summer months!

Give Your Mailbox a Makeover

Is your mailbox boring? If you have one of those run-of-the-mill boxes that looks like every other mailbox on your street, give it a makeover. Your can treat and then paint your mailbox with outdoor paint, which can instantly breathe new life into it. Don’t forget to give some attention to the base were you can add decorative rocks, lawn decorations or plants.

In just one weekend you can transform the exterior of your home with these DIY projects. Start by identifying the area that needs the most work, and then use things like paint, lawn decorations, outdoor features and plants to bring it back to life.