Curb appeal is a complex thing—every little decision matters when building a beautiful exterior, but not everyone has the ability or budget to work with an architect or interior designer. While big design elements like exterior paint color and landscaping matter a whole heck of a lot, there are lots of little moments that are key to bringing a cohesive, chic exterior together. Below, I’m sharing the five small, designer-approved exterior upgrades that instantly elevate your curb appeal.
Install Copper Gutters and a Matching Rain Chain
Designers delight in elevating the everyday—and nothing deserves to be elevated more than your gutter system. A well-functioning gutter system is an important part of keeping your house in good shape, but it is usually a bit, well, unsightly. Instead of white, plasticky gutters, opt for elegant copper piping that will patina beautifully over the years. You must not forget the rain chain, either! These whimsical additions go a long way in bringing charm and architectural interest.
Add Personality with Painted Shutters
You’ve likely thought about painting your front door a fun, personality-forward color, but what about your shutters? They’re easy to ignore—paint them black and move on, right? Wrong! You should care as much about your shutters as you do about your front door. If you have an all-white exterior, choose something classic like an icy blue or ochre yellow. If your house has a little bit more texture—think brick or cedar shake siding—go for a classic red or stately green. And, for even more cottage or cabin charm, choose a cutout style.
RELATED: 40+ Beautiful Front Door Colors to Give Your Home an Inviting Entry
Plant Climbing Roses…
Nothing says “old-world elegance” like beautiful roses climbing over your front porch. While Peggy Martin Roses like the one shown here are technically “ramblers,” they get the job done and are prolific when in bloom. If you want to go a more traditional route, consider climbing roses from shops like the Martha Stewart–approved David Austin Roses.
Martha, a noted lifelong fan of roses, also suggests in her Gardener’s Handbook to pick brightly colored roses for large pots and climbing moments. If you aren’t sure what roses work best for your area, Martha suggests reaching out to your local master gardener society that can guide you.
RELATED: The Peggy Martin Rose Is the Foolproof Climbing Rose Gardeners Love
…Or Fill Pretty Planters
If the thrillers and spillers at the greenhouse feel more your speed than a rambling rose, then try a simple (but chic!) porch planter. Landscape designer (and internet sensation) Carmen Johnston knows how to spot a good—and bad—porch planter. All you need to succeed is her Rule of Ts: thick, tall, and trailing. Similar to the “thriller, filler, and spiller” guidance, Carmen’s theory prioritizes balance to give your planters the ultimate wow factor. Push the tall plantings to the back, fill the middle with thick flowers, and place delicate trailing flowers around the edges.
RELATED: Read More About Carmen’s No-Fail Planter Formula and How You Can Bring It to Life Today
Hang a House Name Plaque
Your house doesn’t have to be on the historic register to have its own name. Installing a name plaque near your front door is an easy and cost-effective way to make it feel a little bit more luxurious. There are lots of ways to name your house, but it’s best to go with something sentimental that has a tangible relation to your homestead. Some designer-approved names you can take inspiration from include Bunny Mellon’s Oak Spring, Martha Stewart’s Cantitoe Corners, or Christopher Spitzmiller’s Clove Brook Farm.
Anna Logan is the Deputy Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
