When I think about curb appeal, I usually envision a little house in the suburbs with a beautiful yard. Don’t you?
This leaves out a huge group of homeowners who live in places where a yard isn’t possible (or those who rent — like me).
If you’re an urban homeowner, you have your own challenges, but you still have an ability to create curb appeal for your home.
I live in a historical bank building that has been converted into apartments. I don’t have a yard, but I’ve added my own touches to some of the shared space outside of my door.
Depending on the season, I add simple and inexpensive pieces, plants, or flowers. My landlord loves it and it shows my care and appreciation for my “home”.
So, what if you don’t have a yard? What if you’re a city dweller blessed with a perfectly urban space that’s tasteful in its own right?
The following 3 tips are for you, the homeowner who wants to make a good first impression without the benefit of a nice yard.
#1 – Pay Special Attention To The Front Of Your Home
Feeling pressure to spruce up your home’s exterior? Have you been bombarded with curb appeal ideas from well-intending neighbors and friends?
Curb appeal is all about the first impression your property makes. It’s not just freshly mowed grass that can make a home look well-manicured.
You’ve heard the saying about first impressions, right? So definitely pay attention to the front of your home.
Some easy ways to spruce up the front of your house:
- Replace old hardware on your front door.
- Paint your shutters.
- Tile your doorstep.
- Makeover your mailbox.
- Replace gutters and downspouts.
- Add arbors or fence panels.
- Freshen up the paint, siding, or trim.
Put the focus on things you’ve done to improve your home’s exterior appearance.
#2 – Add Flowers And Personal Touches
Let’s assume for a minute you live in a brownstone walk-up home somewhere in the heart of Brooklyn.
You won’t have a yard, but everyone will look at something when they pull up. Impress them with personal touches on your front stoop.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll impress yourself too (which is sometimes most important!)
Think about creating a display of seasonal flowers near your front door. If it’s the holiday season, a wreath adorning your front door can do the trick!
There are lots of great ways to add some personal touches that don’t cost a lot of money:
- Create a container garden.
- Build a walkway and plant flowers on the sides.
- Create symmetry with decorative pieces and outdoor art.
- Install window boxes.
- Add well-trimmed ivy to the exterior of your home.
Anything that catches the eye is a good place to start. Keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a lot to create your own personal haven!
#3 – Add Exterior Lighting
Lighting is important for safety and appearance.
If you don’t have a yard, then chances are good that you live in a city.
You can create tons of curb appeal by adding lights and lighting features in these ways:
- Mark your walkway and door.
- Mix lighting styles in front of your house.
- Use uplighting in your trees.
- Place lights high in trees to create “moon lighting“.
- Use colored lights (they’re not just for holidays anymore!)
- Consider LED tape on bricks or stucco.
If you’re thinking of selling your home in the city, keep in mind that buyers shopping for homes in cities have different expectations and concerns. You can create a beautiful appearance and emphasize the safety of your property by adding appropriate lighting.
Some of the most beautiful row houses from my area in Philadelphia feature antique lamps jutting from the brick structure of the property. Think of lighting as a way to make your house shine while providing safety for you and your guests.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that curb appeal is only for the suburbanite owners who can plant a few shrubs and manicure their yards.
If you’re trying to increase the value of your home, then you should do whatever you can to create the best first impression by using everything you have available to you.
Still Looking For More Curb Appeal Ideas?
- Curb Appeal Makeover Before & After Photos
- How To Install A Water Feature Into Your Landscap
- See What Your Front Door Would Look Like In Different Colors
- No Grass? No Problem! Ideas For Landscaping
- How A Rain Chain Can Enhance Your Home’s Exterior
I'm a health nut, a frugal mom, a dog lover, a DIYer, and a gadget girl. Personally, as a post-divorce, working single mom on a budget I have a lot of experiences that I enjoy sharing so others can learn from the things I wish I knew earlier! Professionally, I've worked full-time in a variety of marketing, sales, and editing jobs. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as Managing Editor at The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
