Adding Timeless Curb Appeal With a Facelift
Have you ever pulled up to your home and thought, “Ugh, I wish this place looked better”? I know the feeling all too well. When my husband and I bought our 1920 bungalow, it was a total mess – half-brained DIY projects from previous owners had left the place looking like a sad, forgotten relic.
But you know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” My husband and I saw the potential in that old bungalow, and we were determined to restore its former charm and give it the facelift it deserved.
After stumbling upon a discussion on Houzz, I realized we weren’t the only ones struggling with curb appeal and front porch woes. One homeowner shared their story of a 1920 bungalow that was a “terrible mess of half-hearted/half-brained DIYs from previous owners.” Sound familiar? They wanted to restore the charm of the home and change the front porch layout, since the current setup had the steps placed on the opposite side of the home from the driveway and garage.
Just like us, this homeowner was eager to rebuild the front porch and center the porch staircase in front of the front door. But they had no idea what style of porch to go for – concrete steps or something else? And what about the house, trim, and roof colors? Should they repair and keep the stucco or choose an alternative? They were even hesitant to remove the terrible old siding because they were scared of what condition the original siding might be in underneath.
I felt their pain. When we first started planning our bungalow’s facelift, we had so many questions and concerns. But with a little research, creativity, and the guidance of some experts, we were able to transform our home’s curb appeal from sad and forgotten to absolutely stunning.
Embracing the Bungalow’s Charm
One of the first things we knew we wanted to do was open up the front porch. The previous owners had created this strange, cramped alcove for the entry, which just felt so uninviting. We decided to center the porch stairs in front of the front door, which instantly made the entrance feel more grand and welcoming.
As one Houzz commenter suggested, we didn’t end up moving the steps to the front of the house, but the change in layout made a world of difference. The open porch with centered stairs gave our bungalow an undeniable curb appeal.
But the exterior facelift didn’t stop there. We also had to tackle the siding and color scheme. The previous owners had covered the original stucco in this hideous vinyl siding that was just the most uninspiring shade of beige. Yuck.
As the experts at William Nunn Painting pointed out, peeling paint and falling gutters can be major eyesores that detract from a home’s curb appeal. And those issues don’t just look bad – they can also lead to bigger problems down the line, like pest infestations and water damage.
Luckily, we didn’t have any major structural issues to deal with. But we knew we had to do something about that bland siding. After careful consideration, we decided to ditch the vinyl and go with a classic stucco finish instead. It was the perfect way to honor the bungalow’s original architecture and bring back that timeless charm.
Choosing the Perfect Color Palette
With the siding situation sorted, it was time to start thinking about colors. This was a daunting task, to say the least. We wanted to make sure the new color scheme would complement the home’s style and blend seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood.
As the experts at Better Homes & Gardens have shown, a fresh coat of exterior paint can work wonders, transforming a drab, dated facade into a true showstopper. But with so many options out there, how were we supposed to choose?
After carefully considering our home’s architectural features and the color palettes of our neighbors’ homes, we settled on a warm, earthy tone for the stucco. It was the perfect complement to the rich, reddish-brown of our roof tiles. For the trim, we chose a crisp white that really made the details pop.
And let’s not forget about the front door! As color expert Maria Killam emphasizes, a bold, eye-catching front door can be the piece de resistance of any exterior makeover. We went with a vibrant green that added an instant dose of personality and charm.
Tying it All Together with Landscaping
Of course, a home’s curb appeal isn’t just about the building itself – the landscaping plays a crucial role as well. As the examples from Better Homes & Gardens have shown, thoughtful landscaping can take an ordinary facade and transform it into something truly special.
For our bungalow, we knew we wanted to create a welcoming, cohesive look that would draw the eye straight to the front door. We started by clearing out the overgrown shrubs and trees that had been obscuring the house. Then, we planted a mix of low-maintenance perennials and evergreens that would provide year-round interest and color.
To frame the entry, we added a new walkway made of natural stone pavers. The winding path leads visitors directly to the front porch, creating a sense of anticipation and discovery. And to really make the entrance pop, we flanked the door with a pair of tall, graceful olive trees.
The end result? A bungalow that’s brimming with curb appeal and true to its historic roots. Gone are the days of that sad, forgotten facade – our home now looks like it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a design magazine.
Restoring Timeless Charm, One Project at a Time
When my husband and I first laid eyes on that old bungalow, we knew it had the potential to be something really special. Sure, it took a lot of work and a sizable investment to bring our vision to life. But the payoff has been more than worth it.
Not only do we now have a home that fills us with pride every time we pull into the driveway, but the increased curb appeal has also added significant value to our property. And as any savvy homeowner knows, boosting your home’s curb appeal is one of the best investments you can make.
So if you’re feeling frustrated with the state of your home’s exterior, take heart. With a little creativity, some elbow grease, and the guidance of the right experts, you can transform your property into a true showstopper. Whether you’re tackling a full-blown renovation or just looking to spruce up your front door, the key is to stay true to your home’s architectural roots while infusing it with your own personal style.
After all, isn’t that what makes a house a home? It’s not just about four walls and a roof – it’s about creating a space that reflects your unique personality and sparks joy every time you pull up to the curb. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to give your home the facelift it deserves!
