We often think of the “spring refresh” as an indoor activity—throwing open the windows, swapping out throw pillows and area rugs and re-organizing cluttered closets. But you can take that same energy outside—and, in fact, you should.
There are, of course, endless ways to make your outdoor spaces more chic (in fact, you can go from A to Z). But there are also plenty of ways to give your home’s façade a facelift without committing to a multi-month project. Whether you want to up your home’s curb appeal, prepare yourself for a warm season filled with gatherings outside or just feel like shaking up your space, these tips will keep all parts of your home looking shiny and new this spring.
Frame your windows
If you’re changing out windows as the weather warms, you don’t need to stick to the traditional white frames. “Black window frames remain popular across many home styles— not because they’re trendy, but because they’ve become as classic and versatile as white frames,” says Hong Jin of Netta Architects in Mountainside. “You’ll see them in new builds and remodeling projects, from traditional homes and modern townhouses to contemporary suburban designs. They create clean contrast, add definition and make a subtle architectural statement.”
How to use them correctly? According to Jin, “In farmhouse and industrial-style spaces, black frames complement textured materials such as wood siding, metal roofing and exposed brick. The result is a subtle contrast that feels balanced, not forced. In traditional homes, they pair beautifully with red brick, stone or stucco, adding distinction without overpowering decorative trim or historic details. However, in some cases, black frames can appear too modern or visually heavy for these more historic architectural styles.”
Upgrade the lighting
Gone are the days when exterior lighting was limited to floodlights and a door-side lamp. According to Shaun Thomson of By Design Landscapes in Manasquan, “People go to restaurants or resorts and find an incredible sense of ambiance. You create that kind of ambiance with lighting elements.” He also says that lighting directs the eye and can highlight and frame elements of the landscaping that are visually pleasing—Thomson suggests impressive architectural features on the house or flowering trees as possible targets.
“We’re also seeing more lower-path lighting, which kind of splashes light onto the ground in front of you,” says Thomson.
Create a warm welcome
This is the part of your home that literally welcomes guests, so it’s only logical that it should make a fantastic first impression. It’s also a feature that takes a lot of wear and tear—likely, if a few years have passed, your door is in need of a touchup. Reach for the same bucket of paint you used last time, or take this opportunity to mix it up. A door that compliments a home’s trim, rather than matches it exactly, can really make a property pop.
Paint trends in general have been moving darker and moodier in the past years, and it’s no different for exterior doors—think warm browns and beiges that conjure thoughts of home, or a deep green that echoes the plant life around it.
Plant your flowers
Your landscape planning is likely already well underway, whether that’s calling in tree care experts or plotting out the annuals for your gardens. But don’t forget that container plants on front steps or next to walkways can also add a fun pop of color and whimsy, and are easy to update throughout the season if you tire of a color—or as the season shifts and requires a different bloom.
Containers themselves also work function as mini works of art—they’re sculptural, eye-catching and work in harmony with the plants within.
Freshen up walkways
Updating your home’s walkways is more of an undertaking, but that effort is more than worth it—and the results are usually impactful. (And, additionally, when pavers get faded, chipped or damaged, it’s more than just an aesthetic issue, it can quickly become a matter of safety.)
Colors and shapes of pavers continue to expand every year, meaning that this is a place where you can really get creative and let your personality shine. A high-contrast pattern between black and white? A classic red-brick look? An interlocking pattern like your favorite patchwork quilt? All completely doable, and likely to give your home that style upgrade you’re craving.
Have a home worthy of showing off? Tell us all about it on Instagram @njhomemag.