They say you should never judge a book by it’s cover, but make no mistake; first impressions leave a lasting influence. We spend countless sums on interior design projects to wow our guests and ourselves, but it all counts for nothing if you neglect your exterior. Passing onlookers aren’t going to get the chance to gaze through your window in appreciation of all your hard work. All they have is an outside perspective. And if you want to leave a lasting impression, you’re going to need to give exterior design some thought.

This is especially important if you’re looking to sell your house. It only takes a split second for potential buyers to be swayed one way or the other. You don’t want to risk a sale because you overlooked the importance of how your home looks from the outside, do you? Maybe your property is actively on the market. Or perhaps you’re just looking to become the envy of your neighbourhood. Either way, here are some tips for improving the appeal of your home’s exterior.

Front Door & Windows

Arguably the most important part of your ‘front of house’ setup is the front door. This is the gateway to your home. Believe me, people are going to be judging it. Make sure it’s in the best condition it can be. Don’t be afraid to spend a little bit of money on sprucing it up, just make sure it’s not too cheap! Consider putting in a canopy above the door, which is particularly popular for terrace houses. Otherwise, make sure the paintwork is up to scratch at the very least. It should go without saying that you should make sure your windows are gleaming at all times, and the framework isn’t rotting.

Garden

Maybe people groan at the prospect of gardening, but it shouldn’t be a chore. There are those that actively choose it as a hobby, remember! Nobody is saying you have to be the second coming of Alan Titchmarsh, but at the very least you should take pride in your front garden. In the summer, especially, make sure that the grass is neat. Planting and maintaining some flowers isn’t going to take too much time and will leave a good impression. It’s also worth remembering that people, including prospective buyers, love their privacy. Having a well-kept garden fence is of utmost importance. Also ensure that your garden path is clear, tidy and looked after properly.

Lighting

When the moon rises, there’s something comforting about having a porch light at your disposal. It exudes class, even if you’re not sitting on your front step every night. It’s a great way to have your home stand out amongst the crowd, especially in the winter months when daylight seems to get more and more scarce. And if you have visitors that have expressed an interest in buying your home coming at night time. It’s a solid strategy for making a good first impression, and will leave your home the classiest on the street.