Over the past few months we have been delving deeply into how to improve your curb appeal, with tips such as using window boxes and wreaths, redoing your front and storm doors, improving your home’s entranceway, and cleaning up your exterior and garage. In this next three-parter, we are going to discuss some tips that are often overlooked by many homeowners, but when done can be the cherry-on-top of a picturesque home!
Replacing / Coordinating Hardware, Light Fixtures, House Numbers, and Mailboxes
Coordinating Hardware
Some things that can be improved that many don’t think about are the entrance door’s lockset, light fixtures, house numbers and mailboxes. Touching up these few things up alone can upgrade a home’s entire aesthetic- especially when they are mindfully coordinated with one another. In doing this, your home will look consistent and put-together rather than mismatched and messy.
Light fixtures
Light fixtures are not only necessary for safety purposes and lighting the way, but theycan be a source of ambience. Your lights should not only function, but they should add to the visual aspects of your home, as your home’s exterior is often giving visitors the first impression. In low-light or at night, the light fixtures will be what first greets any who arrive.
You can choose from suspended or hanging lights/lanterns, sconces or lights that can be placed along the patio, porch or deck railings. Depending on the size and potential utility of your outdoor spaces and your climate, one may even opt for a ceiling fan that can also light the surrounding area.
Light fixtures are often a metal construction with a finish over it that is designed to provide long, weather-resistant protection. Regular cleanings can further help the longevity of your home’s hardware or lights. People who are considering a home, or have a home, near salt water or in a humid climate may want to opt for a stronger finish for their outdoor decorations, such as coastal grade outdoor fixtures.
House numbers
There are many unique ways to add individuality to these little parts of your home that are often overlooked.
Here are some examples of how people added a little something of themselves into their house numbers, or used it as an accessory to their home (such as these mossy versions that can be an easy DIY with pressure-treated plywood and sheet moss!):
Mailboxes
A new mailbox can not only enhance your curb appeal, but can come with improved functionalities and, if you upgrade to one that locks, adding security. But it’s important to remember that your new mailbox must comply with USPS regulations for size, height, construction, placement, and location.
You can choose from a variety of mailboxes- freestanding, wall-mounted, locking or a mailbox big enough for parcels. Consider your top priorities for your mailbox: security, capacity and/or weather resistance - and begin there.
When trying to match your mailbox to your home’s look, consider it’s architectural style, color, landscaping and surroundings – and then pick a material that can efficiently withstand your local weather. When it comes to the upkeep of your new and improved mailbox, though many homeowners may not think to do so, it is important to regularly clean it of dust and dirt with soap and water to help lessen the effects of corrosion from the elements. Any appearance of rust on your mailbox can be sanded away. You may also want to consider applying a protective sealant or rust-resistant paint/primer over the entirety of your mailbox, or a UV-resistant outdoor paint job if your mailbox’s color fades due to prolonged sun exposure.
A routine check to see if the mounting hardware, hinges, and doors have loosened and need tightening can also help lengthen s mailbox’s longevity. Damaged parts should be replaced, and rusted spots can be sanded.
Focusing attention toward such small details of your home that are often overlooked by homeowners can drastically make your home go from looking lived in to brand-new- and can be the perfect final touches on a home’s recently improved entranceway or exterior.
