The exterior of your house is just like the cover of a book, and I know what they say – “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” but I stand by my statement! Let me explain.

I am not much of a novel reader, so if I am standing in the airport staring at the huge wall of books and have no idea what’s inside, the exterior of a book had better catch my attention because that’s the one I will pick up first! In the exact same way, the exterior or the cover of your home needs to have the same effect. It should draw you in saying, “Welcome! If you love my outside, just wait till you see what is hiding behind this beautiful door!”

Yes, your home’s exterior is so important, but there are so many looks, styles, and directions you can go these days it’s exciting, but can be quite overwhelming too. One of the main contributors in your exterior appeal is landscaping. It really helps with the overall drawing-in-magnetism type factor of your home. The landscaping is the background that gives the main focal point, (your home), the pop and attention you are looking for.

Let’s start there; the exterior landscaping, the foliage, crushed rock, driveway, pathway, etc. These are places that can and will add colour to your overall look but will also add texture and interest, which is even better! When you can mimic the colour of your brick in your tree foliage or draw out your front door with the beautiful flowers you have planted, you will really start to see the best of curb appeal.

You can take the most beautiful home and totally downplay it by not making the right choices on the outside. Take the time to stand back and really pay attention. What do you want to accentuate and make a focal point? If you added in some beautiful dormers or a nice covered deck, make sure you put emphasis on those places by drawing attention to them. Try different textures and combinations of rock, metal, vertical and horizontal siding to create interest and attention to certain things on your home.

To keep balance, and avoid a willy-nilly looking space, my rule is to do everything at least twice. For example, if you use a cedar look siding in one spot, find somewhere else to balance that colour even if it is with a beautiful chair or a pot on your deck. This creates balance, which makes it more appealing to your eye. If you don’t, it almost gives you the message that it was an experiment and it feels out of place. So, make sure you mimic things even if using a different texture like a painted red door and red petunias! I think you get what I am saying.

Be willing to put some time into your exterior by doing some research on new product, or work with someone who knows what’s out there for choices! This is your home and every time you want to come home, you want to feel happy and be drawn in.