While some homeowners have warm, yet breezy weather year round, others may prefer to enjoy what Mother Nature brings their way with the changing of the seasons. Perhaps you love to watch the leaves change in color when the crisp cool air of fall settles in, or maybe you enjoy those snowy, winter days curled up on the sofa in your country house. Whatever your favorite season, most homeowners would agree that when nature begins to change its appearance, so does the decor of the home. Thankfully, most homes can be transformed to reflect the season with little time and investment.
Decorative vases with beautiful bright flowers and other unique accessories provide a tasteful, summer accent to this living space.
Every so often homeowners are graced with a winter day that feels like spring has finally decided to pay a visit. Or perhaps you prefer the first break in the summer heat when the crisp cool of fall is just around the corner. Thankfully, it’s easier than you think!
Seasonal Color Ideas
The key to rotating seasonal décor is acknowledging the significance of layers. Just as people layer clothing to enjoy whatever Mother Nature springs on us next, homes require layers of décor to be functional. The layer that requires attention first is that of color. To begin thoughts on your seasonal decorating ideas, start thinking about the temperature. Cooler temperatures call for fall home decor, a style that uses warmer tones that add comfort and coziness to any sized space- think of deep scarlet and plum, golds and oranges. This is especially important as you consider living room decor ideas, as the living room tends to see much heavier use throughout the cooler months. Warmer temps are great for showing off light and airy touches, perfectly accented by soothing blues, greens, and vibrant sun colors.
Warm, layered textures provide a sense of coziness and comfort as the temperature outside begins to fall.
For easy and dramatic switches from one situation to another, it’s best to start off with a neutral palette. Note that neutral does not mean “white” or “boring.” Neutral can be any shade of a color you want to work with in both settings. Example: green paint can be warmed up with darker greens and deep reds, while warm temps may call for splashes of white and yellow to brighten up the space. The accents will make an impact, so long as the foundation is fairly flexible.
Using accented accessories in a neutral colored living space is a great way to add strong, seasonal ambience to your living spaces.
Adding Color
Once the colors have been determined, it’s time to decide how to apply that color. The simplest way to approach this is by painting the walls the “neutral” color and using throws, pillows, rugs, and other accessories to pack a punch. These little bits and pieces add so much to décor without breaking the budget. Look for fabrics reflective of the season to add comfort and texture to the color dimensions. Faux fur, chenille, and velvet are all warm and inviting as autumn decorations, a comforting addition to the home as the cold weather of the fall and winter months settle in. Cottons and gauzy fabrics are perfectly cool when warm weather threatens to overwhelm.
A Seasonal Look at Decor
In addition to the basic décor materials, look at changing out books, pictures, and centerpieces. Rotating personal collections depending on the season allows homeowners to display many more treasures without having a cluttered and awkward living space. You should also consider what scents to indulge in depending on the time of year. Spicy candles are delicious in the cooler months but may be too warm and heavy when the weather turns.
The last layer to make a significant impact is that of lighting. Whatever colors and fabrics you may have chosen, nothing can be properly admired without the right ambiance. Some seasons’ earlier sunsets mean a lack of natural light. This calls for candles, fireplaces, and more general lighting in living spaces (for fall decorating ideas on a budget, you would be surprised at how much a few well placed candles can liven up a space!) When the long days of summer return, window shades are thrown open and extra lamps are rarely needed. Play with home lighting to see what may best suit your home.
Everyone wants to own that home on the street that stops people in their tracks. No, that doesn’t mean it has to be a huge mansion with jaw-dropping over-the-top features, it means it just has that “thing” called curb appeal that makes it feel warm and inviting, and seems to beg neighbors and friends to come on in. Below are some of the most popular ways to create that home “eye-candy” we all dream of.
Plan 101D-0050 on houseplansandmore.com
EXCITING ENTRIES
Gone are the days of cookie-cutter front porch entries. Today’s homeowners love showing off their personality and making front porches a precursor to what guests will find inside. These entrances often include statement lighting, custom doors, unique surrounding windows, luxurious plant holders, and even furniture. Homeowners are really trying to pull you in and they are making these spaces comfortable for outdoor relaxation, too. Front doors made of glass, or that feature iron and glass are becoming more popular. Use fun, playful colors. If you’re wanting to build a European style home, then ornate iron and glass style doors are a beautiful option. For those building a Craftsman home, many front doors include glass windows in a variety of shapes and sizes traditional to the Arts & Crafts style movement. Another playful option is the Dutch door. A Dutch door allows half of the door to be open at anytime, whether it’s the top, or the bottom. It’s a great way to get some fresh air moving through your home on a nice day.
Statement house numbers and bright accents make this home stand out. Photo courtesy of Platform, theplatformexperiment.com.
LITTLE EXTRAS = BIG IMPACT
Just like it’s being seen in interior design; statement lighting is also a current trend being made on the exterior, too. Statement house numbers are also the rage and people are getting super creative in how they’re displaying their home’s address numbers. Adhered to modern planters, custom painted in a unique font on the front door, or positioned in a clever place on the front facade, house numbers are actually adding style to a home’s exterior. No longer a necessity or eyesore, these numbers are enhancing the front of a home and are carefully taking homage to the home’s architectural style. A thoughtfully selected style and finish can greatly enhance the authenticity of your home’s architecture. Have fun, and be playful with it. It definitely allows you show off you and your home’s personality and style.
Playful Mid-Century Modern entry, Photo courtesy of Destination Eichler, LLC, destinationeichler.com
BRIGHT IS ALRIGHT
Bright colors on home exteriors if they fit with the architectural style is also popular. But, some styles like Craftsman, are still utilizing more neutral tones. Darker paint colors are also making a comeback on the exterior, and in complete contrast, off-white and white exteriors thanks to the Modern Farmhouse style are also growing in popularity just like white has made a major comeback in interior home décor.
Photo courtesy of House Beautiful Magazine
CUSTOM DOORS, NEED WE SAY MORE?
What used to be a pretty basic element to a home’s front facade, the front door is often just a plain solid door meant for security purposes only. The doors homeowners are selecting today are thoughtful, well planned exterior ornamentation. Once again, they carry through with the home’s architecture and often include many windows in unusual shapes, which add plenty of extra light to the interior. Take it one step further and paint the door (inside and out) in a vibrant color and add unique house numbers for the perfect expression that’s friendly and inviting.
Photo courtesy of homemydesign.com
THE VINTAGE ADVANTAGE
Vintage flair hasn’t waned, either. Offering a casual and inviting element to a covered front porch, fun vintage pieces like re-purposed benches, antique watering cans, or planters offer a kitschy element that’s fun, playful, and asks you to sit down and stay awhile.
Plan 101D-0052 from houseplansandmore.com, Damon Searles, photographer
NOSTALGIC FOR FRONT PORCHES
Years ago, the front porch was the gathering place where people would mingle and socialize with neighbors. It was one of the only ways to connect with those around them and provide space for enjoying the outdoors. This trend is reappearing due to smaller lot sizes and homeowners’ interest more than ever in outdoor living spaces. Often, the covered front porch is one of the only outdoor spaces and because of this, people are using this space to the fullest by adding furniture, lighting, and other elements that make it feel comfortable and warm.
Plan 101D-0059 from houseplansandmore.com, photo courtesy of Diggles Creative, Warren Diggles, photographer
SIDEWALK TALK
With all of the thought that goes into every little detail of your home’s design, you would think by the time the landscaping and hardscapes have to be determined you can finally relax and not worry so much about the aesthetics of these elements. But, that truly isn’t so! Sidewalk design is being carried through with a home’s architectural style and color palette as it offers the initial welcome to guests. Don’t get lazy when it comes to your sidewalk. You will see that a carefully designed walkway will pave the way for a major curb appeal moment. Today’s homeowners are opting for pavers, stone, or other materials for their home’s main entrance. And, due to the efficiency and affordability of LED light bulbs, lining those paths and walkways with light adds curb appeal at night for a very low cost.
Plan 065S-0034 from houseplansandmore.com
SENSING A PATTERN
Driveways, much like sidewalks can offer little or no added style to a home if you choose not to take them into account. But, homeowners today love the look of patterned driveways that either match the sidewalk or complement it. Have fun using textures and materials that complement your home’s exterior and it will positively impact curb appeal.
Plan 013S-0014 from houseplansandmore.com
FLORA FOREVER
Flowers and plants are more popular than ever for surrounding your home’s facade and adding softness. Landscape designers of today are thoughtful in their plant choices. Native landscaping is the way to go. Selecting plants that naturally grow in your region allows for less watering and fertilization, which is better for the environment. Choosing native plants also goes in line with the trend that homeowners are pairing down their ecological footprint. Native plants require less water than what is already received in rainfall. Plus, less sprinkler time means lower water bills, less water waste, and all around happier plants.
Plan 011S-0003 from houseplansandmore.com
LIGHTER LANDSCAPING
Being paired down to reflect the less cluttered style of homes being designed today, landscaping especially in the front of a home is much less fussy than in previous years. Today, new homeowners are choosing not to over plant shrubs and trees. Think clean, well-manicured lawns, carefully selected bushes, and tree options that are well suited with the home’s architecture. By reducing the amount of landscaping a yard has, homeowners are staying eco-friendly creating less erosion issues, too.
So, by using less, your choices are now more important in order to make an impact. Choose plants that complement the color scheme of your home. If your home is gray, then offset it with pinks and reds. Or, if you’ve chosen a dark blue or slate, then white and yellow can provide that pop of color, or brighten the exterior. Another fun option is to select edible landscape such as colorful pepper plants and herbs and suddenly your landscaping is working twice as hard as your own organic garden, too. This is especially a great idea if you lack backyard space, or the position of the front of your home has more sunlight, making it more suitable to successful gardening.
Photo courtesy of Tongue & groove, design-build by Mark Watson, tongue-and-groove.com
MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY POT
The planters on the market today have really come a long way. These vessels that used to just hold flowers can now often upstage their contents. Uniquely shaped, and often in a style that complements a home’s architecture, a well chosen and placed planter can add immense curb appeal.
Plan 101D-0056 from houseplansandmore.com, photo courtesy of Diggles creative, Warren Diggles, photographer
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Transom windows are being added to the front exterior and around the entire perimeter of a home for several reasons. They add character to the facade in a clean, uncomplicated way that is in line with Craftsman and Mid-Century modern style, that is quite popular right now. They have a less formal feel than an arched window design. And, they add additional light to the interior, which is a feature currently popular in interior home design. Open airy interiors are dictating home design, so the addition of larger windows makes an interior feel more open especially in homes with smaller square footages. Also, large picture windows are being seen in every style of home from Craftsman to Mid-Century Modern, plus everything in between.
Exterior lighting adds drama once the sky goes dark. Even a solar light placed strategically on a unique ornamental tree can enhance your exterior and draw eyes to want to see more. Or, take it a step further and create a facade lit with soffit lighting, or light the bottom corners of the home for intensified drama. Many of these lighting systems can now be controlled right from your smart phone making it easy to use and creating added security when you’re away.
THE FINISH LINE
Depending on how luxurious the home is, those with larger budgets are using copper gutters to add curb appeal and style that truly stands out. Another interesting addition can be a unique fence that features an artistic pattern that basically becomes a work of art. Choosing a fence style with a similar architectural feel will make your home seem thoughtfully planned.
As homeowners tastes change, so do their ideas of what the ideal architectural style truly is. As their need for less complicated living, free of clutter and visual distractions becomes more important, the popular architectural styles reflect that. If they’re craving a need to feel one with nature, then their desired style of home will turn to architecture that allows nature to be honored and respected. These constant shifts in tastes and trends in society are what make the landscape around us so colorful and interesting with glimpses of the past, present, and future found all around us in any given city or neighborhood. Whatever style of architecture you choose, remember these curb appeal tips for optimizing the exterior style to the fullest and making your personality and home shine wherever it is that you live.
To view all of the house plans highlighted throughout this article, please visit houseplansandmore.com and search by plan number. And, to see hundreds more great curb appeal ideas, visit House Plans and More on Pinterest.
I often think when people are looking to build a new home plan, or are wanting to buy an existing home, one thing that comes to mind almost right from the start is, where am I going to put a Christmas tree, or other holiday décor?
Our guest bedroom has some furniture that was my mom’s when she was a little girl. In fact, the furniture pieces were made in 1953 according to the information on the back. I’m the sentimental type, so instead of just discarding it to buy new, I thought it would be a good idea to repaint it, so it has a more modern feel, while still keeping it in the family.
The original furniture set was painted white with an apple green accent trim like you see here on the matching dresser. Read more →
