This Weekend: Change One Thing & Make a Better First Impression

Written by

Dabney Frake
Dabney Frake
Dabney is a Southern-born, New England-raised, current Midwesterner. Her dog Grim is part terrier, part basset hound, part dust mop.
published May 21, 2016
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Melissa DiRenzo)

It takes one-tenth of a second to make a snap judgement about appearances. What do you want people to think in that moment? When it comes to your home’s exterior, it’s neighbors, real estate agents, potential buyers, and guests who walk or stop by and notice your home’s condition. Increasing curb appeal isn’t just about keeping up with the Joneses. It’s about maintaining your home, it’s about resale value —and perhaps most importantly — it’s about making yourself happy every time you turn a corner and see your front door and realize you’re home.

This Weekend’s Assignment: Change one thing about your front door, home exterior, porch, or stoop that bothers you.

Add Some Quick Color: There’s no question about it: adding a little color is one of the easiest ways to bring some happy into your home. So go grab some paint!

8 Unusually Beautiful Front Door Colors You’d Never Think to Try → Make One Colorful Change to Create Crazy Curb Appeal

Why Are So Many Front Doors Red? → Pretty & Practical: The History of “Haint Blue” Porch Ceilings


Try a Temporary Fix: Not all of you are homeowners, worried about curb appeal for resale reasons, or having to paint the exterior of your house every ten years. You just want to come home to a happy, welcoming place. For renters, try some of these ideas for your porch, front door, or steps.

Temporary Outdoor Accessories & Decor All Renters Should Know About → Upscale Pot: 20 Ways To Primp Your Planters

→ Best Outdoor Candle Hurricanes & Lanterns

→ 10 Ways to Transform a Basic Welcome Mat

Go For Major Curb Appeal: Improving your home’s exterior is both an emotional and financial investment. Simple changes really add up and completely affect the way a house looks and feels. You’ll be happier each time you gaze at it, and you’ll get a higher price when you sell in the future.



→ 15 DIYs to Increase Your Curb Appeal

Remember, as with all of our Weekend Projects, just do what you have the time and energy to do. And hey, if you don’t feel like chasing ants, choose one of our other weekend projects to get done.

SHOW US YOUR WEEKEND WORK! Share your tips and photos of your Weekend Project work on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #ATweekendproject.

Let’s all give Wendy a big round of applause for her new window box, which she filled with succulents. They look amazing next to the black paint!

(Image credit: Instagram)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Check out the entire 2016 Plan for a Healthy & Happy Home to access all the Weekend Project ideas and download our May Home Checklist while you’re there. It’s a great, low-pressure way to keep your life running smoothly and maintain a happy & healthy home!