Is Spring on its way? Surely the cold and dreary days will give way to sunshine and blossoms. Spring means lots of new colors, spring cleaning and if you are into the real estate market, it means the start of SELLING season.

Does the front of your house look a little blah?

An investment on the outside of your house from curb to entry can take your home from a drive-by to a must-see. Crank up your curb appeal.

Read on for 12 genius ways to bring the flower aesthetic to your curbside appeal.

What Is the Flower Aesthetic?

The flower aesthetic as about connecting you with the spirit of nature. The exuberant colors of growing and renewal are celebrated in wild abandon. No stiff rows and columns of soldier marigolds are allowed.

The flower aesthetic is about enjoying the natural order. That isn’t to say that everything is just left in a disorganized heap. The aesthetic order of the day is to maintain a quaint, natural arrangement instead of anything stiffly symmetrical.

Fussy, contrived looks are out. Pops of color that look like the grew that way are completely in! Think of the Hobby Lobby Challenge!

I’m Not Interested in Selling

“Why should I care about nice homes and curb appeal ?”, you may ask yourself. Neighbors and neighborhoods matter to people who are buying, so even if you don’t personally have a stake in the looks outside your house, your neighbors do. They want top dollar when they sell.

Of course, if you or your neighbors are getting ready for selling season and want to skip all the preparation, check out this website. There are alternatives.

Curb Appeal Tips

Everything about the flower aesthetic is natural and uncluttered. So put on some tunes and let’s get to work!

1. Declutter the Front of the House

A clean, attractive entrance sets the tone for your visitor. Your goal is to make the steps from the curb to the main entrance appealing. Remove any items in your yard that distract the eye.

Think about eliminating benches, chairs, toys and excess art. Banish windchimes and suncatchers.  Now is the time to let the natural looseness of fresh blossoms shine.

2. Dress Up the Door

Fresh paint and polished hardware always look good. Some people do away with the screen or storm door to make the entry more welcoming. A simple spray of flowers or a wreath adds a nice touch.

Don’t overdo it, though. You want eyes drawn to the entry and for guests to want to visit!

3. Trim is In

A freshly painted door needs clean trim. While you are at it, touch up the trim all around the front of the house. Add a clean doormat and flank the door with some well-chosen plants.

Once you have repainted the trim, don’t forget to wash all the windows and polish them until they shine. Repair or remove hanging screens, gutters or light fixtures.

4. Make the Mailbox Part of the Decor

Love the Shabby Chic look? Makeover your mailbox in the same look. Train some climbing roses or other flowers up and around the post.

5. Add Some Spring Color

Add window boxes of bright color. Vary plant height and shape so you don’t get the toy soldier look. Look for flowers with a gentle curve or hanging growth.

Don’t forget to freshen the garden beds. Flats of annuals are an inexpensive investment.

6. Bend the Beds

Break up the straight lines of your flower beds. Even if you have a straight concrete walk from curb to front door, you can add interest.

Cut curved flower beds alongside the walk and naturalize flower bulbs throughout. This will create drifts of long-lasting color.

7. Mulch All the Soil

A new application of mulch makes a spring garden feel fresh.  Apply mulch to all your garden beds, around the shrubs, and beneath trees. It comes in many colors and materials that enhance surrounding plants.

8. Whack the Weeds

Not many people consider dandelions and thistle aesthetically pleasing. Maximize your curb appeal by tending the flowerbeds and weeding the lawn.  Trim back any overgrown trees and shrubs to let in light.

9. Reconsider the Lawn

Bare patches, broken irrigation, and pets take their toll.  Replant or reseed, repair the irrigation and think about deterring animals with repellant.  Or take a bigger step and severely limit the amount of lawn.

Trade up for alternatives like pampas grass, water or stone features. A mixed meadow frond yard features wildflowers, grasses, and other plants to attract beneficial insects and birds.

10. Scrub the Hardscape

Dirty concrete and mossy brick do little to enhance the natural beauty of your flowers. Power wash algae, moss, and dirt from your exteriors, too. Keep the walkways swept.

11. Work Your Colors

Coordinate but don’t try to color match your plants and flowers. You might want to use a color wheel to find complementary shades. A striking flower aesthetic might come from an all grays and blue/purple hues (lambs ear, silver flax, delphinium, and Japanese iris) highlighted with dramatic bearded iris.

12. Point At the Entry

An arch of flowers, a twining vine or even just plants of varying heights should draw the viewer’s eye to the door. Just remember to keep things simple, like they grew that way.

The Flower Aesthetic for Curb Appeal

Simple, natural and uncluttered never go out of style. Spring is the buying and selling season for residential real estate. Make your home or neighborhood market ready by using the flower aesthetic.

Use these simple tips to give your home charm from curbside. The time and money you invest in curb appeal return to you in increased sales price.

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