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Neighbors are funny. I’ll occasionally have a quick chit-chat with mine as we cross paths by our mailboxes, and our conversations always seem to revolve around the same three topics: the weather, upcoming vacations, and home upgrades. My latest landscaping project even managed to snag a few nods of approval from my least-neighborly neighbors (a marked improvement from when I was dealing with that tree encroaching on their solar panels!). But hey, they notice, and there’s something undeniably satisfying about earning that neighborly thumbs up.
Here are 25 budget-friendly home upgrades that will impress your neighbors!
Wayfair
Add Front Porch Seating
Classic Adirondacks, modern rocking chairs like these Wayfair Coastal Rocking Chairs, and swing chairs can make your yard more inviting and useful. I had a total mom win when I saw my daughter reading outside in our new Adirondack chairs.
Etsy
Update Your House Numbers
This is such a simple fix that delivers a big impact. Update your house numbers to something a bit more modern, like these Etsy House Numbers, and you'll feel an instant refresh to your exterior.
Target
Add a Trellis
You don't need a major landscaping overhaul to create a stunning focal point! A charming, petite trellis, like this one from Target, can make a massive impact, especially once your favorite climbing flowers begin to bloom.
Wayfair
Add Planters To Your Porch
Planters welcome your guests and frame your porch in an inviting way. Find plants you love and make a great first impression with beautiful planters like these from Wayfair.
Anthropologie
Add A New Doormat
Never underestimate the power of a great first impression. Swapping out a worn-out mat for something charming, like this scalloped coir doormat from Anthropologie, instantly adds personality and warmth to your entryway, making guests feel right at home before they even knock.
Amazon
Upgrade Your Door Hardware
Is your door handle looking a bit dated or worn? Replace old doorknobs, locks, or handles with more stylish and modern options, like this Entry Door Handle.
Nguyễn Tiến Thịnh
Give Some Landscaping Love
You can start small here, add a tree, a shrub, some grasses, but adding greenery that matures over time will enhancing your yard’s overall aesthetic and the value of your home. Take cues from your lifestyle too. Sod might be the ideal choice for running, playing, and family fun. Live in a dry climate? Opt for drought-tolerant plants and decorative rocks to create a low-maintenance, water-efficient landscape.
Getty
Paint Your Door
A fresh coat of bold or classic color on your front door can instantly enhance its curb appeal, and surprise your neighbors in a good way. Here are 15 Inspiring Front Door Paint Colors.
Shutterstock
Add Outdoor String Lights
String lights are pretty affordable and so charming in trees and on fences, creating a cozy vibe for your outdoor space.
Wayfair
Install Window Boxes
This has been on my home bucket list since traveling around Charleston, S.C. I love a good flower box display, whether it's colorful perennials or varying shades of greenery. Check out these affordable Wayfair Planter Boxes.
West Elm
Replace or Paint Your Mailbox
A rusty old mailbox is not giving guests the best first impression. A sleek new mailbox, like this West Elm Mailbox, or a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference.
Wayfair
Update Light Fixtures
Swap out dated porch lights and install solar pathway lights for a fresh look and more inviting space. These Wayfair Brushed Brass Outdoor Lights are classic and on trend.
Wayfair
Install Shutters
There's something so classic and European about shutters. Affordable, decorative ones can add charm and dimension to your windows. Find these Wayfair Americraft Two Equal Flat Panel Shutters in just about every color.
Shutterstock
Pressure Wash Your Exterior
Have you spotted those IG videos of people pressure washing their homes? So mesmerizing! Wash off those cobwebs and layers of grime with an Electric Pressure Washer from Amazon. A clean driveway, siding, or patio can make your home look like new.
Solo Stove
Add a Fire Pit
Build a simple and stylish fire pit with pavers or bricks or shop for one like this modern wood-burning fire pit from All Modern or this option from Solo Stove for a cozy gathering spot.
Shutterstock
Build a Garden Path
Use gravel, stepping stones, or wood chips to create an elegant walkway to your home.
Anthropologie
Hang A Wreath
It doesn't need to be December for you to hang a natural wreath on your door. A seasonal or year-round wreath, like this one from Anthropologie, adds warmth to your home’s entryway.
Eartheasy
Add Raised Garden Beds
Build a raised garden bed for under $50 with our guide or shop for these lovely cedar ones on Eartheasy. You'll have plenty of space to plant vegetables and herbs and flowers.
Wayfair
Add A Bird Bath
A bird bath, like this Wayfair Pedestal Birdbath from Kelly Clarkson Home, is a great way to support your local wildlife and pretty up your front yard.
Shutterstock
Paint or Stain Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture gets weathered throughout the year if not protected. Before spring comes, spruce up your outdoor furniture with paint, or a sand and wood stain to give your front yard a polished look.
Shutterstock
Paint or Stain Your Fence
Refreshing an old fence with a new coat of paint or stain will absolutely get neighbors talking.
Paint or Tile Your Stair Risers
Paint your stair risers in a fun contrasting or complementary color to your home, or if you want to invest a little more time and money add a decorative tile. I did this with a tile inspired by my trip to Portugal and get compliments all the time! You can also find peel-and-stick floor tile for outside porches.
Shutterstock
Wash Your Windows
You don't need a pricey renovation to get that fresh-home feeling. Giving your windows a thorough wash is an incredibly low-cost way to make your entire home literally shine and instantly brighten up your interior spaces.
Wayfair
Hide Trash Bins & HVAC
Don't let functional eyesores ruin your curb appeal. You can easily tuck away unsightly items like trash bins or HVAC units using a privacy screen with a built-in planter—it's the perfect dual-purpose solution for adding a touch of greenery and climbing vines while keeping your yard looking polished.
Add New Mulch
Refreshing your garden beds is one of the fastest ways to boost your home’s curb appeal. Simply clear away any stray weeds and spread a fresh layer of mulch to instantly tidy up your landscaping for a polished, professional look.
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