6 steps to put your best facade forward and create an unforgettable first impression

Hit the streets

When working on a large area with many elements, it’s crucial you start by creating a comprehensive plan. If you’re struggling to settle on what kind of look you want to achieve, walking around your local area can be a great way to get the creative juices flowing.

While It’s important to consider the house you already have when settling on an overall design plan (starkly modern architecture may be your dream look, but your Californian Bungalow or 80s classic double brick may be better enhanced with more sympathetic styling), techniques like rendering and respraying can completely change the look of a home if done well . Pro tip: you’ll want to engage an experienced tradie.

Rather than simply try to duplicate the look of a house you like, take note of what specifically you like about your favourite homes. For example, are you drawn to houses with gardens bursting with greenery and shaded areas, minimalist landscaping, and architecture, or perhaps a stark white, black and grey colour scheme that you love? If in doubt about what looks are achievable with your property, chat to an architect or designer.

Once you’ve settled on a look, create a plan, budget and timeline to ensure you pull off a cohesive look, without budget blowouts halting the work halfway through.

Nailing your landscaping

Landscaping can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your property, encompassing everything on your property that stands outside a house.

A key feature, choose plants in keeping with environmental conditions. For example, natives are easy to maintain and use less water and are designed for your environment. With such a wide variety available, you can go for shapes, styles, sizes and colours that suit the overall aesthetic you are going for.

If you are a novice gardener, it’s highly recommended you chat to a landscape designer or garden expert - everything from soil quality to how much sun or shade your plants get will impact what will flourish and what will perish on the various parts of your property.

A great way to create a lush look, installing a well-manicured lawn can be easily DIY-ed if you are comfortable laying out proper drainage and flattening the ground first – if not, it is a relatively inexpensive job to have done by a professional that will make a huge impact. If you already have a lawn that is patchy or has dips, consider hiring an expert who can level it and repair problem spots. If you want a zero-maintenance option, gravel or decorative stone pathways through mulch and native plants is another option.

Neither last nor least, installing retaining walls, stone borders, or planters can add depth and dimension to your landscaping, as can a stylish driveway with materials like cobblestone, brick, or stamped concrete.

Play up architectural details

Architectural details play a pivotal role in enhancing your property's front facade. Start with the existing features – for example, if your home has intricate mouldings, ornate columns, or decorative trims, emphasize them with a fresh coat of paint. Choose a contrasting colour to give these elements even more of a pop. Similarly, restoring weathered woodwork or replacing damaged components can breathe new life into your facade.

If your house is short on architectural details, you can add them yourself - for example, decorative shutters, a stylish front door, or decorative banisters around your front porch can create a focal point and make your house more inviting. Additionally, landscaping can be integrated to complement these elements, framing your facade with lush greenery or vibrant flowers.

Good lighting is another key aspect, which, placed thoughtfully, can highlight architectural features during the evening hours, creating an enchanting ambiance and ensuring your house stands out even in the dark.

Give your exterior finishes some attention

Unsurprisingly, the choice of exterior finishes can significantly impact the look of your home. Whether you choose a traditional or modern look, selecting the right paints and colours can make a drastic difference and really drive home the look you are trying to achieve – conversely it can compete with the look and detract from creating a cohesive look. If you’re not skilled with design (or a paintbrush), a qualified painter can be an invaluable investment.

When tackling your exterior finishes:

• Refresh the exterior with a fresh coat of paint or stain in a colour scheme that harmonizes with your surroundings
• Consider siding materials such as wood, vinyl, brick, stone, or stucco, depending on your desired aesthetic and maintenance preferences
• Pay attention to the architectural elements like decorative trim, columns, or window boxes – these can be further enhanced with a complimentary trim colour

Play up your windows, doors and fences

Windows and doors are key focal points on your front facade, and they can be used to enhance both style and functionality.

As well as upgrading to a more modern front door, you could:

• Invest in energy-efficient windows that improve insulation and curb appeal simultaneously
• Opt for unique window shapes, sizes, and grids to create visual interest
• Install window treatments and awnings that add charm and shade to your home's exterior
• Upgrade to a garage door that complements your home's architecture and style, ensuring it doesn't dominate the facade.

Fencing also has a huge impact on the overall look of your home. While some fences will only need a lick of fresh paint, if your fence is tired or dated, consider starting afresh with a new style.

Likewise, if your front gate and letterbox have seen better days, consider replacing them with an option that enhances the look you’ve chosen (and at the very least, a clean and scrub, repair and potentially a repaint will ensure they don’t stand out for the wrong reasons.)

Getting the most out of your porch and entryway

The porch and entryway serve as the gateway to your home, making them essential areas to focus on when improving your front façade. Incorporate an eye-catching entryway design, such as a custom door surround or unique door knocker. Replacing tired porch flooring materials with something new (look for durable and aesthetically pleasing choices such as wood, composite decking, or decorative tiles) can lift the look of your front area.

Furnishing your porch with comfortable seating, potted plants, and decorative accessories can further create an inviting atmosphere and give you a second outdoor entertaining space. Ensure they are in keeping with the over design aesthetic you have chosen as a cohesive look comes down to the smallest details and it gives a more polished look.