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The Great Outdoors Increase curb envy with a splash of color, creative flair and a trip to the local nursery  Image courtesy iStockphoto Mother Nature can't do everything, you know. She'll provide you with vibrant seasonal colors, but it's your responsibility to create the look that will define the exterior of your home. Add color with newly painted shutters or show off mosaic tiles, but whatever you decide to do, experts stress that consistency is key. "Less is more," says Carly Sax, owner of Chicago-based CX Design/Consult, referring to the importance of showing restraint when decorating with color. "There is a visual line that you have to be careful not to cross." Complimentary Shades Creating curb envy can be as easy as picking up a paintbrush. Mar Jennings, a lifestyle and design expert based in Westport, Conn., recommends painting your front door, garage door, window/flower boxes and shutters in one color that is complimentary to your house to create contrast and dimension. Jennings says not to be scared of using a color you're not used to. "It's just an accent color," Jennings says. "You can easily repaint." Garden Party Another easy way to add some color to the outside of your home is to spice up the landscaping. "Flowers, shrubbery and trees are a great way to add some color. Even outdoor ornamentation is nice," says Diane Wilson, designer and owner of Design Elements in Lincoln, Calif. "Succulents are not quite flowers, but they are beautiful," adds Alyssa Cassatto, a designer at Stanton Home Furnishings in Atlanta. "They come in so many different shapes and sizes and they are easy to maintain. They can last throughout the year." And for some dimension, Jennings recommends architectural accents that will showcase the garden or yard. Use a wood trellis and place it anywhere in the garden for a great visual accent, and then paint. "It's just a wonderful way, no matter what time of year, to have a splash of color in your garden, especially in the winter when you need it most," Jennings says. Other architectural elements like a freestanding pyramids, homemade outdoor bouquet pieces, or even a doghouse easily become eye-catching focal points in the garden or yard. Naturally Nature The use of natural tones and colors will make your outside design seasonally appropriate with an understated elegance. Bright colors are not the right fit for every climate and location, so sometimes it is better to go with a subtle coloring that fits all seasons, according to Sax. "I think generally people find the most pleasing colors look like nature - browns, greens, blues," agrees Wilson. Create a large stone/slate collection for display to keep you and your yard in vogue with minimal upkeep. Each season has its own highlight colors, according to Jennings, who says picking the right plants can add color to your home's exterior in a natural way. Invest and plant some holly, and see how the red berries will pop against the winter landscape of bare trees and grey skies. "It's a fabulous plant. It really anchors your house, makes the house stand out," Jennings says. "And it's double bang for the buck. Cut some branches and bring them inside the home for holiday decorations." Style by the Mile Depending on the space you have to work with, some distinctive tiles, stones or pieces of pottery can be a great way to incorporate extra color into the outside of your home. "There are so many stones that have a lot of color in them, and stonework façades add great color to garden areas," Wilson explains. Lighten Up! "Light! Let there be light, no matter the time of year!" Jennings says. It's not just paint that can add some color, even plain white lights have a glowing effect to the outside of your home. Take halogen lights outside to highlight your house, walking path, garden and even your trees. Colorful light fixtures can also be a great way to make the outside of your home more appealing. Add different metal to your light accents to create a more natural and appealing look. "If you want, you can add copper accents to exterior lighting," says Wilson. "You can do it naturally and then get the metals treated to add color." |
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