The Most Important Factor In Creating Curb Appeal

Creating Curb Appeal with a DaVinci Slate Weathered Green Roof

Creating Curb Appeal with DaVinci Multi-Width Slate Weathered Green

We have all heard the expression, “don’t judge a book by the cover.” It’s a phrase that means you shouldn’t prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone.

However, when someone looks at your home, especially as a potential purchaser, they will judge it by its outward appearance. Most real estate agents say that most buyers decide whether or not they will even look inside a home based on how it looks on the outside. The National Association of Realtors states that “curb appeal” sells 49 percent of all houses.

Top Tips for Creating Curb Appeal

As a homeowner, you cannot control every aspect of what surrounds your home. Things like the condition of your neighbors’ houses or yards can affect the curb appeal of your own home. But there are many things you can and should take charge of to make your exterior intriguing enough to entice someone to want to come inside. You can find a list of those things in my last blog post, How To Give Your Home Personality.

Specifically, you can increase your home’s curb appeal with the one I consider most important. It might surprise you, but it is that the entire exterior has a cohesive look. Just as creating harmony is essential to having a beautiful interior, this idea is of utmost importance on the outside, too.

A single factor, including a luxury synthetic shake or slate roof, can stand alone to create curb appeal. The marriage of design, colors, and materials is crucial in giving your home maximum curb appeal!

FRESH Ways for Creating Curb Appeal

As you assess your home’s exterior, look at the five areas I focus on with my FRESH approach to selecting color and materials for your home:

  • Fixed features include items such as your foundation, roofing, brick or stone features, etc. Look at these features of the home. You’ll likely begin to see some repetition of color tones, which allows different materials and textures to work well together.
  • Regional color preferences come from a blend of the region’s natural characteristics — climate, topography, landscape, and quality of the natural light — and the area’s housing styles, available materials, and cultural history.
  • Environment and surroundings are sometimes overlooked. Still, they can help you determine colors for a home that fits into the area’s overall look or the natural surroundings.
  • A home’s architectural style is the next part of the color equation to consider. You want your color scheme to fit the design of your home.
  • Even in new homes, historic colors that have stood the test of time can inspire its color schemes, styles, and elements.

Looking for additional inspiration? Download FRESH Colors

Fresh-Home-Exterior-Colors

This step-by-step guide shows you exactly what you need to know to achieve maximum curb appeal.

Now, Find More FRESH Ideas for Selecting Colors for Your Home Exterior

This blog was originally published April 4, 2012


About the Author

Kate SmithKate Smith Headshot is an internationally recognized color expert, consultant, and designer. She is a skilled colorist & a color consultant.  For over a decade, Kate has lent her expertise to DaVinci Roofscapes. Kate helps YOU select colors you will love for many years.