First impressions mean a lot, especially when it comes to your home’s curb appeal. Whether you’re getting ready for resale or just want to update the exterior, you may think your home is ready for a curbside makeover.

A bright, contrasting color for the front door gives it instant pop. photos/brandpoint media

More than 80 percent of homeowners believe their home’s curb appeal could be improved, and 40 percent describe their home’s appearance as average or poor, according to a recent National Home Design Survey from Sherwin-Williams. Even those who said their home’s appeal was “pretty good” felt there was more they could do to improve it.

The good news is that curb appeal can be improved with minimal investment including a fresh coat of paint, says HGTV host John Gidding, an interior designer and landscape architect.

“A fresh coat of paint and minimal landscaping can go a long way in improving the overall impression, personality and feel of your home,” Gidding said. “Home improvements are beneficial if you are planning to sell, but they also significantly impact how you feel while living in your home. This is especially true for curb appeal, and this time of year is perfect for sprucing up your space.”

Here are some ways to enhance your home’s appeal from the outside, and improve the way you feel on the inside while living there.

A simple way to beautify your front entrance: new potted plants.

Perk it up with paint. Painting is one of the most cost-effective and impactful ways to improve curb appeal. As you select exterior colors, choose a bright, contrasting color for the front door to give it instant pop. Other key areas to consider repainting include garage doors, shutters and window trim.

Go for some greenery. Landscaping enhancements were among the top-five projects for homeowners in the survey. Give your lawn a little love by turning the front yard into a well-manicured welcome mat. Or, considering the current California drought, get rid of the grass and re-landscape with drought-tolerant plants.

Get rid of weeds. Put fresh mulch around the home’s foundation, and prune the outgrowth on bushes. For a quick way to freshen your doorstep, paint flowerpots in a bright color and add colorful flowers.

Put your home in a new light — literally. Install updated lighting by the front door, porch and garage. Use solar-powered landscape lights to create a pathway from the street to your door, or to define a gorgeous garden.

Add small details for big impact. Once you paint your front door, upgrade the door handles with beautiful new hardware and finishes. Replace the house numbers in an updated style. Choose a mailbox to complement your home’s architecture. You can also paint the house numbers and mailbox in a color to coordinate with your home’s exterior.

Set the scene. Create an eye-catching setting that adds personality to your home. If space permits, put a couple of weatherproof chairs with colorful cushions by the front entrance, along with a small table. You can also bring new life to outdated furniture with a fresh coat of paint.

With these steps, your home’s curb appeal will not only be the envy of your neighbors but will increase your pride of ownership. — brandpoint media