Traditional Home, Architect Jeff Murphy, Photography by Werner Straube
I adore homes with strong curb appeal—those exteriors that make you pause and take a closer look.
The best facades catch your eye and invite you in, combining thoughtful architecture, welcoming paths, and layered landscaping.
When a house stops me in the street, I want to reach for my camera. That moment of admiration often comes from a pleasing combination of elements: a well-scaled entry, interesting textures, and a composition of plants that frames the approach.
Pretty walkways set the tone, leading visitors past garden beds or stone edging to a front door that promises warmth. Gates and arbors add a hint of mystery and create a memorable threshold, while materials like shingle siding, painted clapboard, or natural stone give the exterior character and depth.
Landscaping plays a crucial role—layered plantings, seasonal blooms, and well-maintained hedges soften hard surfaces and provide color throughout the year. Thoughtful placement of trees and shrubs can accentuate architectural features, guide sightlines, and create sheltered, intimate outdoor rooms.
Small details elevate the overall effect: lighting that highlights steps and specimen plants, planters flanking the door, or a welcoming porch with comfortable seating. These touches make an exterior feel both polished and lived-in, signaling care and inviting exploration.
Whether your home is a cottage, a ranch, or a more formal residence, you can boost curb appeal with relatively simple improvements. Fresh paint in a complementary color, replacing worn hardware, or adding a new pathway can have an outsized impact. Even modest changes—tidying beds, adding mulch, or introducing a focal plant—create an immediate uplift.
This is an ideal season to refresh your exterior and invest in curb appeal. Start with the approach: define the walkway, prune overgrown shrubs, and plan a mix of evergreen structure and seasonal color. Lighting and hardscape accents will carry the effect into evenings, making your home feel inviting at any hour.
Don’t you love a charming exterior?