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We carefully vet every contractor in our network to ensure they are licensed, insured, and have a strong track record of satisfied customers in Toronto and the GTA.

Can I get multiple quotes for my home project?

Yes. simpleHome matches you with several local contractors in Toronto and the GTA so you can compare pricing, timelines, and reviews before making a decision.

Does simpleHome only serve Toronto?

We specialize in the Toronto home improvement market but also serve the Greater Toronto Area, including Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Scarborough.

Can you help with small jobs as well as big renovations?

Absolutely. Our network covers everything from small repairs like faucet replacements to major renovations such as kitchen remodels and basement finishing.

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Does simpleHome offer DIY help?

Yes. Our homeGuide blog provides free DIY tutorials, seasonal maintenance tips, and Toronto renovation cost guides for homeowners.

Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal

February 13, 2026 by Michael Ferris

home appeal boost

A quirky, eye-catching scene that breathes life into everyday home improvement activities. At the center, a radiant front door stands, freshly painted in a vibrant shade of teal, with a shiny new brass doorknob and knocker. To the left, a whimsical character, like a cheerful garden gnome, is busily upgrading outdoor lighting fixtures, hanging modern lanterns on posts along the pathway and around the entryway, casting an inviting glow. To the right, another character, perhaps a diligent fairy, is enhancing the landscaping, trimming hedges into fun shapes, planting colorful flowers, and arranging stones around a small, sparkling patio water feature. Above, a friendly cloud is playfully replacing old house numbers and mailboxes with new, stylish hardware. The house itself is being refreshed by a lively rainbow, its colors transforming into fresh exterior paint, carefully covering the home's facade while preserving its architectural style. This entire scene is captured as if through a fish-eye lens view, making the home look like a small, appealing planet floating in space, thus breaking the typical pattern of home improvement visuals

Quick upgrades to make a great first impression.

When it comes to making a great first impression, your home's exterior plays a crucial role. Whether you're planning to sell your property or simply want to enhance its appearance, boosting your home's curb appeal is a surefire way to increase its value and create a welcoming atmosphere. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top five ways to transform your home's exterior and make it stand out in the neighborhood. These home improvement tips will not only boost curb appeal but also increase home value, making your exterior home renovation efforts worthwhile.

1. Clean and Paint the Front Door

The front door is the focal point of your home's exterior, serving as the gateway to your personal sanctuary. A well-maintained and attractive front door can significantly boost curb appeal and set the tone for the rest of your property. Here's how you can make your front door shine:

Start by thoroughly cleaning the door, removing any dirt, grime, or cobwebs.
Sand down any rough spots or peeling paint to create a smooth surface.
Choose a paint color that complements your home's exterior and reflects your personal style.
Apply a fresh coat of paint, using high-quality exterior paint for durability.
Consider adding a new doorknob, knocker, or other hardware to enhance the door's appearance.

When selecting a color for your front door, consider the overall aesthetic of your home and neighborhood. Bold colors like red, blue, or yellow can create a striking contrast, while more subdued hues like navy, forest green, or charcoal can offer a sophisticated look. Whatever color you choose, ensure it harmonizes with your home's exterior palette.

A vibrant, well-maintained front door in a hue that complements the house color, adorned with a stylish new doorknob and door knocker, surrounded by a clean and welcoming entryway

A freshly painted front door with updated hardware can dramatically boost curb appeal and create an inviting entrance to your home. This simple yet effective home improvement tip can make a world of difference in how your property is perceived from the street.

2. Upgrade Outdoor Lighting

Proper outdoor lighting is not just about illumination; it's about creating ambiance, enhancing security, and showcasing your home's best features. Upgrading your outdoor lighting is an excellent way to boost curb appeal and increase home value. Here are some ideas to consider:

Replace outdated fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options.
Install pathway lighting to guide visitors safely to your front door.
Use uplighting to highlight architectural features or mature trees.
Add accent lighting to garden beds or water features.
Consider motion-sensor lights for added security and convenience.

When planning your outdoor lighting scheme, think about the different layers of light you can create. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting focuses on specific areas like entryways or garage doors, and accent lighting highlights particular features of your landscaping or architecture.

A twilight scene of a charming house with upgraded modern outdoor lighting, highlighting the pathways, entryway, architectural features, and garden elements, giving a warm, inviting, and secure atmosphere

As you can see, well-planned outdoor lighting can transform your home's appearance after dark, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while also improving safety and security. This exterior home renovation project is an investment that pays off in both aesthetics and functionality.

3. Enhance Landscaping

A well-maintained and thoughtfully designed landscape can dramatically boost curb appeal and increase your home's value. Your front yard is like a canvas, and with the right landscaping ideas, you can create a masterpiece that complements your home's architecture and style. Here are some tips to enhance your landscaping:

Maintain a healthy, lush lawn by regularly mowing, watering, and fertilizing.
Trim hedges and shrubs to create clean lines and defined shapes.
Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times to ensure year-round color.
Add texture and interest with ornamental grasses, succulents, or evergreens.
Create depth by layering plants of different heights and sizes.
Install a water feature like a small fountain or pond for added visual appeal.
Consider adding a seating area or small patio to create an inviting outdoor living space.

When planning your landscaping, consider the climate and natural environment of your area. Choose plants that are native to your region or well-adapted to your local conditions. This will not only ensure that your landscaping thrives but also reduce maintenance requirements and water usage.

A picturesque view of a well-manicured garden, featuring a lush green lawn, trimmed hedges, a variety of colorful flowers in bloom, and a small patio with a charming water feature, enhancing the home's curb appeal

As you can see, a well-designed landscape can transform your front yard into a beautiful, inviting space that enhances your home's curb appeal. Remember, landscaping is an ongoing process, so regular maintenance is key to keeping your yard looking its best throughout the year.

4. Replace or Repair Damaged Hardware

The small details of your home's exterior can make a big difference in its overall appearance. Updating or repairing damaged hardware is a cost-effective way to boost curb appeal and give your home a fresh, well-maintained look. Here are some areas to focus on:

House numbers: Replace old or faded numbers with modern, easy-to-read options.
Mailbox: Upgrade to a stylish mailbox that complements your home's architecture.
Door hardware: Install new doorknobs, knockers, and locks in a finish that matches your home's style.
Light fixtures: Replace outdated or damaged outdoor light fixtures with contemporary designs.
Window shutters: Repair or replace worn shutters to enhance your home's facade.
Gutters and downspouts: Clean, repair, or replace damaged gutters and downspouts.

When selecting new hardware, aim for consistency in style and finish throughout your home's exterior. This attention to detail will create a cohesive look that enhances your home's overall curb appeal. Consider the architectural style of your home when choosing new hardware – for example, sleek and modern for contemporary homes, or ornate and traditional for colonial-style houses.

Updating your home's hardware is a relatively simple home improvement tip that can yield significant results in boosting curb appeal. It's an easy way to refresh your home's appearance without undertaking a major renovation project.

5. Refresh Exterior Paint

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for your home's exterior, dramatically boosting curb appeal and increasing home value. Whether you're looking to completely change your home's color scheme or simply want to refresh its current look, repainting is one of the most impactful exterior home renovation projects you can undertake. Here's how to approach this task:

Assess your home's current condition and repair any damaged siding or trim.
Choose a color scheme that complements your home's architectural style and fits within your neighborhood aesthetic.
Consider using different colors for the main body, trim, and accents to add depth and interest.
Use high-quality exterior paint that can withstand your local climate conditions.
Don't forget to paint other exterior elements like shutters, garage doors, and porches for a cohesive look.

When selecting colors, keep in mind that lighter shades can make your home appear larger and more inviting, while darker hues can create a sense of sophistication and drama. It's often helpful to test several color samples on your home's exterior before making a final decision, as colors can look different in various lighting conditions and against different backgrounds.

Remember that painting your home's exterior is a significant undertaking that requires proper preparation and execution. If you're not confident in your DIY skills, it's worth investing in professional painters to ensure a high-quality finish that will last for years to come.

Conclusion

Boosting your home's curb appeal is an excellent way to increase its value and create a welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors. By implementing these top five strategies – refreshing your front door, upgrading outdoor lighting, enhancing landscaping, updating hardware, and repainting the exterior – you can transform your home's appearance and make it stand out in the neighborhood.

Remember, improving your home's curb appeal is an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance and occasional updates. By staying on top of these tasks and periodically reassessing your home's exterior, you can ensure that your property always looks its best and maintains its value over time.

As someone who's passionate about home improvement, I've found that tackling these projects can be both rewarding and challenging. That's why I often turn to simpleHome when I need expert help. This platform connects homeowners like me with local professionals who specialize in various aspects of home improvement and exterior home renovation. Whether you need help with landscaping, painting, or any other curb appeal-boosting project, simpleHome makes it easy to find skilled professionals who can bring your vision to life.

So, why wait? Start implementing these home improvement tips today and watch as your property's curb appeal soars, creating a home that you'll be proud to come back to every day!