Garage doors for a home exterior renovation from Thomas Sanderson
I feel an exterior home renovation coming on. Our home has taken a bit of a battering over winter and as soon as we get to Spring we need to do some work to get our home looking its best and to improve its curb appeal. The outside of our home is the first thing we see, and the same goes for guests, passers by and potential home buyers. So it pays to put just as much effort into our home exterior design as we would for our home’s interior design.
But, a well-thought-out home exterior renovation doesn’t just improve curb appeal; it enhances the overall feel of our home, creating a welcoming first impression and boosting property value. Whether you’re embarking on a complete home exterior remodeling project or simply looking for ways to refresh your home exterior design, these thoughtful upgrades will help you craft a space that feels just as stylish outside as it does inside.
Improve Your Home Exterior Renovation with a New Paint Job
Photo by Gilley Aguilar on Unsplash
One of the most transformative yet often overlooked updates in any external house renovation is a new lick of paint. Colour has the power to completely change the way your home looks, bringing it up to date, enhancing its best features, and even improving durability against harsh weather conditions. Whether you’d rather keep things classic and neutral or opt for something brighter and bolder, choosing the right colour is a decision n ot to be taken lightly. I’m sure you’ve seen houses that have left you wondering whether the colour choice was intentional or a mistake.
Soft, neutral tones like warm greys, muted taupes, and off-whites will give you a more timeless, sophisticated and understated look. For those who want to make more of a statement, deeper hues like forest green, teal blue, or even a rich terracotta can add depth and personality while still feeling refined.
Of course, when painting your home’s exterior, longevity is key. Choose a high-quality, weather-resistant paint that can withstand exposure to rain, wind, and sunlight. Investing in UV-resistant and moisture-resistant options can help to prevent fading, peeling, and cracking. Maintaining the paint will keep your home looking its best for years to come.
Upgrade Your Front Door to Improve Your Home Exterior Design
Bliss Blackney Yellow Door from Urban Front
The front door is one of the most impactful features of your home’s exterior. It’s the first thing you and your guests see before entering your home and it plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the rest of the property. Upgrading your front door can dramatically improve the overall aesthetic of your home.
A bold front door can make a real statement, creating a striking contrast against neutral walls and giving the entrance a more inviting feel. I particularly love this vibrant yellow door but any brightly coloured door puts an instant smile on my face and makes me fall a little bit in love with that home.
Classic black, deep navy, rich burgundy, or heritage green all lend a sense of sophistication and elegance, while softer pastel shades can introduce a more playful, welcoming charm. So choose a colour that works for you and your personality and the the way you want to feel when you come home each day.
For a truly seamless home exterior renovation, consider how the front door ties in with the rest of your home’s exterior—especially if your garage door is in view.
Modernise Your Garage Door as Part of Your Home Exterior Remodel
Remote controlled garage door from Thomas Sanderson
A garage door often takes up a large portion of a home’s façade, yet it’s frequently neglected in exterior updates. Whether it’s outdated, damaged, or simply lacking in style, replacing or modernising a garage door can instantly enhance the overall look of your home.
Try to choose a design that complements your home’s architecture and aesthetic. Traditional wooden panel doors with a stained finish suit period properties beautifully, while contemporary homes benefit from sleek steel doors. Opting for an electric garage door installation makes daily use smoother and much more efficient.
Matching or at least coordinating the garage door colour with your front door creates a unified, polished look, reinforcing a sense of balance and intention in your home exterior design.
Enhance Your Home Exterior Renovation with Outdoor Lighting
Justina Solar Wall Light from Lime Lace (affiliate)
Lighting plays a dual role when it comes to home exterior remodeling. It will make the outside of your home look a lot nicer at nightbut it also helps to improve safety. Thoughtfully placed outdoor lighting can highlight architectural features, illuminate pathways, and create a warm, inviting glow that makes your home feel welcoming after dark.
Wall sconces flanking the front door are a simple yet effective way to create symmetry and elegance, while subtle pathway lights along the driveway or garden enhance visibility. For those with trees, fences, or garden features, uplighting can create dramatic silhouettes that add depth and character to the garden.
Warm-toned bulbs are ideal for creating a cosy, inviting ambiance, and avoiding the harshness of bright white lighting that can feel too stark. Solar-powered options provide an eco-friendly solution, harnessing natural energy to keep your home illuminated with minimal environmental impact and less hassle than having to hard wire lights in.
Frame Your Entrance with Large Planters
Left: Handmade Oval Planters in Beige from Cox & Cox | Right: Gardenesque x EcoPots Large Wheeled Plant Pots from Gardenesque
A quick yet effective way to elevate your home exterior design is with large planters. Placing oversized planters near the entrance instantly adds a sense of grandeur, helping to frame the doorway and create a balanced, inviting entrance.
Choosing planters that suit the architectural style of your home ensures a seamless look. Traditional stone or terracotta planters work beautifully for classic homes, while sleek black or metallic options complement contemporary exteriors. Tall, structured plants like bay trees, olive trees, or ornamental grasses provide height and presence, while seasonal flowers or cascading greenery keep the entrance fresh and dynamic throughout the year.
For those who want a low-maintenance option, evergreen plants such as boxwood or dwarf conifers ensure year-round beauty without the need for constant upkeep.
Refresh Your Door Furniture for a Polished Finish
Left: Hare Brass Door Knocker by Adams & Mack | Right: Bee Door Knocker from Sophie Allport
It’s easy to overlook the smaller details, but door furniture—including knockers, letterboxes, and house numbers—can have a surprising impact on the overall look of your home. Upgrading these elements provides a simple way to add character and elegance to your entrance.
Modern, easy-to-read house numbers ensure practicality while reinforcing your chosen aesthetic. A vintage brass or sleek black iron door knocker introduces personality, while a minimalist, modern letterbox can subtly update the exterior without overpowering the design. Matching the finish of these elements—whether in aged brass, matte black, or polished chrome—creates a cohesive, well-thought-out appearance.
Making the Most of Your Home Exterior Renovation
Taking the time to focus on home exterior renovation ensures that the outside of your home reflects the thoughtful design and attention to detail that you’ve put into the interior. Whether it’s repainting the facade, modernising your garage door, upgrading outdoor lighting, or refreshing door furniture, each step contributes to a more cohesive, stylish, and inviting home.
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see—so make sure it tells the right story. Whether you’re enhancing curb appeal with home exterior remodeling or undergoing a complete external house renovation, these updates will ensure your home looks as stunning on the outside as it does within.