6 Ways to Add Curb Appeal
easy & inexpensive ideas from Mid Modern Homes
One of my primary goals in redoing our house is to increase the house’s curb appeal. Frankly, when we bought this house it had NONE. But there was potential, and I’ve been collecting pins and saving Instagram posts for years amassing files of ideas for this house’s exterior in time for a makeover. But our changes aren’t quick. They are coming in stages — one small project at a time. Here I have pulled together some of inspirational posts filled with ideas I love and hope to incorporate into our home as we continue remodeling our Atomic Ranch. I hope you find some inspiration, too!
PS: I have several boards on Pinterest dedicated to Mid Century Modern houses. I have included the relevant board links. I hope you’ll follow me there, too!
Our Front Entrance Makeover
We’ve been working hard to give our front entrances a new look — inside and out. Check it out!
Striking Doors & Door Colors
The front door is a fabulous place to make a statement and bring some personality to your home. We recently replaced our front doors with vintage doors found at an architectural salvage yard. I painted them a striking turquoise which makes an astonishing difference at the front of our house!
Mid Century Front Doors
Whether you are considering a bold color, a new design, or are simply freshening up an original door, here are a few great doors for inspiration. And there are many more on my Pinterest board.
Stylish Accessories
In addition to replacing our two front doors, we have also replaced the lights at each entrance. They now fit the house’s period and sparkle in the night. Our mailbox, which I am certain was original to the house was ugly but heavy steel and in good shape. I had it powder-coated in a shiny red and replaced the handle with a sparkly chrome pull. It is now a charming pop of color against the creamy brick.
There are so many great MCM accessories available for homes — from mailboxes to lighting to signage and even charming doorbells!
Simple Patios & Porches
My husband wants to add a seating area in our front yard, and I like the ideas other homeowners have used to make this happen — particularly pre-cast concrete slabs which have a clean, simple look.
Mid Century Front Porch Ideas
Stylish Planters & Plants
Built-in planters are a hallmark of mid modern homes, and I am here for it! Not only do they add architectural interest, they also create a great place for plantings at a raised height adding drama and texture with little effort or cost.
Trash Can Planters
I made these modern planters from inexpensive trash cans. They look crisp and clean in the front of our house.
Container gardening
Gardening
I’m a bit obsessed with gardening, and I have lots more ideas here!
Easy Seating Areas
As I said before, my husband wants to add a seating area in our front yard, and I’m loving the easy neighborly vibe that adds to any home. It doesn’t take much to put a few chairs out for a welcoming touch, and even in the winter they add a lot to make a home more inviting.
Simple Landscaping
Landscaping sets the stage whether you have a tiny front strip of turf or an expansive lawn, the plants and other elements at the front of your home set off everything else. In Mid Century Modern design, less is more. Of course, a MCM house can be elegantly framed by an English country garden, a cactus garden, or a selection of native species. Almost anything goes!
We have started with building beds close to the house and will move toward the street as we go. I have focused on native, drought-tolerant species for the front yard, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a rock or a gravel garden. In fact, to save the tree in our front yard, it should not be.
Mid Century Landscaping Ideas
While I have included some gravel gardens here, I need to put on my Master Gardener hat for a moment. Gravel gardens should be considered carefully for several reasons. First, gravel and stone can create a small heat bubble making the surrounding areas hotter. If there are trees in your landscape, you should continue watering them to keep them alive, so you may not actually save any water. And weeds like to grow in rocks. So it may not be the low-maintenance landscape you hoped. However, in the right climate with the right house — think Palm Springs — I do appreciate it!
Pony Walls & Wood Slats
A pony wall is a short wall that’s largely decorative. A pony wall can be used to divide a space, create an enclosure, or it can be purely decorative. I love a pony wall — particularly one that is slatted with horizontal or vertical wood. It’s a modern take on Mid Century design.
Whatever your front porch projects might be, I hope this has given you a little inspiration and some ideas for making your home more welcoming!
