When building a home, much of our focus is on the interior of the house. However, the exterior is just as important. Not only is the exterior the first element of a house that we see, but a well-designed exterior can also help increase the overall value of the home, requires less maintenance when using quality materials, and increases its curb appeal if you choose to sell your home later on.
There are many ways to upgrade your home’s exterior that can fit your budget and personal style. Here are eight outdoor items you need to upgrade the exterior of your home that you and your family can enjoy.
Outdoor Furniture
When we think of outdoor furniture, what often comes to mind are a few chairs. But outdoor furniture can also be highly functional such as a dining table for outdoor dining and hosting guests, a sofa and coffee table, as well as side tables and outdoor benches that double as storage. Choose materials that are waterproof and durable to stand the natural elements over time.
Fire Pit
Outdoor fire pits add a touch of elegance to any home exterior that is easy to add. Fire pits are a great place to gather family and guests, enjoy happy hour drinks, or make s’mores and roast marshmallows. Fire pits come in different shapes and sizes so that you can easily fit one into your existing exterior design.
Outdoor Kitchen
A cooking and drink prep area is ideal if you love to cook and dine outdoors. You can build an entire outdoor kitchen with operational sinks and built-in grills for barbequing, or you can keep it minimalistic with simple carts and tables.
Heating
If you plan to be outdoors during the cooler months or chilly nights, heating is a great way to keep warm even when it’s cold outside. Standing propane heaters or pyramid heaters with open flames are popular choices that don’t require running gas lines and can also be moved around depending on where people are seated.
Sound
An outdoor speaker system is a fun touch when hosting outdoor gatherings or simply drowning out the environmental noise. Outdoor speakers can be either wired or wireless, can be mounted virtually anywhere or installed into the ground, and can even be disguised in the landscaping.
Outdoor Area Rugs
Area rugs aren’t just for indoor decor. Outdoor rugs come in many shapes, sizes, patterns, and weatherproof materials. These exterior area rugs are great places for children and pets to play because these rugs can be easily cleaned off. You can also place an area rug at the back door to help get dirt and mud off of shoes before stepping into the house.
Decorations
Outdoor decorations are a quick and easy way to upgrade your home’s exterior without the need for major projects or spending a lot of money. Small decorative items such as lanterns, throw pillows, planters, vases, and even artwork can add personality to your home’s exterior.
Lighting
Instead of relying on street lighting, add curb appeal to your home with outdoor lighting to your front yard, porch, and backyard areas. Adding outdoor lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. There are many options for easy outdoor lighting that don’t require a professional installation such as string lights or cafe lights hung up with an extension cord, or cordless solar lights that don’t need anything other than a little sunlight to charge.
The exterior of your home should be an extension of the interior as well as reflect your personal style. Adding a few outdoor items to upgrade the look and functionality of your home’s exterior can go a long way to increase the value of your home and the enjoyment you’ll have while living there.
