What do folks think about your home when they walk past on their evening
stroll? Do they see a home that is dignified and stately or inviting and cozy?
Just as a book is judged by its cover, so is your home. Your home's exterior
says a lot about you, so let us ensure it sends the right message.
A lot goes into an exterior makeover - colour planning, prep and execution - but it is a more than worthwhile project and spring is the perfect season to put a makeover plan into action. Your first task is to go outside your home, do a walk around and check for maintenance items such as the eaves, broken light fixtures, peeling paint. Then snap some photographs, get them printed and evaluate them before creating a plan.
I love working from photos as it depersonalizes the project and often allows you to see things you didn't, especially when you take the pictures from a variety of angles. When perusing the pics, ask yourself about the exterior colour scheme: is it dated, blah and ready for an update? If yes, fabulous! Now the hard part: choosing a new scheme. Take a Sunday drive through a new neighbourhood and look for colour schemes that you like. On your way home you can drop into a favorite paint store and pick up paint chips and brochures suggesting exterior colour arrangements.
Some of the best groupings are earthy greys (brown undertones) paired with an almost black, accented with a blood red; or, if you love earth tones, try a combination of charcoal, black and khaki; or, on the lighter side, pair a light mushroom hue with an earthy grey and accent with teal, slate or navy blue.
When you commit to our colour plan, buy the best paint you can. In the long run the paint is the least expensive item, your time and labour are the largest investment with respect to this project. Be sure to use an exterior paint that will resist mildew, fading under the sun's harsh UV rays, and one that prevents water infiltration. Higher quality paints will flow better to help fill in small surface defects so they virtually disappear.
Now the fun begins and with painting; proper preparation is the most important part of the job. The ?to be painted' area first needs to be cleaned, then any debris and loose or peeling paint must be scrapped away using a scraper, putty knife or wire brush. Now, fill any holes, cracks and seams with acrylic-based caulking. Remember, not all the work needs to be done in one day or even one weekend. Take your time and do a good job, this makeover is going to last for the next five, seven or even 10 years.
No outfit is complete without accessorizing. Finish off your exterior with some landscaping or by placing plant pots by the front door. Try to enhance your new paint job by choosing plants that coordinate with your color scheme, whether you want to use flowers, bamboo sticks or modern moss. Sculpture and outdoor candles are great ways to glamorize your curb appeal. Take down the cheesy flamingo lawn pets and always be on the search for cool mailboxes and outdoor rugs. Nothing says ?Welcome Home' like a beautiful, well-groomed front door.
A lot goes into an exterior makeover - colour planning, prep and execution - but it is a more than worthwhile project and spring is the perfect season to put a makeover plan into action. Your first task is to go outside your home, do a walk around and check for maintenance items such as the eaves, broken light fixtures, peeling paint. Then snap some photographs, get them printed and evaluate them before creating a plan.
I love working from photos as it depersonalizes the project and often allows you to see things you didn't, especially when you take the pictures from a variety of angles. When perusing the pics, ask yourself about the exterior colour scheme: is it dated, blah and ready for an update? If yes, fabulous! Now the hard part: choosing a new scheme. Take a Sunday drive through a new neighbourhood and look for colour schemes that you like. On your way home you can drop into a favorite paint store and pick up paint chips and brochures suggesting exterior colour arrangements.
Some of the best groupings are earthy greys (brown undertones) paired with an almost black, accented with a blood red; or, if you love earth tones, try a combination of charcoal, black and khaki; or, on the lighter side, pair a light mushroom hue with an earthy grey and accent with teal, slate or navy blue.
When you commit to our colour plan, buy the best paint you can. In the long run the paint is the least expensive item, your time and labour are the largest investment with respect to this project. Be sure to use an exterior paint that will resist mildew, fading under the sun's harsh UV rays, and one that prevents water infiltration. Higher quality paints will flow better to help fill in small surface defects so they virtually disappear.
Now the fun begins and with painting; proper preparation is the most important part of the job. The ?to be painted' area first needs to be cleaned, then any debris and loose or peeling paint must be scrapped away using a scraper, putty knife or wire brush. Now, fill any holes, cracks and seams with acrylic-based caulking. Remember, not all the work needs to be done in one day or even one weekend. Take your time and do a good job, this makeover is going to last for the next five, seven or even 10 years.
No outfit is complete without accessorizing. Finish off your exterior with some landscaping or by placing plant pots by the front door. Try to enhance your new paint job by choosing plants that coordinate with your color scheme, whether you want to use flowers, bamboo sticks or modern moss. Sculpture and outdoor candles are great ways to glamorize your curb appeal. Take down the cheesy flamingo lawn pets and always be on the search for cool mailboxes and outdoor rugs. Nothing says ?Welcome Home' like a beautiful, well-groomed front door.
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