How to improve your home’s fall curb appeal

When I think of fall, I conjure up images of walking with family and friends through trees laced in majestic colour. I think of curling up with a hot beverage under a plaid blanket, reading a good book. And I remember fondly Thanksgiving dinners overflowing with the foods of the season. Often, I take the best images in my head to inspire design. Let’s explore together some autumn inspiration and see how we can improve your home’s fall curb appeal.

Mum’s the word

Via Pinterest

Once the colourful leaves have fallen, many landscapes are left desolate and bare. Keep the beauty of the season for your home’s exterior by displaying large planters of fall mums. These late-season blooms come in a variety of colours and are a hearty option. Mums continue to be an autumn favourite due to their longevity and impressive number of blooms per plant. Repeat and group large containers for a stunning landscape that can be achieved quickly, affordably and effortlessly.

Fall for paint

Via Pinterest

Want to tackle a larger project this fall? Cooler weather and the change of seasons can spark energy for a home project. As gardens and green lawns begin to fade, your home’s exterior paint will become more noticeable. This is an opportunity to splash on a fresh coat. With improved paint technology, homeowners can now paint their homes during lower temperatures. A new coat of paint can make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal.

Don’t know what colour to paint? Use Pinterest for inspiration. Notice how the fresh white trim in the pictured home makes the plants pop. I love the display of fall mums with their unexpected colour combination in purples, pinks and magenta.

Accessorize your seating areas

Via vinyetetc.ca

Take-a-look at your outdoor areas to see if you can accessorize and warm up your space with an autumn vibe. For example, add tartan wool blankets, some fire logs, pillows in a fall theme and lanterns. You can also use wicker baskets, a pair of rain boots and wooden crates filled with pine cones. Then get cozy in your warm setting and read a good book.

Layer exterior lighting

Via Pinterest

Introduce additional light to your exteriors to enhance your fall curb appeal. Fall months mean shorter hours of sunshine and many cloudy days. Keep your home alive with ambient lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. Liven up your entry with a couple of new hanging sconces, brighten your driveway and walkways with post lighting, and showcase your home’s best architectural features with flood lights. Mix and match various lighting elements and layer the lighting in the design. Then watch your curb appeal shine!

Embrace Halloween

Via flamingotoes.com

If you have small children, you will likely want to decorate your home for Halloween. Your children and all those in the neighbourhood will delight in seeing your imagination run wild.

Even if you don’t have small children you can bring out your inner vampire incorporating a touch of Halloween into exterior landscape to create a tasteful tidbit of the season. You don’t have to go overboard with ghosts and cobwebs!

Be thankful

Via Pinterest

Thanksgiving has passed, but the decor remains! You can still use gourds, squash and pumpkins from a local farm or market to accent your entry. A welcoming front entry will make you thankful to come home.

Autumn is a beautiful time of year with cooler days and beautiful foliage. The change in season is a perfect opportunity to hone in on your inner designer and create a memorable impression with your fall curb appeal! Discover more inspiration on our Pinterest board.

Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts Inc. The award-winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.