 photo courtesy of petercaulf www.sxc.hu/photo/771454 Newer homes tend to lack the charm and character of older homes. One of the main aesthetic problems with newer homes is that they nearly all look the same. See the tips below for adding charm, character, and personalization to your home.
- To give your home more character, paint the exterior of your home a color other than beige, but check with your Homeowner's Association first. Most new home builders automatically paint a home beige to offend the least amount of buyers. Unfortunately, most paint jobs done by home builders are done to minimum standards, so your home will probably require repainting in 2 to 5 years. Don't forget to paint your front door. A bold paint color, such as red, is very welcoming and adds charm to a home.
- Add to your landscaping to add character to your home. Once again, most home builders put in minimum landscaping. Consider planting one extra tree per member of your family. Make your flower beds twice their current size. Plant mature trees and shrubs for greater effect if financially possible.
- Vines to add character and charm to a home. Chocolate vine, trumpet vine, confederate jasmine, and moon flower are some popular fast growing vines (check with your local nursery to see what is appropriate for your climate). Plant the vines to grow over fences, on a trellis, up columns, or on either side of your garage door to cover the sides and above your garage door.
- Reclaimed architectural elements such as old bricks, old statues, and old bird baths make your home look older and more charming.
- Add moss to new architectural elements and give them more character and make them look older. Simply take some live moss, a little bit of sugar, and either beer, buttermilk, or yogurt and mix it up in the blender. Spread or pour the mixture over whatever you want the moss to grow on. Spritz it with water from a spray bottle once a day for a week and make sure it stays in a shaded location.
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Lighting fixtures are an integral part of your home's exterior. Upgrade your exterior lighting to make your home unique. Select larger light fixtures to draw attention to your home.
- Consider adding extra architectural elements such as shutters, a vintage red front door, copper gutters, a real wood garage door (or one that has handles and looks like it opens to the side), window boxes, a door knocker, or other elements that appeal to you.
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