Exterior Before and After: Add Character

If your home’s exterior is a little boring, take a cue from one of the character-boosting “before and after” makeovers in this Better Homes & Gardens video:

With a few enhancements, these easy-to-overlook exteriors gain unbeatable character.

Home #1: Have a home that fades into the background? This one went from washed out to wow-worthy with an East Coast inspired remodel. Architectural enhancements and slate blue shingles give the exterior seaside appeal. A new portico signals the point of entry. To bring the front door forward, it was painted navy and surrounded with sidelights and white trim. A simple porch featuring an attached pergola extends a breezy invitation. To finish the look, an expanded brick path forms a clear connection between the street and the front door.

Home #2: A botched remodeling job left this place in shabby shape, and poor design choices buried its mid-century charm. Sunny hints of color make the 1950’s ranch come alive. Crisp white trim pops against its harvest gold backdrop and plays up its vintage vibes. To make the home look larger, sleek glass doors replace heavy wood models. A cedar plank fence adds privacy. Overgrown bushes were replaced with easy-care shrubs that complement rather than compete with the home’s freshened-up facade.

Home #3: A tiny front stoop made this cottage’s entrance feel insignificant, and the run-down property needed some serious TLC. To boost its simple design and vintage charms, the home’s original diamond patterned windows were restored, and the exterior was splashed with rich blue-green paint. A new columned porch clearly articulates the path to the front door. Finally, plantings along the sidewalk make it look more inviting.