Curb appeal is a big factor for home buyers. The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see when they come to a showing or open house, and you want to make a great first impression. And even if you’re not selling your home, these are low-cost, low-time investment fixes that can make a big difference.

Fix landscaping eyesores
A brown, dead lawn—or an overgrown one—isn’t the best way to welcome buyers to your home. If your lawn is in need of repair, consider watering it regularly. If your grass is healthy, keep the lawn freshly mowed. An appealing lawn can be worth more than $1,500 in the final price of your home.

Shutters and siding
It’s easy to let your exterior walls fall into disrepair, or even to let them get a little dirty. A good scrubbing or power washing can make your siding look brand new, and you can touch up any major issues with some paint. The same goes for your shutters.

Add some living accents
So far we’ve covered fixing what’s broken. Next, it’s time to add a little personality. Planting flowers will add some much-needed color to an otherwise ordinary outdoor space. Potted plants will do the trick too, especially if you have a deck or patio that needs a little decorating.

Work on your walkway
The path to your front door should be inviting. A stone walkway from the driveway instantly upgrades your curb appeal. And if you’ve already taken care of that part, tidy up by removing weeds and debris, and then line the walkway with some subtle lighting. It’ll make your home look cozy and appealing, day or night. 

One of the best perks of owning your own home is having the space and privacy of your own porch. It’s the ideal place to relax and spend time with family during the summer months. Here are some suggestions for getting your porch back in shape after the winter.


Cleaning and Maintenance
Start by removing the dirt and debris that has probably accumulated on the deck throughout winter and spring. Then give it a good inspection, and replace boards and nails as necessary, before using a cleaning solution to give it a thorough cleaning.

Consider your seating options
What’s the main purpose of your porch? Is it for kicking back and relaxing? Hang a hammock and you’ll have the perfect place for an afternoon nap. More interested in entertaining? Invest in some patio furniture, and assemble a bar cart that you can roll outside when you have guests.

Decorate
Add some personality to your porch with some plants (perennials are ideal), ambient lighting, outdoor rugs, and any other decor that seems appropriate. Your porch may be exposed to the elements, but you still have plenty of options for creating a cozy and compelling space.

Kick Back
The hard work is over. Invite some company over and enjoy the season!

Home design is always changing. What may have seemed brilliant a few years ago can quickly fall out of style and leave you wondering, “What were we thinking?” But our homes reflect our habits and hobbies, and the newest trends reflect a new kind of home owner.

Re-thinking the kitchen
Food doesn’t just come from the grocery store anymore. Many homeowners grow food in their gardens and have taken to canning their produce. New kitchen designs often include added space for storing vegetables from your garden and your canning equipment. High-temperature cooking options, induction ovens, and com- bination ovens are also becoming more and more popular.

Be cautious about the connected home
The new technology for controlling your HVAC system, home entertainment system, and other electronic features is con- venient, but it does come with some risk. Technology moves extremely fast, and what once seemed cutting edge can quickly be abandoned by the manufacturer, leaving you without many options for updates, maintenance, and replacements. Be sure to do your research.

Gray is anything but dull
Cool shades of gray are an extremely popular choice for interiors. Other popular paint colors in newer homes include chocolate brown, teal, and yellow. Try something new and see how it upgrades your space. 

Can’t seem to create a living room that feels quite right? Looking for some styling tips that will bring your living room up a notch? Here are five ideas that can dramatically improve your living room.

1. Move the furniture away from the walls
The tendency is to place your furniture against the walls, but giving it a little room to breathe will make the seating area seem cozier while also making the room seem more spacious.

2. Mix old and new pieces
Using the same furniture set to furnish an entire room can make it seem a bit sterile. Try mixing and matching different pieces and styles to give your living room a more eclectic feel.

3. Keep everything low
Arranging photos and artwork lower on walls will make a room appear larger, and can also draw more attention to the pieces themselves.

4. Place a book on the sofa table
It doesn’t have to be your entire personal library. Mix and match books with knick-knacks and other items to add some depth and texture to the space behind your sofa.

5. Try a smaller coffee table
Your current coffee table is probably larger than it needs to be, and it may be dominating the room. Try downsizing to a table that can still hold magazines, a centerpiece, and a few drinks, but will also give you a bit more room to move around your furniture. 

Taking a do-it-yourself approach to your home decor can not only save you a ton of money, but can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are five sites that offer great ideas for DIY projects.

1. apartmenttherapy.com has been around since 2007 and is the web’s most popular resource for DIY projects. You’ll find tutorials, inspiration galleries, photo home tours, and more.

2. manmadediy.com specializes in rustic, industrial, and (you guessed it) masculine DIY ideas. You’ll learn how to build shelves from old belts and 2x4s, or make a desk out of an old door.

3. vintagerevivals.com is a great site if mid-century modern is more your style. You’ll get some tips on how to capture that Mad Men look.

4. brightnest.com combines the DIY spirit with important home maintenance tips, and even reminds you when you need to com- plete a task, like replacing smoke detector batteries.

5. thedesignconfidential.com is perhaps the most complete online DIY resource. It has illustrated instructions and complete materials lists for hundreds of projects. The handier you are, the more useful this site will be. 

According to a recent survey conducted by houzz.com, here are five things that consistently make people happy with their homes.

1. Big windows and comfortable furniture
Nearly 75 percent of respondents listed these two items as major difference-makers. It’s a no-brainer—people like lots of light and a good place to relax.

2. A big-screen TV
This is more likely to be a key feature for men than women. 40 percent of men said having a big-screen TV makes them happy with their homes, compared to just 17 percent of women.

3. Overall design and layout
87 percent of the 6,000 people surveyed said the design of the home is a major contributor to overall happiness. If you’re unhappy with your home and there’s a project you’ve been wanting to tackle, get to it!

4. Home cookin’
39 percent of respondents said the scent of good cooking or baking made them happiest. Clearly, it helps to have a capable chef around the house!

5. Keep it tidy
72 percent of homeowners said they’re happiest when their houses are clean and well-organized. If you want to be happier with your home, try having a place for everything, and put everything in its place. 

Making your basement an enjoyable place to spend time can be tricky. Without the right lighting
it may feel too much like a dungeon (unless you’re into that!). Here are a few quick tips. 


1. Maximize the natural lighting
Trim back shrubs and other plants that block sunlight from window wells. If the window well has a cover, keep it clean or replace a cover that blocks light with one that lets light pass through.

2. Choose light colors for walls, carpet and furniture
As much as we all miss the dark brown faux wood paneling from the ‘70s it doesn’t do much to create a bright space.

3. Accent Lighting
This will not only make the space brighter, it also makes the space feel less like a basement because lamps make the space feel decorated and lived in.

4. Light Bulbs
Depending on the types of fixtures in the basement there are various new types of lightbulbs. Consider talking to a lighting expert to find which type of bulb is going to give you the best results.

5. Create a false lighted window
This is simpler and more effective than you might think. Just frame and trim a “window” on a basement wall, and use creative lighting and decor (blinds, reflective paint, daylight spectrum bulbs) to make the light coming from the window look natural.