{"id":25132,"date":"2021-08-02T10:33:17","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T10:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/?p=25132"},"modified":"2022-04-03T09:25:38","modified_gmt":"2022-04-03T09:25:38","slug":"classy-living-how-to-upgrade-your-exterior-and-make-it-look-fantastic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/classy-living-how-to-upgrade-your-exterior-and-make-it-look-fantastic\/","title":{"rendered":"Classy Living: How To Upgrade Your Exterior And Make It Look Fantastic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- SEO Ultimate Plus (https:\/\/seoultimateplus.com) - Code Inserter module -->\n<script async>(function(s,u,m,o,j,v){j=u.createElement(m);v=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0];j.async=1;j.src=o;j.dataset.sumoSiteId='b68b392479b5981b8acf46565e9fe32a0734fc21a1f7c1e60121eaa6ca1a1c64';v.parentNode.insertBefore(j,v)})(window,document,'script','\/\/load.sumo.com\/');<\/script>\n<!-- \/SEO Ultimate Plus -->\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-25134 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Screenshot-2021-08-02-at-11.28.31.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"551\" height=\"365\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easy to neglect the outside portion of your property when you first get settled in. After all, the kitchen and bathrooms and bedrooms are the areas you\u2019re most in need of. Maybe you also need to get your office set up, so you can continue working from home. Once you\u2019ve gotten all your indoor needs covered, however, many people\u2019s minds shift to the outdoors, to the yard, and all the activities they could be doing in it. It\u2019s also a major focus for those looking to one day sell their property, as the curbside appeal is a major contribution to a potential buyer\u2019s first impression of a home. The following will explore some of the things you can do to improve the feeling of your exterior space.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take Care Of What You\u2019ve Got<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how stunning a landscape arrangement is or how glorious a sweeping oak tree is, it won&#8217;t look fantastic for very long if you don\u2019t take good care of your yard. Take the time to research the specific species on your property and ensure that you\u2019re giving them all the love and care they need. Not only does <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/5-tree-yard-and-lawn-care-tips-to-boost-your-homes-kerb-appeal\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">proper exterior maintenance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> improve curbside appeal (which can bolster your selling price if you decide to move), but it also gets you outside, enjoying the fresh air and the sun. There is an element of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Je ne sais quos<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in homes and yards that are well cared for. Somehow, in some way, people can sense whether or not love was put into something. It\u2019s that secret ingredient that makes a home truly spectacular. As a side note, if you\u2019re unable to manage the work yourself, you can hire a local professional (or even a local kid) to help keep up maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek Out Some Shade<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how gorgeous your yard is, you won\u2019t be able to enjoy it fully if there\u2019s not at least the option of shade. Spending time outdoors is wonderful, but too many hours in direct sunlight can leave you feeling hot, thirsty, or sunburned. While shade can be provided by big trees if you want to amp up the classy vibes of your exterior, why not seek out something like a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marygrove.com\/adjustable-pergola\/louvered-struxure\/\">louvered roof<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covering patios or gazebos or pergolas with something that can give you lots of sky and sunshine when you want it, but also provide shade when that\u2019s needed, gives you the best of both worlds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Growing Vines<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nothing gives off that classy feeling quite like a beautiful building covered in vines. Peruse through the different <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/gardening\/garden-ideas\/advice\/g1456\/fast-growing-vines\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flowering vine options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and you\u2019ll find something that suits the style of your home. Vines add old-world charm, lively energy, and prestige to nearly any surface. Consider growing them along your exterior walls, sheds, barns, or fences. Amp up the vibe even further by choosing something with a gorgeous scent like Sweet Peas or Star Jasmine. If you\u2019re looking to cover up a surface quickly, try out a Virginia Creeper or Scarlet Runner Bean (as a bonus, Scarlet Runner Bean attracts hummingbirds). If you\u2019ve got a shady area you want to be covered, look into Climbing Hydrangea or Honeysuckle (also attracts hummingbirds).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plant For Wildlife<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mentioned above were a few vines that attract hummingbirds. Thinking about what a plant attracts is a brilliant way to add new beauty and life to your outdoor space. Some flowers call<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thespruce.com\/plants-that-attract-butterflies-2132159\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0to butterflies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and bushes and trees draw certain types of birds. Read up on the types of plants that attract the wildlife you\u2019re most interested in being surrounded by, and suddenly you have a garden fit for a Disney character. Of course, it\u2019s a good idea to read up on a plant species\u2019 original habitat before making a selection. Growing non-native plants can result in the native plants in your area struggling against the newcomer, and sometimes also means more work will be required for maintenance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water Features<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humans love being near water. This probably has to do with our evolution\u2014animals that have access to water survive, and those that don\u2019t, don\u2019t. Studies have even shown that being near running or rushing water is good for our mental health\u2014the sound soothes us and reduces levels of cortisol in our bodies (the stress hormone). Maybe a creek is the right thing for your garden; maybe just a small bubbling fountain will do. Consider where you could include features with water, and spend a little time researching all the stunning options available. Be wary of standing water with no natural cleansing systems in place, though, as this can result in mosquitoes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-25133 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Screenshot-2021-08-02-at-11.28.43.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"555\" height=\"368\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fire Pit<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar to sitting near water features, humans also relax when they\u2019re gathered around a fire, listening to it crackle. Again, this probably has to do with evolution. When we had a fire, it meant we were warm and able to cook our food and eat it. It also often meant we were gathered with lots of other people and enjoyed socializing, telling or hearing stories, and feeling secure because we were safe in such a large group. Bonfire pits come in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hgtv.com\/outdoors\/outdoor-spaces\/fire-pits-and-fireplaces\/30-cool-fire-pit-ideas-pictures\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">all shapes and sizes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and there\u2019s certainly one that is going to suit your aesthetic preferences. As a bonus, the house with the fire pit often becomes the place where everyone gathers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cosy Seating<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to spend more time outside, having comfortable seating can help. Something like a hammock or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wickerfurnituredirect.com.au\/outdoor-lounges\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">outdoor lounge<\/a> furniture can turn any exterior into a family\u2019s main space. Whether you want something natural-toned that blends into the lush vibes of your space or something sleek and modern and easy to keep spotless, outdoor furniture has you covered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The above information should have gotten the exterior design ideas flowing. Once you start looking for ways to make your yard more comfortable and activity-friendly, you\u2019ll soon realize that there are endless possibilities. Of course, if you are making changes to increase value when you sell, it\u2019s a good idea to speak to your real estate agent first. Not all improvements result in more money when a home sells; sometimes, they actually reduce the value of a home, depending on what\u2019s in style and what buyers are looking for.<\/span><\/p>\n<h6><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Ref number: THSI-2383\u00a0&#8211; THIS2747 \/ ZD.ZD. 24442<\/span><\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s easy to neglect the outside portion of your property when you first get settled in. After all, the kitchen and bathrooms and bedrooms are the areas you\u2019re most in need of. Maybe you also need to get your office<span class=\"ellipsis\">&hellip;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/classy-living-how-to-upgrade-your-exterior-and-make-it-look-fantastic\/\">Read more &#8250;<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wl_entities_gutenberg":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","spay_email":""},"categories":[1,700,16],"tags":[],"wl_entity_type":[602],"modified_by":"Editor","_wl_alt_label":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","wl:entity_url":"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/post\/classy_living__how_to_upgrade_your_exterior_and_make_it_look_fantastic","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25132"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/81"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25132"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25132\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27106,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25132\/revisions\/27106"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25132"},{"taxonomy":"wl_entity_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wl_entity_type?post=25132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}