Curb appeal on a shoestring

August 7, 2025 by
It’s hard to find something new, revelatory, exciting, to write about so you don’t immediately switch to Instagram pictures of avocado toast. 

Like it’s all been said before, or I’ve said it a million times. 

How about the weird things people store in their pantry? Or how not to get your arm trapped under a sofa when moving it? Or my own private conundrum that I ponder once a week: is the Pringles man Italian, or does he just have a moustache

So I thought a long walk and a dance playlist could be an easy fix for a lightbulb to turn on, so I put on my bright-yellow safety vest, grabbed an energy drink and my traveller’s badge which features an image of binoculars that reads “Official World Explorer”, and set out to scour the neighbourhood.  

Well, it didn’t take too long before I had a wheelbarrow full of curb appeal faux-paws. 

Man, if those weeds could talk…I mean, a weed is really just a plant that grows in the wrong place. As I always say, to live well is to let go well, and it all starts with a bag of weeds.

But let’s be honest, the front door is the real main character. The home’s handshake.

Screen doors are on the way out. They’re also on the way in. That’s what doors are for. 

One of my most loathed front door situations are metal screen doors. Many don’t open or close well, or worse, are rusted and bent. They instantly age the home, significantly denigrating curb appeal. 

Solution: a Phantom screen door, or just plain take it off.

It’s not too late for potted annuals on the front steps, but I have witnessed a myriad of times where the steps are too narrow for these plants, a “hoarding-type plantation”. 

Not only does this accentuate the narrow steps, but it forces everyone to walk in single file, hoping in turn not to knock over the pots. 

Sometimes less can be more.

Ot worse, using pots and/or vases completely out of proportion, totally changing the vibe. 

Or barring the front door completely.

I see so many front gardens with bare spots. An easy and quick way without the hassle of digging or planting directly in the ground is to set in some potted annuals. Not only does this instantly fill in those empty areas, but they create focal points, drawing the eye and inviting buyers to take a closer look. 

They may be the star of the show with their height, colour and interest, as well looking great in MLS photos. 

Or take the frontage to the next level by simply hanging flowering planters.

Mulch is a miracle worker in front yard landscaping. It’s a super easy way to get a quick refresh, giving flower beds and around trees, a neat, tidy look. 

Choose mulch or cedar chips that have not be chemically colour-dyed.
Filed Under: Blog