We Answer Wednesday - Best Front Door Colour

"I have a red brick home and the style of my home is quite traditional.  I want to paint my front door in something that's a bit more fun (currently my door is black).  Any ideas?"

Painting your front door is an easy update and it can really transform the look of your home.  Red brick is a classic and paired with a black door you have a timeless look.  But you can update the exterior with some paint and it can really make a huge difference.

 
 We love this home located in Carleston, SC (USA).  This look is timeless.  The matte black against the brick is classic and the cream trim matches the cream mortar between the brick and the mullions. 

Assuming your roof is neutral like black or possibly charcoal - you have lots of options.   But remember when you are picking an exterior paint colour you really need to work with what finishes are already there.  So the shade of red brick is important. We also suggest looking at the region for inspiration.  A soft beachy blue for example works well in Southern climates like the Carolinas but looks out of place in Northern climates, so keep that in mind as well.

For instance, if you have a terracotta (orange brick) this works well with colours such as navy blue or even a cobalt blue, dark taupe, dark (warm) grey, khaki and olive are nice green options, a deep cranberry and espresso are good options as well.



This orange brick home looks current with this charcoal door with warm white trim.  

 

This orange brick has a few more variations in tone but the olive-sage door looks fresh and clean especially with the warm white trim.  This home has a lot of charm and is warm and inviting.

Now, if you have a brick that is a deeper tone like a brownish red or a burgundy, you will want to look at paint colours such as navy blue, charcoal grey, deep olive green, a dark cranberry with brown undertones is another great option.  If you are looking for something a bit more unusual try a teal door with warm white trim. A red door is also a great look on a deeper red brick home.  It's a classic but it isn't as formal.





 This navy door with white trim against the burgundy brick is a very classic look but it looks great and isn't as formal as the black door. 



 This teal painted door is a fresh and fun look but works with the tones in the brick.

 
 This burgundy brick home looks great with a red door - notice how the shade of red in the door isn't orange, it is a true red.

These are some great options for your front door and as you know already paint can make a huge difference.  Be sure to pay attention to the other features like the trim (is it chipping?), the mailbox, doorbell, grip set and address numbers - are they in good shape? Do they need replacing or repairing? Those small details can make a huge difference in the exterior and curb appeal of your home.

We Answer Wednesday - How to create curb appeal in the early spring

"My house is hitting the real estate market very soon.  I know we have a great house on the inside but right now in this early spring weather, it's not looking great.  What can we do to increase our curb appeal when our gardens aren't in bloom?"


You are so right! Depending on where you live this time of year isn't the prettiest.  The good news is there are simple things that you can do to show off your great outdoor space. But your home is on the market now and you don't want to wait until the gardens are in full bloom.

The gardens aren't quite in bloom yet and the garden centers are gearing up for the season but in some areas it is still a bit early for planting.  But the grass is green, so use what you have and make the best of it.  So start with giving your yards (front and back) a good raking.  There is always some dead leaves and branches on the ground - just getting those off the grass will give the exterior a clean look.  Depending on your area you grass might be a bit on the long side.  So give it a mow and you will notice how much neater everything looks.



Flowers are a great way to add a splash of colour but because you are selling you might not want to make a huge investment in flowers this spring season plus it is still a bit early for planting.  A great alternative is planters at the front of the house and if you have a great deck space, some planters at the back are a nice touch too. So in these early spring days which flowers can handle this fresher weather? Potted Pansies are a great option - they are sturdy and colourful and if you take care of them, they will last all summer.  A bit of height is a good idea when creating your planters - in the spring we love forsythia - the pop of yellow draws the eye in! Remember these 3 words when creating a planter: Spill, Fill and Thrill; in other works, have some greenery or flowers that hang over the edge of the planter, have some plants and flowers that fill the majority of the pot (of medium height) and some height - the image below is a great example of a spring planter.



Create a welcoming vignette at the front door - this is the buyers first impression of the home so make it count! If you have a porch put out a bench with a cushion for a pop of colour.  Try a wreath on the front door. 


Just because it isn't summer yet doesn't mean you can't set the scene for buyers.  So pull out and dust off that patio furniture - maybe this is a bit early than usual but remember you are show casing your home for buyers so you want them to see how they would enjoy summer BBQs and get togethers outside.  So place the furniture like you would if you were entertaining so have a dining area and a seating area. Roll out the BBQ and take off the cover.  Now that the furniture is set up and clean, make it pretty with some outdoor pillows and maybe even an outdoor rug - it creates a welcoming scene for buyers.





Want to take it to the next level? For the photos you can set the dining table or at the seating area, set up a tray with a pitcher  - this will help make that emotional connection with the potential buyers who are looking online.

If you have a pool, make sure to have it open and running.  A pool always looks better (and photographs better) when it is blue and beautiful!

If you have incredible gardens or a beautiful flowering tree look through your photos and see if you have some beautiful 'full bloom' summer photos to share with your agent - these would be great to show buyers as well.

Other curb appeal factors to look into:

- check all exterior lighting are the bulbs in working order ?
- brush away any cobwebs or other debris that may have collected over the winter
- check the mailbox, is it rusted or loosely affixed to the house?
- does your doorbell work?
- how is the paint on the front door?
- how is the roof?
- sweep the walkways, driveway, porch and decks