12 Simple Ways to Add Character to a Plain House Exterior

Your home’s exterior does not have to be plain and boring. It deserves to stand out, just like the interior. Sometimes, you tend to spend more time outside, either with your family or alone. Hence, it is important to have a relaxing and beautiful space to enjoy, and a quick addition of character can do wonders. But it is crucial to understand that forcing a completely unrelated style on your home can make it more bland.

So, if you want to enhance the exterior of your home and are looking for inspiration that can actually help, this blog is for you.

12 Ways to Add Character to Your Plain House Exterior

Add Shutters

While your home may already have certain charming features and details, such as round doors or a distinctive traditional English-style roof, there is always room for enhancement. Hence, shutters can be the best way to add character if you need to beautify your home a little more. They are easy to DIY, and can be built without enough experience. When selecting material for shutters, some homeowners prefer vinyl over metal because it is durable and stylish, and also complements the exterior.

Window Boxes

Window boxes add charm to the plain house exterior. But not all windows suit all houses - hence, it is important to take some time to find out the one best suited for your house. It must match the style, paint, and finish of the exterior, as when window boxes fit in naturally, they look more like an architectural feature, without costing much.

Hang Lanterns

Lighting, such as lanterns, brings depth and dimension to your home’s exterior. Any flat and dull facade can be fixed with the right light. If you have a colonial, farmhouse, or other traditional-style home, incorporating a traditional gas lantern can be a great idea. But if you have a Cape-Cod or cottage-styled home, try nautical-style lanterns.

Add a Deck

Front decks are a great way to enhance the exterior of your home, especially if you don’t have an attached front garage. They offer a charming, welcoming look and can often be added without altering the main structure or disturbing the existing structures. Decks can be flexibly designed as per your home’s structure and create a wonderful outdoor space to spend time with family and friends.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Paint can add character to the home’s exterior if done correctly. So, when you plan to paint the exterior, consider choosing the right paint and color schemes. The color you choose can change the look and feel of the exterior, giving it a unique personality and curb appeal. Choose shades that work well with your roof and surrounding landscape to create a harmonious and unified appearance. Ensure to use durable and high-quality colors that can protect the materials from elements.

Landscaping and Greenery

If you want to bring out the beauty of the exterior, landscaping is the best way to do that. Well-chosen plants can enhance the exterior, adding lively character to it, with their vibrant colors and rich textures. You can consider adding a mix of perennials, annuals, and evergreens to keep the garden vibrant throughout the year. Also, consider incorporating trees to offer shade and flowering shrubs to bring color and fragrance. That’s not all - creating stone paths, edging, in addition to a birdbath and bench, can add charm to your home.

Upgrade Your Garage Door

Upgrading the garage door can make a huge difference in your backyard. But buying a new garage door can be costly. Hence, you can check a few online marketplaces, such as Facebook, to find the best one at a reasonable price. Though they may need some work, scraping, and even repainting, in addition to new hardware, they can save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Ensure to consider the paint of the home’s exterior, the surroundings, etc., when choosing the door. It’ll create a cohesive look and add so much charm to your garage.

Incorporate Pea Gravel

Pea gravel can be incorporated into homes of all styles. It doesn’t require much effort and is one of the most cost-effective ways to beautify and add character to your outdoor space. These small gravel can be used for several purposes, such as between garden beds, for walkways, around fire pits, etc. They are easy to maintain and cheaper than stone pavers.

Add Fences

Fences must be chosen thoughtfully, as they define the boundaries of your property. Several materials, such as wood, metal, etc., are available that enhance the visual interest of the home’s exterior. They also provide privacy and security while bringing character to an otherwise plain exterior. You can also incorporate decorative elements, such as lattice panels or picket tops, in addition to planting vines and other climbing plants for a more inviting look. But if you already have fences, you can repair them and splash a fresh coat of paint to make them new and functional.

Cover the Entry Door

It is important to have some overhead cover when entering the house during a rainstorm. Though it has a practical purpose, it can also enhance the home’s curb appeal. If you have a colonial-style home, you can consider incorporating a modest portico, along with a pediment. Whereas, if you have a cottage or Craftsman-style home, a covered porch can be a great fit. Also, if your space and budget allow, you can consider adding a larger porch that complements your home’s architecture.

Incorporate Different Types of Siding

Siding may not be the most exciting feature for some, but it can make a huge difference in adding drama and character to exterior spaces. It is advisable to make use of different siding styles to bring in texture and make the exterior more appealing to the eye. You can opt for wooden planks around the entryway and combine them with different siding types elsewhere. This can shift the attention to the doorway, add depth, and draw focus from the home’s flat facade.

Consider Upgrading Your Driveway

Most driveways are overlooked when they’re in good working condition. However, if they’re worn down or clash with the style of your home, it can negatively impact the exterior, making it look dull. This can weigh down the aesthetic of your home. You can consider upgrading the driveway using masonry, bricks, or stained concrete - they enhance the overall look of your property with a polished finish.

How to Incorporate Decorative Elements to the Outdoor Space?

Here’s how you can incorporate decorative elements into your outdoor space -

• Look for pieces that are comfortable and weather-resistant.

• Choose decorative items that complement your home’s design.

• Prioritize durable materials for long-lasting outdoor decorations.

• Aim for a cohesive design that connects your indoor and outdoor living spaces.

• Add charm with accessories like planters, wind chimes, and garden ornaments.

• Use sculptures, birdbaths, and fountains as they create focal points in your outdoor space.

Conclusion

Your home’s exterior is as important as its interior. But to add character and charm to your exterior, ensure to incorporate elements and features that complement the overall architecture of your home and its surroundings. If you’re thinking of having some custom features, you can try DIYing or get in touch with your local exterior designer to create a beautiful outdoor space.