Exterior Home Improvement: Trends That Enhance Curb Appeal

Discover the latest emerging trends and innovative technologies in exterior home improvement that will enhance your curb appeal and create a lasting impression for your home.

Why Exterior Home Improvement Matters

Exterior home improvement is more than just enhancing the appearance of your house. It plays a vital role in increasing the value of your property and creating a welcoming atmosphere. The exterior of your home is the first thing people notice, and it sets the tone for what lies inside. By investing in exterior home improvement, you can make a lasting impression and improve your curb appeal.

Furthermore, exterior home improvement projects can help in protecting your house from weather elements and potential damage. Whether it's installing new siding, upgrading your roof, or adding landscaping features, these improvements can provide long-term benefits for your home's structural integrity and energy efficiency.

In today's competitive real estate market, exterior home improvement can make your property stand out from the rest. Potential buyers are more likely to be attracted to a well-maintained exterior that reflects the latest trends and innovative technologies. Whether you plan to sell your home or simply want to enjoy it for years to come, focusing on exterior improvements is a smart choice.

Think of landscaping as Mother Nature’s jewelry for concrete, as seen in this Ownby Design backyard. Photo: Courtesy of Ownby Design

Trend 1: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials

One of the emerging trends in exterior home improvement is the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Homeowners are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact and are opting for materials that are renewable, recyclable, and energy-efficient.

For example, using reclaimed wood for siding or decking not only adds a unique aesthetic to your home but also reduces the demand for new timber. Additionally, materials like recycled plastic composite for outdoor furniture and eco-friendly paint can contribute to a greener and more sustainable home.

By incorporating sustainable materials into your exterior home improvement projects, you not only contribute to the preservation of the environment but also create a healthier living space for you and your family.

Concrete as a sustainable building material: 

• Long life- Concrete structures are long-lived, such as pavements that have an average service life of 30-50 years.
• Low life-cycle cost - Concrete consumes minimum materials, energy and other resources for construction, and requires little to no maintenance throughout its service life.
• Safety and reliability - Concrete does not rust, rot or burn.  Concrete pavements are less susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles, is easier to see at night, ensures shorter vehicle stopping distances in bad weather and requires fewer work zones over the life of the pavement.
  Resilience – concrete is resistant to natural and man-made disasters.  Because of its durability, concrete structures will not require additional carbon release to produce additional materials used for repair. 
• Fewer traffic disruptions - Concrete pavements do not require lengthy lane closures, with roads able to reopen within as little as six hours. This reduces time-in-traffic auto emissions.

More concrete is produced than any other material on Earth. In the foreseeable future, there is no other material that can replace concrete to meet our societies’ needs for housing, shelter, schools, and infrastructure. It is an inexpensive construction material with a relatively small environmental footprint, but its attractive properties have lead to massive use that contributes approximately 5% of global CO2 production

Photo: Scott Van Dyke

Trend 2: Smart Home Integration

In the era of smart technology, integrating your home with smart features has become a popular trend in exterior home improvement. From automated lighting and irrigation systems to smart security cameras and door locks, homeowners can now control and monitor their outdoor spaces with ease.

Smart home integration allows you to enhance the functionality and convenience of your exterior. Imagine being able to control your outdoor lighting and sprinkler system through your smartphone or receiving real-time alerts about any suspicious activity near your property. These smart features not only make your life easier but also add an extra layer of security to your home.

By embracing smart home integration in your exterior home improvement projects, you can create a modern and technologically advanced outdoor space that caters to your lifestyle and enhances your home's value.

More than 80% of Americans opt for homes equipped with smart technology over a comparable home that is not, according to a recent study. In addition, more and more people see smart home technology as a selling point and are willing to pay for it – regardless of their price range. Real estate developers are implementing tech-savvy features into condos to add convenience and accessibility right at the buyers’ fingertips. A few developers partnered with Amazon and digital assistants, such as Spruce and Hello Alfred, to take the list of amenities to the next level. 

Lutron in your smart home.

Our company understands the importance of staying ahead of the curve when it comes to exterior home improvement trends. That's why they have embraced the use of Lutron smart home systems directly in their projects. By integrating these innovative technologies, they are able to offer their clients a seamless and convenient way to control and monitor their outdoor spaces. Whether it's adjusting the outdoor lighting to create the perfect ambiance or checking the security cameras for any suspicious activity, homeowners can now have complete control at their fingertips.

But it doesn't stop there - We also recognizes the value of warranties and how they can increase the overall home value. By providing warranties on all the integrated smart home systems, they give their clients peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected. This not only adds value to the home but also makes it more attractive to potential buyers in the competitive real estate market. So, if you're looking to enhance the exterior of your home and increase its value, go with us. With their integration of Lutron smart home systems and their commitment to offering warranties, you can be confident that your home will stand out from the rest.

Photo: 2luxury2

Trend 3: Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living spaces have become a sought-after trend in exterior home improvement. Homeowners are transforming their yards into functional and inviting areas for relaxation, entertainment, and socializing.

From spacious decks and patios to cozy outdoor kitchens and fire pits, outdoor living spaces allow you to extend your living area beyond the four walls of your home. These spaces can be designed to accommodate various activities, such as hosting BBQ parties, enjoying family gatherings, or simply unwinding after a long day.

Creating an outdoor living space not only adds value to your home but also enhances your overall quality of life. It provides a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, allowing you to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.

Don’t just leave concrete to itself—pair it with other elements like water, fire, and greenery, like this poolside patio by Ownby Design. Photo: Werner Segarra

Trend 4: Vertical Gardens and Green Walls

Vertical gardens and green walls are gaining popularity as innovative ways to incorporate nature into exterior home improvement. These features not only add a touch of greenery to your home but also offer numerous benefits, such as improved air quality, insulation, and noise reduction.

By utilizing vertical spaces, you can create a stunning visual impact and maximize the use of limited outdoor areas. Vertical gardens can be designed with a variety of plants, herbs, and flowers, allowing you to create your own oasis of greenery.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, green walls and vertical gardens are also eco-friendly. They help in reducing the urban heat island effect, mitigating stormwater runoff, and providing habitats for wildlife.

By incorporating vertical gardens and green walls into your exterior home improvement plans, you can create a sustainable and visually appealing outdoor space that brings nature closer to your home.

Trend 5: Bold Colors and Statement Doors

Gone are the days of neutral and understated exteriors. The latest trend in exterior home improvement is all about bold colors and statement doors that make a striking impression.

Choosing vibrant and eye-catching colors for your home's exterior can instantly transform its appearance and create a unique personality. Whether it's a bright red front door, a colorful accent wall, or bold trim details, these design choices can add character and charm to your home.

Statement doors, in particular, have become a popular focal point for exterior home improvement. From modern glass doors to intricately designed wooden doors, homeowners are opting for entryways that make a bold statement and reflect their personal style.

By embracing bold colors and statement doors in your exterior home improvement projects, you can make a memorable first impression and set your home apart from the rest.