Praise the heavens; it's time to think spring! Let's be honest, I've been thinking about it since our first snowfall in November, but now I can at least get serious about it!

My number one Gallup Strength is Strategic, so the first thing I start thinking about is what events I have this spring that I need to prepare for. Am I hosting Easter? Am I hosting a baby shower or a wedding shower? Do I have a graduation or any other reason I have company coming? Am I planning to sell my house? In other words, when does my front yard, porch, house, etc. need to be "guest ready?" This dictates what projects I take on and when. :) So, with that said, what is on my wish list for this year to welcome my guests and level up my curb appeal? I will separate this list into Maintenance, Projects, and Outdoor Ambience.

Maintenance:

Garbage

Start with things that shouldn't be in the front or backyard. A leftover bag or two of leaves from fall that missed the pickup date? Cardboard boxes that accumulated from Christmas that don't fit in the recycle bin? A broken rain gauge that got left outside before it froze? Oh, are these just at my house? Lol.

Leaves

You thought you'd done your final fall cleanup, yet there are leaves in your yard and around your house again. Yep, it happens every year. So, it's time for a spring cleanup before you lay new mulch and the tulips start popping up. Pick a nice day above 50 degrees and hop to it!

Mulch

There is nothing faster to make your yard look ready for flowers and the green that will be coming soon than new mulch! It's one of my favorite joys in life. I feel like it's Christmas morning every day when I come home for at least a month to new mulch! My favorite color is brown. Lay down 1" -2" over previously mulched areas and 3" -4" over new areas.

Dirt

Oh my gosh, the dirt. Winter is just dirty, especially for areas that get a lot of moisture. Think of your car that had sat outside all winter without going through the carwash. This is your house, porch, outdoor furniture, windows, and everything else. We had rain this past week, and I swear dirt fell from the sky. Everything is just filthy. Hire this task or find your power washer and clean your house, windows, porch, and deck. It will all look brand new!

Repaint/ Touch Up Paint

Depending on what area of the country you live in, winters can be harsh. Moisture, freezing, and unthawing will often affect the paint on homes, especially window sills, if they are not metal. Chip off loose paint and sand as best as possible, and add two fresh coats.

Projects:

New Mailbox

You all know I'm about first impressions and curb appeal, and the closest item in your yard to the street and the first thing people see about your home is the mailbox! By installing a new mailbox, you can add a touch of style and enhance the overall appearance of your property, which can improve its curb appeal. A well-designed mailbox that complements your home's architecture and landscaping can create a positive first impression and increase your home's perceived value. My mailbox is okay, but it can level up. I can't wait for this slight change that will significantly improve! I'll take you along on my project planning for sure!

Privacy Wall

I have this exciting seating area in the front of my home that is secluded from the street by a large berm. However, there is no barrier between it and the yard to the north. I am in the process of constructing a privacy wall that will feature faux boxwood. It will be an aesthetically pleasing addition to the area while providing functionality. By blocking out unwanted views and the outside world, privacy walls can create a sense of intimacy and exclusivity. I can't wait to add this!

Water Feature

This has been on my personal wish list for a while, and I'm still determining if I will get it done yet, but one can hope! I am a water lover through and through. I love to watch and listen to it. Water is peaceful in so many ways. I would love to sit by a fountain or small stream while I work outside or read a book. These are easier than one might think to create. The biggest issue is power for the pump, so when planning something like this, consider where your nearest outlet is or factor in the expense of running power to the location.

Outdoor Ambience

Planters. Fake it until you make it with faux flowers! I know this sounds terrible, but listen, depending on what part of the country you are in, flowers might only be able to start growing in May, and I'm ready NOW! So, artificial pansies, forsythia, and pussy willows are to the rescue! No one thinks about it from the curb - they know your planters look great. It made me sad every year to plant pansies and then rip them out on Mother's Day when they are finally looking their best to replace them with new summer flowers. Go faux… I'm telling you, they work great with less guilt and no watering- magic.

Music

I love music outside! I have an Echo dot on my porch and my deck. I love the flow of continuous music throughout my house, and I consider the porch and backyard extensions of my home. Music greets my guests in the most welcoming way and makes me feel like I live in an open-air resort. Okay, not really, but I can pretend. I leave the speakers out all summer; both are in semi-protected locations from rain.

Throw pillows

Outdoor pillows are a quick way to add color and coziness to any sitting area. I have found some of my favorites at TJ Maxx or Home Goods. Ensure your cushions are in good shape; if not, consider replacing them. I prefer neutral cushions and bring the color and patterns in through the pillows.

Custom Home Identification Sign

Entry Envy offers unique, personalized exterior house signs that are functional and beautiful. Our signs are carefully designed and handcrafted to complement the style of your home and add curb appeal. Our subscription service ensures that your sign will always look fresh and styled for the upcoming holiday or season without the hassle of figuring out which decor to put in it yourself. Your new kit will ship on the 22nd of each month, and you'll look forward to seeing which faux floral decor kit you received to update your entry. Purchasing an exterior house sign from Entry Envy is an excellent investment for aesthetics and purpose while supporting a company that values sustainability, community, and empowering women.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why curb appeal matters, but most important, love where you live! Your beautiful yard and porch create a positive first impression for visitors. A well-maintained and attractive exterior can make people feel welcome and interested in what's inside. A home with strong curb appeal may command a higher selling price than a comparable home with a less attractive exterior. Taking a little extra care to maintain an exterior that is as fabulous as your interior will bring a smile to your face when you come home.