25 Curb Appeal Ideas That Cost Less Than $100

Modern home with wood accents, curb appeal — Credit:
Image Source / GETTY IMAGES

Enhancing your home's curb appeal doesn't have to be costly—there are many projects big and small that can boost the overall aesthetic of your landscape. Whether you plant seedlings that eventually grow into large and beautiful trees or give your front door a fresh coat of paint, a small budget is all it takes to transform your front yard into something you're proud to show off. Upgrade your home's exterior for $100 or less with these clever curb appeal ideas.

01 of 25

Paint Your Front Door

orange painted front door — Credit:
DavidPrahl / GETTY IMAGES

Breathe new life into your front door by updating its paint color. "A fresh coat of paint in a bold color can instantly add personality and charm to your home's exterior, creating an inviting focal point," says Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab.

02 of 25

Add House Numbers

Chances are, you haven't updated your house numbers in quite some time, but doing so is an easy and affordable way to boost curb appeal. "Stylish house numbers or a plaque near your front door offer a functional and visually appealing touch, making your address easy to locate," says Kelly.

03 of 25

Set Up a Mailbox

Yellow mailbox on fence — Credit:
jcsmily / GETTY IMAGES

A mailbox doesn't just add charm to your home's landscape, it's also very useful. "Choose a mailbox that complements your home's style, enhancing the overall aesthetic while also serving a practical purpose," says Kelly.

04 of 25

Power Wash Your House

Wooden exterior home — Credit:
Astronaut Images / GETTY IMAGES

If your home's exterior is looking worse for wear, consider power washing it. "Give your exterior walls a refresh by power washing, revealing a cleaner and brighter façade that exudes curb appeal," says Kelly.

05 of 25

Install Flower Boxes

Window flower box — Credit:
Grace Cary / GETTY IMAGES

Fill your front yard with more greenery by attaching flower boxes under windows or along your railing. The planters offer an opportunity to showcase seasonal blooms and add a touch of natural beauty, says Kelly.

06 of 25

Add Hanging Baskets

Hanging plants front porch — Credit:
subjob / GETTY IMAGES

Suspended planters filled with colorful flowers or trailing vines create a delightful visual display that draws the eye upward, says Kelly. Keep in mind that hanging baskets dry out faster than some other containers, so you may need to water them once a day to ensure your plants stay luscious.

07 of 25

Paint Your Front Porch

Painted front porch — Credit:
Karyn R. Millet / GETTY IMAGES

Paint is one of the easiest and more affordable curb appeal ideas. For a completely new look, give your entire front porch a fresh coat of paint, which can make the entrance feel clean and well maintained, says Kelly.

08 of 25

Refresh Mulch

Mulch in landscape with hostas and phlox — Credit:
Viorika / GETTY IMAGES

While it may often go overlooked as a way to boost curb appeal, applying fresh mulch to your garden beds suppresses unsightly weeds and adds a polished look to your yard, Kelly notes.

09 of 25

Trim Greenery

Trim shrub and tree greenery — Credit:
jhorrocks / GETTY IMAGES

If your landscape's greenery has become unruly, consider trimming it to give your home a more polished look. "A well-maintained landscape with neatly trimmed bushes, shrubs, and trees portrays a cared-for exterior," says Kelly.

10 of 25

Hang a Wreath

Two wreaths hung on front door — Credit:
SondraP / GETTY IMAGES

Wreaths are a wonderful way to make your home's exterior feel more welcoming to visitors and passersby. There are wreaths suitable for all four seasons, adding year-round charm; or opt for a wreath that reflects the current season.

11 of 25

Plant Hydrangeas

Planted hydrangeas — Credit:
AndreaObzerova / GETTY IMAGES

Want to add more foliage to your landscape, but not sure where to start? Consider planting hydrangeas. "These vibrant, low-maintenance flowers can transform your front yard with their colorful blooms, creating a welcoming atmosphere," says Kelly.

12 of 25

Create a Pathway

Stone pathway — Credit:
Martin Wahlborg / GETTY IMAGES

Believe it or not, you can create a beautiful front walkway without going over budget. "Lay down a pathway using affordable materials like gravel, mulch, or stepping stones," says Kelly. "This not only adds functionality but also guides visitors to your front entrance, enhancing the overall appeal of your home."

13 of 25

Repurpose Outdoor Furniture

Wooden swing on porch — Credit:
Heidi Patricola / GETTY IMAGES

Swapping old outdoor furniture for new can get expensive quickly—instead touch up what you already have. "If you have old outdoor furniture, give it a fresh coat of paint or a thorough cleaning," says Kelly. "Placing a couple of chairs or a bench on your porch can create an inviting and cozy space."

14 of 25

Decorate With Pebbles

Landscaping with pebbles — Credit:
welcomia / GETTY IMAGES

Add texture and visual interest to your landscape with affordable hardscape materials. "Use decorative stones or pebbles to outline garden beds, create borders, or make patterns," says Kelly.

15 of 25

Swap Hardware

Golden hardware front door — Credit:
georgeclerk / GETTY IMAGES

Changing out the hardware finishes on your front door is a simple detail, but it's one that can change its overall aesthetic. Choose materials like brushed brass or polished nickel for an elevated look.

16 of 25

Lay Down a Doormat

Welcome visitors into your home with a fresh doormat. "Swap out your old doormat for a new one that complements your home's color palette and style, instantly enhancing the entryway," says Kelly.

17 of 25

Install Solar Lights

Solar lights outside home — Credit:
bruev / GETTY IMAGES

Cast a warm glow over your landscape by adding lighting, be it a sconce on your front porch or a walkway dotted with path lights. "Solar pathway lights or decorative lanterns illuminate your walkway, adding safety and ambiance during the evenings," says Kelly.

18 of 25

Plant Trees

Trees planted near curb — Credit:
posonsky / GETTY IMAGES

While many flowers typically last for just one season, trees look beautiful year-round. Choose varieties that will add to the landscape over the years, says Andi Morse of Morse Design.

19 of 25

Lay Down a Rug

Rug on porch — Credit:
Marje / GETTY IMAGES

Give your porch a cozy feel by laying down a rug that complements your aesthetic. Make sure you choose an option that can withstand outdoor elements and high foot traffic.

20 of 25

Put Down Fresh Pine Straw

Wheelbarrow of straw for landscaping — Credit:
Philippe S. Giraud / GETTY IMAGES

Fill in negative space in your garden by laying down pine straw, which has more than just cosmetic benefits. The material locks in moisture, minimizes the growth of weeds, and helps prevent soil erosion.

21 of 25

Clean Your Windows

Home exterior windows — Credit:
jimkruger / GETTY IMAGES

Over time, your windows can build up with dirt, fingerprints, bacteria, and other grime, causing them to take on a dingy appearance. "Clean windows make your house look fresh and taken care of over the years," says Morse.

22 of 25

Power Wash Your Driveway

Pressure-washing driveway — Credit:
welcomia / GETTY IMAGES

It's likely your driveway has built up with dirt, oil stains, and more grime over the years, but a deep clean can give it an entirely new look. "Power washing brightens up the area and can make it feel fresh and new again," says Morse.

23 of 25

Paint Your Mailbox

Black mailbox in front of home — Credit:
Amana Images Inc / GETTY IMAGES

If you already have a mailbox but haven't updated it in a while, now is a great opportunity to do so. The easiest way to makeover your mailbox is by painting it—choose a color that's easy to match, like black or white, says Morse.

24 of 25

Set Up Adirondack Chairs

Adirondack chairs in yard — Credit:
kmacdoug / GETTY IMAGES

Add extra seating to your front porch with Adirondack chairs. It makes your home feel welcoming and provides you with a great gathering spot, Morse says.

25 of 25

Get a Healthy Lawn

A healthy lawn is one of the most effective ways to boost curb appeal. If you have grass, make sure it's well maintained without any bald patches. "Well cared for lawns that are lush always make your house shine," says Morse. If you have a hard time with turf grass, consider planting drought-tolerant ornamental grass in its place—there are many varieties that are just as beautiful.