LISA'S BLOG

Monday, January 21, 2013

Simple Ways to Spruce up your Home


Whether it's in preparation for a backyard barbecue or a black tie ball , we should use all of the exterior design elements available to create something that brings the exterior of our homes to life.
From flower boxes to shutters, lights to cupolas, the exterior of our homes offers a continual opportunity for sprucing up. 
Much in the way that cufflinks and earrings add sparkle and punch to a stylishly dressed person, well-scaled light fixtures, plants and brightly colored furniture can enliven the exterior of a home.
Shutters should be real, operable and a wonderful color. Steer clear of shutters that are too small and permanently nailed open. Bring them to life by having them look as if they've been touched by human hands. Add shutter dogs, hinges and rings.
Shutters and window boxes surround the windows with shape, texture and color. Hang the shutters with hinges to create space, shadow and an authentic feel. Make certain that your window boxes are sized to scale with your windows.
Keep the interior cooler during the hot summer months by installing a brise soleil to shade windows from the sun.
For a more traditional aesthetic, install a trellis to shade the windows and reduce your energy consumption. 
Use a bright color at the window frames to add a welcoming splash of color.
Add a cupola that can be seen from the surrounding landscape to announce where the entry is.
Install light fixtures that have the correct scale and proportion to add some sparkle and complement the surrounding architecture and the home's style.
Install house numbers that are large and well-lit and a beautiful and unusual door knocker.
Window boxes planted with bright flowers connect the house to the land and add personality and interest to even the simplest exterior.