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Whether you're entertaining guests or trying to sell your house, nothing beats a great first impression.
And when it comes to improving its exterior to appear more inviting, there's no substitute for decorating the curbside view with a few key enhancements that beckon you inwards.
"With the current state of the economy, homeowners continue to look for ways to enhance their homes," says Jeff Dross, senior product manager at Kichler Lighting, a company specializing in indoor and outdoor lighting. "Simple enhancements to existing outdoor areas, such as lighting or landscaping, can have a big impact on the overall aesthetics of your property."
That all-important first impression can be enhanced with a few simple cosmetic changes that include:
* Slate: There are many natural materials that can be incorporated into outdoor landscaping projects, but one of the most popular is slate. Used patio design, roofing, entryways and more, slate provides a classic and natural outdoor element that works nicely against typical landscapes. Stain-resistant and non-absorbent, it's also a very durable rock that helps warmly lead visitors into your home.
* Landscape Lighting: Outdoor lighting elements not only provide decorative flair, but complement a home's exterior facade and add that extra touch to the landscape. With a wide variety of creative designs, outdoor lighting also can accent other aspects of your property, including your porch, or the walkway to your patio. For example, Kichler Lighting offers a wide range of landscape lighting fixtures, from lighted potted planters to coordinating outdoor chandeliers and wall sconces.
* Energy Efficient Products: The buzz on energy efficient products continues to grow as homeowners remodel and expand outdoor settings. The key to reducing energy consumption in outdoor lighting is the reliance on LED lighting -- an ultra energy-efficient light source that uses 75 percent less electricity than typical incandescent lighting. And, depending on the particular style you're seeking, there are a variety of LED fixtures that can help welcome visitors to your home while accommodating your energy efficient needs.
"Decreasing energy consumption and its costs remains top-of-mind for homeowners when tackling remodeling projects," says Dross. "As the technology of LED continues to grow, manufacturers continue to develop products that not only are energy efficient, but aesthetically pleasing and provide added design elements."
* Outdoor Fans: With an array of exterior cooling options, outdoor fan designs have certainly come a long way. Not only do they provide refreshing, cooler air, but design innovations have made them the perfect accent to any outdoor space. Outdoor ceiling fans are now moisture-resistant to withstand certain weather conditions, and some are even equipped with energy efficient DC motors to reduce energy consumption while being safe for the environment.
Whatever styles you pursue, there are many ways to reconfigure your home's exterior, making it more inviting and welcoming for both family and visitors.
Real estate professionals call it curb appeal, but you can just call it home. |
