Your home’s facade is the first visual contact any visitor has with your house. That’s why it’s responsible for making a good (or bad) first impression.
The problem is that many facade decor mistakes end up making your house look outdated, cluttered, or even tacky — and the worst part is: these mistakes are easy to avoid.
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“When you arrive at someone’s house, there’s usually a moment between ringing the doorbell and the door being answered. During that time, people observe the entire exterior,” explains Pamela O’Brien, lead designer at Pamela Hope Designs. “The front door and facade are the most important parts, because that’s where people form their first impressions.”
Here are the 6 most common decorating mistakes on house facades — and how to fix them:
1. Too many figurines and garden decorations
Outdoor design experts warn: avoid filling your home’s entrance with figurines, gnomes, over-the-top garden ornaments, or signs with inspirational quotes.
“These elements can take away from the home’s sophistication,” says Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal designer at Jensen & Co.
O’Brien suggests moving these decorative pieces to more discreet areas, such as the backyard, patio, or a flower bed in the back.
2. Out-of-season holiday decorations
One of the biggest facade mistakes is leaving up Christmas, Halloween, or Easter decorations for too long.
“Keeping them up past the appropriate time gives the impression of neglect and makes the exterior look tacky,” warns Jennifer Beget, owner of J Beget Designs.
The tip is to invest in permanent decorative lighting, like bistro lights, which work year-round and keep the facade looking charming without seeming out of place.
3. Mismatched outdoor lighting and accessories
Doorknobs, handles, and outdoor lights in clashing styles or metal finishes can create a disorganized and outdated look.
“It gives the impression that no thought was put into coordinating the home’s exterior,” says Jensen.
The ideal solution is to choose lighting and hardware elements that follow the same color palette and architectural style, ensuring visual harmony in the design.
4. Dead or neglected plants
A front garden can greatly enhance a home’s curb appeal — but only if the plants are well maintained.
“Plants are only beautiful when they’re healthy and well cared for,” emphasizes O’Brien.
Choose plants suited to your climate and stay on top of their maintenance. Even artificial flowers can ruin the look of a facade if they’re faded or look worn.
5. An overly ornate front door
An exaggerated front door with too much glass, bold colors, or heavy metal detailing can clash with the rest of the facade and throw off visual balance.
“It may not match the home’s overall style and can create an overwhelming look,” warns Jensen.
Opt for solid-colored doors with subtle detailing. Wood finishes, neutral tones, or simple glass panels strike a balance between elegance and modernity.
6. A poorly maintained entrance
A dirty main entrance — with cobwebs, built-up dust, or worn-out doormats — gives off an impression of neglect.
“It’s important to clean the front door area regularly,” advises O’Brien. “Sweep, power wash, or deep clean at least once each season.”
Also pay attention to the condition of the door paint, frame maintenance, and overall facade upkeep.
How to enhance your home’s facade
Avoiding these facade decorating mistakes is essential to maintaining an elegant and welcoming appearance. With a few small changes and regular maintenance, you can transform your home’s first impression and make it far more inviting and beautiful.
Source: The Spruce
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
