Curb appeal tips from an interior designer

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Wreath, door numbers, rug, door knocker — Time to make your exterior look as good as your interior. (Photo: Amazon)

I’m fortunate to hold the title of interior designer. It’s a profession that allows me to express my creativity and make things pretty! It’s my job to guide the client to their own self-expression, as every home is unique to those who inhabit it. Just like you, your home should be beautiful both inside and out. You want to put your best foot forward, and your abode should follow. The result (you hope): great curb appeal.

Too often we forget, particularly if we typically enter the house through a garage or side door, that our home should look welcoming and attractive on the outside too. So take stock; maybe it’s time to replace that rickety mailbox, dress up the porch or treat the walkway to some pretty plants. Lucky for you, I’ve collected an array of products and ideas that should get your own creative juices flowing. Then again, you could just follow my lead, get these products in your cart and click “purchase” because Walmart makes these upgrades and add-ons affordable enough that you can get the front of your home in tip-top shape over a single weekend.

Want to save even more? Make sure you’re signed up for Walmart+. It’s easy to sign up for your free 30-day trial here. You’ll get free grocery delivery, savings on gas and prescriptions, exclusive access to major deals, and more. (And by the way, those without Walmart+ still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)

I’ve channeled the ever-popular modern farmhouse vibe in these picks, but many of these items can easily transition, mixing with other styles from colonial to Tudor. So what are you waiting for? Get clicking!

Tall Square Planter — $21 off

Black outdoor planter in a yard — Effortlessly sophisticated, it’ll make your greens take center stage. (Photo: Walmart)

At 26 inches high, this sleek Veradek Midland Tall Square planter will stand sentry, while adding much needed zhoosh to your front door, garden path or deck. It’s down to $60 right now (from $81), which makes the price more palatable if you need to get a pair. I love it styled with tall grasses as shown here, but you could also go for trailing ivy or vibrant flowers. The sharp black and angular shape works with so many aesthetics, from modern farmhouse to midcentury. Lightweight plastic makes it easy to move, and UV inhibitors minimize fading.

“Planter perfection,” says a fan. “Sturdy, durable, lightweight and stylish. Comes with a shelf that sits inside at mid-height so you don’t have to fill the whole planter with dirt. Love the look…

$60 ~~$81~~ at Walmart

Brass Floating House Number

Gold house number — Second on the list — replace your house numbers with a set that really shines. (Photo: Walmart)

If you take pride in your home, it should wear your address proudly, too. Plus, your mail carrier will appreciate it. If you’ve got those cheap plastic textured numbers on your home — you know, the ones that have been there since you bought the house in 1978 — it’s time to upgrade to something a bit more contemporary. These house numbers, from Architectural Mailboxes, are 4″ tall, so they’re easy to read, and shine in a sleek font. They come in a variety of finishes (price may vary) so you can match the hardware on your front door. My fave picks are the classic matte black and the trendy polished brass (above).

This happy reviewer gives us the scoop: “These are nice for mounting on brick and siding…. The ability to float makes them able to be mounted on a non-smooth surface. Good heavy metal number…not the plastic junk that the local stores sell.”

Another says, “These are attractive, contemporary and easy to install.”

$11 ~~$15~~ at Walmart

Oil Rubbed Bronze Circle Ring Door Knocker — over 60{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82} off!

Black door knocker — Knock knock. Who’s there? It’s your new knocker. (Photo: Walmart)

While video doorbells are all the rage these days, there’s still no replacement for a classic door knocker. It evokes the classic, stately style your home deserves, and it does its job with simple functionality. Door knockers are the art piece of your front door, and even something elegant, like this cast iron ring, is just the statement you need to bring on the polish. This one is lacquered so it won’t tarnish, and the heavy metal is worthy of its original price of $115. Lucky for you, it’s been marked down to $45, saving you 70 bucks! If you’re more partial to brass, try this beveled beauty at the same great price.

$45 ~~$115~~ at Walmart

Glidden High Endurance Plus Exterior Paint and Primer

Dark green paint — Your neighbors will be green with envy when they see your chic new front door color. (Photo: Walmart)

Now that we have your new knocker, we need to make sure your door itself is the welcoming portal to your home’s interior that it should be. If it’s scuffed, dull or just plain unsightly, a fresh coat of paint will do wonders. Don’t let your front door be a missed opportunity — take the time to really think about your color. A bright yellow? A unique pink? A classic blue? Your door should complement your siding while making a bold statement of its own, all while being a reflection of you! This durable paint is available in upwards of 100 colors, but for you less adventurous types I’ve selected the Hunter Green from Glidden. Green is the color of 2022, popping up everywhere from walls to wooden furniture. It’s no wonder — green is a nature-inspired neutral that works with just about any hue on the spectrum, so it’s easy to use.

Glidden’s 100{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82} acrylic, mildew-resistant paint is designed to withstand the elements. Plus, it’s a paint and primer in one, making this a quick DIY with maximum impact.

Says a happy customer: “I was very impressed; the quality is way better than I expected. The color, blend and texture was great… compared to the other paint that I’ve used before. Love it and I will definitely buy it again. Highly recommended if you are looking for a great quality paint for your project.”

$23 ~~$27~~ at Walmart

Black and White Striped Indoor Outdoor Rug

Front door with striped doormat — Welcome them with style. (Photo: Walmart)

I’m loving this awning-stripe door mat from KaHouen. Those bold stripes attract the eye, while complementing any number of personal aesthetics. Picture: a cozy, snow covered winter at the farmhouse paired with red plaids and potted pines or a classic summer poolside, with Beverly Hills–inspired pink and green mid-century vibes. Really, I can spin this rug any which way and make it work, and so can you. Not only is it attractive, but it’s easy to clean with a vacuum or broom, or you could just throw it in the wash. You can even hose it down with a touch of mild soap to freshen it up.

This thrilled reviewer raves, “Adorable outdoor rug! I have had this for several months now, and I’m very happy with it. It held up well in the PNW fall and winter. Would buy again.”

$18 ~~$22~~ at Walmart

Faux Eucalyptus Garland Wreath

As trendily fetching as green is overall (see above), the green of natural plants is a must, livening up your porch, stoop or deck, carrying the outdoors into the threshold of your home. But not everyone has a green thumb, and sometimes covered porches and porticos don’t get enough natural light for plants to thrive. This faux eucalyptus wreath is a great solution for when you want a touch of green but don’t have the right atmosphere, space or skill for an au natural option.

This charming 12-inch wreath can be hung on your front door, adding that touch of nature, and you don’t even have to water it. The verdant green looks great no matter what the weather, so you can allow your seasonal decor to shine without changing your door decor. Consider hanging some in front of those not-so-attractive windows you’ve been meaning to replace but can’t afford right now. This wreath, on the other hand, is surely affordable, at close to 60{73375d9cc0eb62eadf703eace8c5332f876cb0fdecf5a1aaee3be06b81bdcf82} off.

Says a five-star reviewer, “Love this gorgeous and affordable wreath, perfect for spring!” Another writes, “I use these wreaths to decorate my fence and room walls. They are beautiful and full and vibrant.”

$12 ~~$28~~ at Walmart

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.