Expert Tips to Boost Your Home's Kerb Appeal

2. Refresh your hardware

Replacing outdated hardware is a quick and affordable way to improve your home's exterior. Swapping out your door handle, knocker, mailbox or house numbers can make your entryway look great with little effort.

Zephyr + Stone's Ania suggests choosing one colour and finish for all of your exterior hardware:

"Choose consistent finishes for door handles, light fixtures and even house numbers for a polished look. Consistent finishes, such as brushed brass or matte black, tie the entryway together and add value without overcomplicating the design."

@zephyr_and_stone @threebirdsrenovations

3. Upgrade outdoor furniture

A well-furnished front porch isn’t just for aesthetics — it creates a welcoming space and sets the tone for your home’s style. Choosing quality, weather-resistant furniture ensures your porch looks great year-round while providing a functional spot to relax.

When selecting pieces, think beyond appearance. Materials like treated timber, powder-coated aluminium and all-weather wicker are built to withstand Australia’s changing conditions, from intense sun to sudden rain. Even under cover, outdoor furniture needs to handle temperature shifts without warping or fading.

A simple timber bench paired with cushions in complementary tones can make a big impact, while a small bistro table creates a functional nook for coffee or evening drinks. Layering in greenery with potted plants or climbing vines softens the space, adding warmth and character.

@threebirdsrenovations

4. Light up your home

You don't need an electrician to add warmth to your outdoor space. Solar lights and battery-operated fixtures are simple to install and maintain; hardwired lighting needs professional installation.

Start with your entry and pathways — these areas welcome visitors and prevent trips after dark. About Space Lighting Residential Lighting Designer Felipe Oliviera explains: "Considered outdoor lighting will accentuate the architectural features of your home, highlight landscaping and create a welcoming atmosphere for you and your guests."

Position outdoor lights to show off your home's best features. Uplighting shows off garden beds or trees. Path lights guide the way to your front door. Felipe adds: "Accent lighting can also highlight architectural features such as columns or archways, adding depth and interest to your home's exterior." 

@aboutspacelighting

@artisanexterior.au

6. Upgrade your pathways

Your front path leads people to your door, so it's worth keeping it in good shape. Pressure washing removes dirt and grime, instantly refreshing your entry. 

For the next step up from basic maintenance, Artisan Exterior’s ACT State Leader, Julia Velvick explains: "A well-crafted stone walkway or cobblestone driveway guides visitors while adding texture and visual interest."

Simple weekend projects like adding pebble borders or creating short stepping stone paths can make your home exterior feel more intentional. Just remember that larger paving projects often need professional expertise to get right.

What to leave to the experts

Some home renovation projects are worth DIYing, but others need professional skills to get right. Here are the projects you should leave to the pros.

Large-scale landscaping and tiling

Outdoor tiles can totally transform your front path and porch. Picking them out is the easy part — choose tiles designed for the outdoors that can handle Australian weather without maintenance headaches. “Durability, slip resistance and style all play a role in creating an outdoor space that not only looks great but also functions well,” says Courtney Cole, TileCloud Interior Designer. 

You may be able to tackle some tile projects on your own, but bigger and more complex installations need a professional eye. Tilers can take care of things like ground prep and proper drainage and know the rules around slip ratings and building codes.

@dirtydigges @tomseamerr

Cladding upgrades 

New cladding is a huge change to the outside of your home. There’s so much to choose from; metal, stone, timber and cement cladding come in heaps of different colours and shapes. But installation isn’t something you should try your hand at unless you’ve got experience. 

You need proper mounting systems and moisture barriers to stop water getting trapped. A professional will also check if your walls can handle heavier materials like stone features and stop you from ending up with sagging panels or water damage that costs more to fix than doing it right the first time.

Electrical work 

Lighting is a fun DIY when you stick to plug-in and solar lights. Anything hardwired — like permanent outdoor lighting — needs a licensed electrician. They know how to weatherproof everything properly and set up circuits that won't overload. Plus, they'll make sure all your outdoor electrical work meets safety standards and works with your existing wiring.

Carpentry projects

If you’ve got the budget and space, structural and carpentry-related upgrades like pergolas and decking can add real kerb appeal to your house. Unless you’re an off-duty carpenter, this is not something you should attempt yourself. Professionals know exactly what materials work best outdoors and how to build lasting structures. They handle all the council approval paperwork and make sure everything meets building codes. Most importantly, they build features that look like they've always been part of your home, not add-ons.

Real world inspiration: House 13 by Three Birds Renovation

@threebirdsrenovations

We teamed up with Three Birds Renovation on House 13, where they used our Paddington Check Pattern Terrazzo tiles to completely change this front entry. They took a plain space and made it feel like a high-end resort.

While we no longer sell our Paddington Check tiles in a pack, you can still achieve the same look by purchasing the Paddington White and Paddington Terracotta tiles separately and mixing them to create the checkerboard pattern. Alternatively, our  Bronte Checkerboard Terracotta and White tiles create a similar effect.

Making changes that last

Everyone wants their home to feel welcoming. These updates make a real difference to how your home feels and most only take a weekend to complete. For bigger projects, you'll get the best results working with people who know what they’re doing. Talk to our team about planning your tile updates, or get in touch with the specialists we've featured for advice about exterior furniture, cladding, lighting and design.