The outside of your property is the most visible to your neighbors, and you’ll find that many of the most rewarding projects don’t require large amounts of time and labor. Making a few changes to the exterior of your home throughout the year can increase your property’s value while also enhancing your enjoyment of every square inch of the landscape. When it’s time to spruce up the front and back yard, consider how these seven items can be a major upgrade that improves your home’s curb appeal and comfort.

Welcome Guests With a New Front Door

Front doors tend to take a lot of abuse. From getting hit by luggage and backpacks as everyone arrives home to being exposed to the weather elements, even the hardiest door will eventually sustain some damage. If you have room in your budget, then it might be time to upgrade to a completely new front door. Or, you might opt to give a newer one a fresh coat of paint. Either way, you’ll love seeing a warm welcome every time you pull into the driveway.

Boost Curb Appeal With Container Plants

You don’t necessarily need a green thumb to add some natural decor to the outside of your home. Container plants are available that are already in full bloom, or you might opt to put a few seedlings into the soil yourself. Adding container plants to both the interior and exterior outdoor parts of your home enhances the landscape while also adding to the eye appeal.

Warm Up the Patio With a Fire Pit

When it comes to improving the ambiance, fire pits are at the top of the list of exterior upgrades that serve several important functions. On top of warming up the patio on a cold night, you’ll enjoy having an additional light source that is just the right amount to illuminate everyone’s faces as you enjoy an after-dinner chat. Fire pits also serve as a useful piece of decor that adds a sense of warmth to stonework and concrete patio pavers around your house.

Invite Guests to Gather With Cozy Outdoor Furniture

Once you’ve made a few upgrades, you’re going to want to spend more time outdoors. Adding weatherproof outdoor furniture gives your family and friends a place to sit year-round as you create beautiful memories together. Patio tables, chairs and umbrellas are just a few ideas to get you started on finding a few key pieces or an entire set that turns your patio into a usable place for dining al fresco or simply chatting around the fire.

Increase Safety and Security With New Lights

Lighting is essential for helping everyone enter your home safely when it is dark outside. Using strategic lighting can also deter thieves. You can pick up simple solar powered lights to line the walkway to your house. Or, you might opt to install smart lighting that you can control from your home. Accenting lighting is also an option that you can use to call attention to those lovely details you’ve added to the exterior, such as a beautiful new bush or container plant.

Place a Bench On the Front Porch

Benches on the front porch create a cozy place to have a quick chat with a neighbor, but they also serve other important purposes. Your family can use the bench to switch from their outdoor to indoor shoes, and delivery workers can place packages there to keep them off the ground. You can also swap out throw pillows on the bench to enhance your outdoor seasonal decor during the different holidays that occur throughout the year.

Put Out a Fresh Doormat

With a new door and bench on the porch, your doormat might start looking a little dingy. This might be one of the easiest upgrades to make, but it can also make a dramatic difference. You could pick out a doormat in a contrasting color to make your new front door stand out. Alternatively, you might choose a cute saying or image to give guests a hint of your family’s personality.

Each of these items are simple enough to include in the majority of exterior home design plans, and you only need a weekend or evening to get started. As you begin improving the outdoor part of your home, make sure to leave some extra time in your schedule to fully enjoy your newly improved space. From hosting a backyard barbecue to admiring your new plants, immersing yourself in the beauty of your efforts reinforces the reasons why you love your home.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for National Outdoor Furniture