If you’re looking to refresh the outside of your home, it all starts with the right kerb appeal design ideas. Whether you’ve got a charming period property or a modern new build, the exterior sets the tone. At House Designer, we know how much a few clever updates can elevate your home’s first impression, and we’re here to share some ideas that work beautifully for UK homes.
Refresh Your Front Door with Colour and Character
The front door is often the first thing people notice. It has the power to transform the whole look of your home. A fresh coat of paint in a bold colour like forest green, deep blue or even a soft pink can make a real statement. Look for long-lasting exterior paints suitable for the British weather, and choose colours that complement your home’s brick or render.
Consider replacing outdated door furniture with something more elegant. A well-chosen handle, a brushed brass letterbox or even a stylish door knocker can elevate the entire entrance.
Simple Exterior Updates That Make a Big Impact
image credit: House Designer
You don’t always need a full renovation to create a striking exterior. Small details can completely shift how your home feels from the outside. Repainting your window frames, adding subtle exterior wall lighting, or installing matching planters either side of your door can bring a sense of balance and polish.
For a more dramatic update, you might explore modern cladding materials. Timber-effect panels or composite cladding can give a fresh, clean look without major construction work. This is especially helpful for homes that feel a little tired or flat at the front.
Download our Free Exterior Design Guide
Discover expert tips on how to refresh your façade, enhance kerb appeal, and add value to your UK home. Perfect for homeowners planning a makeover or preparing to sell. Stylish, practical advice from the team at House Designer®.
Bespoke Exterior Design Services for UK Homes
Exterior Design 3D Transformation by House Designer
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, and we’re here to make sure it feels just as considered as the interiors. Our bespoke exterior design services are tailored to enhance kerb appeal, improve layout and create a cohesive look that complements the character of your property. Whether you’re refreshing your façade, planning a front garden makeover or just need help choosing materials and finishes, our expert team will guide you through every step with creativity and care. From design direction to 3D visuals, we’ll help you reimagine the outside of your home with confidence.
Create a Welcoming Front Garden or Entrance Space
(Image credit: Design by Abigail Hazell/Landscaping by Belderbos Landscapes)
Front gardens are often overlooked, but they play such an important role in the overall feel of your property. Symmetry can bring calm to a front garden. Think matching pots, neatly clipped hedges or even a row of lavender lining the path. Add lighting along the route and your evening arrival feels just as special as a sunny afternoon.
Whether you have a large space or just a modest path, a bit of structure goes a long way. Raised beds, evergreen shrubs, and low-maintenance perennials can add softness and colour all year round.
Lighting that Works All Year Round
Lighting is often forgotten in exterior design, but it makes such a difference. Soft uplighting can highlight architectural details or plants, while wall lights on either side of the front door give a sense of warmth and welcome.
image credit: Sparke.lighting
Solar outdoor light options are more stylish than ever, and perfect if you want a sustainable solution. Even if you’re not rewiring or installing major fixtures, battery-powered lanterns or LED step lights can add atmosphere with little fuss.
Tidy the Edges: Walls, Pathways and Finishes
The finishing touches make your home feel truly looked after. Repainting the front fence or low wall, pressure-washing the driveway, or choosing a new doormat may sound simple, but these small improvements often have the biggest visual payoff.
Look at the pathway up to your home. Would new paving stones, a gravel refresh or a border of plants bring a bit of order and charm?
Add Personality Without Overdoing It
Location – Hampstead London, Photo by Samantha Jane
Your home should still feel like you. Whether you lean more classic or contemporary, the exterior should reflect your style. A house number in a modern font, a stylish post box, or a cheerful wreath in winter can all express your personality without cluttering the space.
Keep it simple and thoughtful. Everything you add should enhance the look, not compete with it.
Planning a Full Exterior Makeover? Let’s Design It Together
Sometimes it’s not just a few tweaks. You might be dreaming of a complete exterior makeover. That’s where our design team comes in. We offer bespoke exterior design services across the UK, helping homeowners reimagine their façades with creativity, care and professional guidance.
From curated material choices to front garden design and even 3D visuals, we’ll guide you through the process step by step. Whether you live in a period property, a new build, or something in between, we’ll help you make the most of it.