40 Ways to Enhance the Exterior of a Home

Trista - June 27, 2019

Photo: https://www.houzz.com/pro/matthewkragh/mhk-architecture-and-planning

Taking care of your beach house can be an endeavor in and of itself. There’s weather to think about, neighbors, and making it stand out from the rest of the beach houses on your block.

Don’t resort to the garish means of shoving pink plastic flamingos in your front yard either. Check out these beautiful ways to transform your dull yard into a coastal beauty. You and everyone in your neighborhood will complement your property as they walk by on their morning stroll!

1. Lots of Flowers

Nothing makes your beach house feel more summery than having greenery that will bloom year after year. Planting perennials in your garden is an easy way to have flowers coming back each and every year.

Although there is a plethora of choice to pick from, the pale pink of these blossoms is perfect for any exterior. They give off that coastal appearance by making your beach house feel lighter and airier. A great choice if the exterior is painted all white or a dark color — either way you will love the updated curb appeal.

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2. Pastel Front Door

Bring spring and summer to your beach house by painting your door in a bold but soft color. It will draw the attention of anyone walking by and will be an excellent color to contrast with the rest of your decor. Besides, nothing says flamingo fun like a pink door.

Alternatively, you can choose any color that you like. A soft blue would be very reminiscent of the ocean, or a pastel yellow is reflective of the warm sunshine. The color you choose is up to you, but going pastel with it will definitely attract some beachy curb appeal.

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3. Lounge the Day Away

Create a space in your yard that’s just for lounging. Some sturdy and attractive lounging chairs will be inviting to anyone who happens to walk past. Go with white and contrasting colors for that real beach look and spread them out rather than keeping them clustered together.

Instead of spending money on expensive outdoor rugs, just use a complementing beach towel that goes with the decor. Not only will this make it easier for you to get the sand off your feet after having some fun on the beach, but you won’t have to worry about spending a lot of money to replace them.

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4. Deck Extension

Provide your guests with the proper space during your barbecue. Let your deck have some extra breathing room by extending it in either direction. Maybe even go for a wrap-around porch, if it’s doable. Go ahead and give the wood some much-needed treatment too by restaining it or giving it a fresh coat of paint. Just be sure to keep the color muted.

Add some simple but relaxing lawn chairs so that you have a pleasant and relaxing way to watch the sunset. A small table can hold your drinks or the book you’re reading as you bask in the last of the sun’s rays for the day.

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5. Brighten Things Up

Apply a fresh coat of white paint to your exterior to make it look new and clean again. Being near the beach can take a toll on the siding and paint job of your beach home, so keep it from looking rundown by staying on top of the paint job.

If you really want your home to pop, add a bright color to the trim of your windows and doors. It will break up all that white and make your home more noticeable from the road.

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6. Update the Pathway

The walk from your curb to the front door should be something that entices people to want to visit. Go with brick or concrete, something that can withstand the elements, to create a curvy walkway to your front porch. Don’t forget to add some shrubbery and potted flowers on either side to make it even more inviting.

To make your front walk easier to maintain, be sure to check for cracks regularly and spray any weeds that start sprouting between your bricks. You may also want to go with flowering plants that are native to the area and don’t require much upkeep.

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7. The White Picket Fence

Do you want your beach home to look like a classic from the movies? Why not add some white picket fencing? It has a cozy look that will draw the eye, sets your property apart from the rest, and gives you a great place to grow some flowering vines.

Alternatively, your fence doesn’t have to be white at all as long as it still has that picket look. You can paint it the same color as the exterior of your beach house or any contrasting light color. Don’t go too dark or your yard will look less beachy.

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8. Go for Gravel

Paving your driveway can be expensive, but you can go for that all-natural, rustic look by choosing crushed gravel. The grey color will go with any external decor and can be adjusted as you like if you need space for more landscaping.

The great thing about a gravel driveway is that with proper maintenance, it can last for decades. There’s no need to repave or remove weeds. It’s also the cheapest form of a driveway on the market. However, it does require a lot of regular maintenance each year in order to prevent potholes and dips from forming.

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9. Windows Galore

Nothing is more fitting for a home by the beach than having more windows. Letting in all of that natural light and sea breeze makes your beach home the perfect getaway from all the stress of work. Go for windowed doors and larger windows to create this attractive look.

Letting in more natural light during the summer months is proven to improve moods anyway, so soak it all in. Moreover, the wonderful smell of the sea drifting in through your windows is one of the best scents when you want to lounge around all day.

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10. Tropical Colors

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11. More Air Flow

Do you need some privacy but want to maintain the fantastic airflow in your home? Louvered shutters take care of the problem for you while still looking stylish. Open them all the way or leave them halfway closed; you have full control over how much air and light you want coming in.

You’ll want to keep an eye on these shutters, as they can wear out over time, reducing your chances for privacy. When in doubt, however, you can always double up with some gauzy curtains to keep the airflow going while still keeping away prying eyes.

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12. Don’t Obstruct the View

Keep your landscaping low so that you won’t obstruct the gorgeous water views from your porch. Pick low-growing plants or keep them pruned on an annual basis. You did pay for the panoramic shot after all, so it doesn’t make any sense to lose any of that.

If you don’t have to maintain the flora around your beach house regularly, choose to plant low-growing plants. They may still need some pruning if they grow outwards, but you won’t have to worry about any tall branches in front of your windows.

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13. Build Up

If you don’t have much property to work with, you can still create an air of extravagance by building up. Be sure that you have permission to do so, especially if there are other buildings behind yours, as your construction could be deemed a nuisance.

For those upper levels, have as much glass as possible for glorious views of the sunset or the ocean. Large windows will also afford you cooler breezes you’ll want to bask in all day long.

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14. Modernize the Beach House

Give your beach home that modern look with cleaner lines, geometric shapes, and the incorporation of bright colors alongside the wood. Taller windows add more height and cut into the horizontal lines of the wood along the exterior of this beach home.

Although these windows are small, they’re the right angle to let in more sunlight so that you’re not stumbling in the dark. The lowered garage also provides you with a great space to tuck away your vehicle, so no one will ever know if you’re home or not.

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15. Nautical Elements

Make your beach home look like it’s been there a while with weathered shingles and a whimsical fish weather vane. Because this beach home is by the sea, you’ll find it easy to come across nautical decor to turn the outside – and inside – into a place that would be perfect for any fisherman.

Just don’t go overboard on adding these elements to your beach house, as you don’t want the entire place to start looking “fishy.”

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16. Create a Boardwalk

Incorporate natural wood by building a path that looks like a boardwalk at your beach house. Use decking materials that “float” above your yard, making you feel above it all and like you’re at the beach. No need to get your toes wet; alternatively, if you’re feet are damp and sandy, then this walkway will take care of getting your feet clean and dry before you get inside.

The long staircase up to the second level removes you from all that sand and water; it brings you closer to the sun and clouds, where you can dry off, enjoy a snack or some hot tea, and relish in the success of what you’ve achieved today: ultimate relaxation.

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17. Wide Open Porch

Do you have a front porch that’s deep with much space? Add some plush furniture to fill out the area and look inviting. Include a couple of low tables to hold glasses of iced tea or magazines you’re reading. Not everyone wants to spend the entire day at the beach, so give yourself a retreat where you can still relax.

This wide open porch can also be used to entertain if that’s your thing. Swap out those plushy chairs for more streamlined seats so that everyone can join in on the conversation. Add a pitcher of iced tea and some tasty finger foods to really get this party started.

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18. Go Local

To dress up your front yard with some greenery, it doesn’t hurt to look at the local plants in the area. Look for the plants that thrive in order to reduce the need for maintenance. Doing this will also help your beach home blend into the surrounding area more rather than standing out like a sore thumb with plants that don’t belong.

Keep the arrangement of your plants simple as well. Planting them too close together can result in the larger plants taking up too much water, making it harder for the smaller plants to grow.

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19. Unique Numbering

Step outside the box and go for a unique way of displaying the number on your house. Old-fashioned digits are short and sweet, but why not spell it out? The letters are easier to read from the road so that people know exactly where they’re going. This beach home decor is a great way to update the curb appeal.

When choosing letters, go for a font that’s easy to read; nothing’s more annoying than a curlicue font that can’t be read from the road. No one’s going to find your house that way!

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20. Always Use Awnings

Awnings are a great way to dress up your windows while still blocking the glare from the sun when you’re inside. They not only provide instant shade but give a coastal look you desire. These beach home must-haves come in a wide range of colors so you’ll find one to match the exterior of your beach home.

Moreover, if the winds get too strong, just reel them in and fold them away for safekeeping. They’re pretty easy to maintain too if they do get stained.

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21. Feel the Blues

The reason the ocean is calming is because of its incredible blue color. You can have that around your beach home too to make it more relaxing. Go for turquoises or deep blues, shades that reflect the various hues of the ocean.

If you can, invest in tile or marble that looks even more like the ocean with swirling, marbleized effects. It’s not a must, but it will definitely add some style to your home both inside and out.

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22. A Secret Garden

You don’t want to spruce up your yard too much because you’re not at the beach house all of the time; when you do visit, you don’t want to labor over yard work. You’re there to relax, so don’t add too much landscaping to the point that it becomes a chore. Go with low-maintenance plants and minimal decorations so that your yard looks clean and simple.

If you do feel the need to dress it up, however, go with something small and fancy that won’t detract from the simple aesthetic.

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23. Makeshift Beach House

Many people want to go for that authentic look, and it’s not that hard to achieve. Have you ever had a lot of jetsam cause driftwood to wash along the shore of your home? Why not use it to create a shady overhanging for a porch? It doesn’t have to look perfect, but it’s the style that counts.

Don’t worry about the weather taking them away either. The beach is rife with driftwood that you can use to replace any that you lose.

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24. A Cute Gate

Having a nice gate at the end of your walkway can really enhance the look of your beach home’s exterior. Go with metal for that look that will last a lifetime or wood for a more natural feel. Plus you can keep your furry friends safe.

A tall concrete wall adds further privacy to create a courtyard where you can greet your guests. Add some nice tall plants that thrive throughout the year.

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25. Curvy Waves

You are inspired by the colors of the ocean; why not mimic its rhythmic waves as well? The curved shape of this roof speaks to the influence of the sea, adding its natural swells and dips to create a unique look. It simply floods the property with beach house vibes.

This added deck on the back provides a nice spot where you can relax and get away from your chores for the day. Or you can entertain your guests with some cocktails.

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26. Let Nature Take Over

Let Mother Nature take care of the landscaping for you instead of working your fingers to the bone. These lovely tufts of beach grass are sparse but melt the beach into your property so that you can’t tell where one ends and the other starts. Not only is that less work for you, but you’ll also appreciate the lack of any real yard work you’ll have to do.

Also, with the added nature, you’ll spot even more of the natural beach residents roaming around, such as crabs. You can turn your backyard into a learning experience for the kids.

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27. All Wood, All the Time

Because your beach home is so close to nature, consider sticking to natural elements and materials. Incorporate life itself into how your beach home is constructed as well to create a shape that is wonderful for airflow.

This large breezeway also makes it easier for those stormier winds to pass right through instead of hitting the side of your house and causing damage. Just be careful when stepping out into it, however; with all that wind being funneled through it, you might be knocked over quite easily.

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28. Porch Curtains

Provide yourself with some privacy on your front porch by adding some durable, striped curtains. No one wants nosy neighbors poking around and seeing you relaxing on your deck. Hideaway and enjoy the serenity of just letting the hours melt away into the evening. It almost makes your porch feel like a gazebo setting.

If you’re undecided on what kind of porch curtains to get, choose fabrics that are sturdy and weather-resistant. You want ones that will last a long time.

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29. Soft Lighting

Get rid of those glaring white bulbs and go for a simple glow that plays off the angles of your beach home’s exterior. Harsh lighting can make the light colors of the outside look bleached out or uninviting. The trick is to add more lights to make up for the job of having fewer lumen.

This soft lighting works especially well with pastel colors to create more of a glow around your beach house’s exterior. Just don’t add too many bulbs outside, as you don’t want it to look like a Christmas tree.

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30. Windows on Every Wall

The best look for a beach home is an element taken from lighthouses: windows on every side of the house. That way, no matter which room you’re in, you’ll still have a great view. You’ll also have greater opportunities for excellent airflow since you’ll be prepared for the changing directions of the wind.

The mixture of different window styles can also keep each facade of your beach house interesting. Large windows on one side and small round windows on another speak to the different functions of each room.

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31. Tidewater Style

Although the area your beach home is in may not be prone to flooding, the style of a tidewater house is very eye-catching. It gives you a chance for a long staircase going up to a wide porch where you can sit, relax, and watch the tide come in.

The long staircase also looks quite elegant and offers you the chance to dress it up for those special occasions. Add a few green garlands for Christmas or just a string of lights when you have guests over.

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32. Symmetry? Yes, Please!

There’s nothing wrong with balance, as it is quite pleasing to the eye. Not everyone is eager to try out an eclectic style, so don’t feel bad for going with a straightforward idea. Using symmetry to plan out your beach home design gives you less to worry about and still provides it with a stunning look.

Symmetry also makes it easy for you to present and clean and cut look for your beach house. No clutter or chaotic elements here.

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33. Lawn Treatment

If you do have a lawn at the front of your beach home, take care of it. You don’t want weeds cropping up or brown patches of dead grass. The sign of a beautiful lawn shows that you care enough and are more likely to have a great interior.

Besides, if Miss Johnson’s grass looks nice, so should yours. If immaculate lawns show off your status, invest in grass seed and weed killer for that perfect stretch of green.

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34. Party Porch

Not all beach parties have to be inside or actually at the beach. This porch is ideal for hosting outdoor parties. It provides you and your friends and family with much room to stand around and talk or sit and sip on a drink.

The dual split at the bottom of the stairs also allows some guests to leave when they’re ready to hit the hay without having to push through other people still partying.

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35. It’s Better with a Balcony

If the deck or porch idea doesn’t seem appealing enough for your beach house decor alone, maybe you need to go big (or stay inside). Opt for a spacious balcony on the second floor of your home as well!

The terrace not only looks great from the sidewalk, but you can relax in the sun all day long. Set up a table and chairs for some outdoor dinner parties with your loved ones. On the other hand, lay out play mats for the kids so that they can get some fresh air for a change.

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36. Tiny House

This beach house may look like a simplistic design, but that’s the idea. The exposed timber can give a home a great look of modern construction, providing you with even more opportunities to add to the exterior of your home. The windows surrounding that area provide a stunning look both inside and out.

Don’t worry about the house being too small either since you will be spending most of your time outdoors. The comfortable sofas are just for convenience and luxury.

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37. Geometrically Perfect

Straight lines make a home, and adding even more of them with large windows and long overhangs improve those lines even more. The addition of the curvy boardwalk balances everything out with some other shapes; that way, the overall look of this beach home isn’t too blocky. This curb appeal idea is all about balancing the elements.

The yard space may seem stark to most, so give it some character by adding some low bushes that grow well in sand. You won’t even have to worry about caring for them.

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38. More Glass

Large windows are one thing, but you can surround your entire deck with a Plexiglas wall as well. This bold beach house design makes it easy for you to take in all of the picturesque views; the glass will reflect the blues of the sky and the ocean.

To keep it clear, you’re going to have to keep a cloth handy to wipe away all those greasy fingerprints, especially if you have kids. Consider investing in a lot of Windex.

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39. The Perfect Angle

We’ve talked a lot about straight lines and putting them to good use. Nevertheless, making them askew can create an exciting look all the same. These angular grooves help channel rainwater away from the outdoor areas of your home.

The low profile of this beach house also allows it to melt into the hillside so that boaters won’t think it’s a big eyesore. No one wants their vacation home to be thought of as something that should be demolished.

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40. Show Off Your Interests With Practical Storage

Your surfboards are pretty cool, but let’s face it: they are tricky to store. You can even build a sturdy stand like this on your own. Even if you hire some help, you will love that everything has a place and there is a place for everything — even your gnarly surfboards.

After all, nothing quite says beach house decor like a surfboard stand. Adding some palm fronds to keep them dry is also a nice added touch to the authentic beach feel.

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