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Paint Your Door, Replace Your Mailbox, and Add Lighting: The First Steps to Curb Appeal
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Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 21:04 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Design Recipes for Curb Appeal: How to Make Your Home Shine on Main Street
When you’re a homeowner in New Hampshire, the first thing that greets you (and the rest of the town) is your curb appeal. Whether you’re planning to sell, simply want to enjoy a more inviting entrance, or just feel good about your living space, the Union Leader’s recent feature on “Design Recipes for Curb Appeal” lays out a practical, step‑by‑step guide to revamping the front of your home. The piece blends professional landscaping wisdom with budget‑friendly DIY tactics, and even offers a peek at how local businesses are stepping in to help homeowners achieve that coveted, polished look.
1. The Foundations of Curb Appeal
The article opens by stressing that curb appeal is more than a pretty façade—it’s the first impression of safety, pride of ownership, and a reflection of your personal taste. A strong entrance can raise property values by 10–20%, according to data from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors cited in the piece. The writer notes that the Union Leader’s own home‑garden reporter, Emily Grant, spent a weekend evaluating various front‑door displays across the state, discovering that a handful of design “recipes” consistently produce the best results.
The piece emphasizes three key pillars: structure, color, and texture. These form the foundation for any project, whether you’re painting a new front door, installing a decorative mailbox, or planting a shrubbed garden.
2. Painting the Door, Replacing the Mailbox, and Installing Lighting
One of the most popular “recipes” highlighted is the classic front‑door makeover. Grant quotes local interior designer Michael Chen (whose website the article links to) who says, “The front door is a natural canvas—one that can instantly transform a house’s vibe. A fresh coat of paint, especially in bold hues like deep navy, emerald, or even a bright coral, can make a striking visual statement.”
The article also covers the often‑overlooked importance of a new mailbox. A simple, well‑crafted mailbox in a complementary color can anchor the entryway. It links to a local shop, Riverside Mailboxes, which offers a range of styles that are both durable and custom‑colored to match your new paint job.
Lighting, too, plays a pivotal role. Grant explains that installing subtle pathway lights or a lantern‑style fixture can dramatically improve nighttime aesthetics. She provides a list of cost‑effective options from Lighthouse Lighting, a New Hampshire retailer that partners with the Union Leader to give readers special discounts.
3. Landscape Design: Plants, Mulch, and Borders
The article moves from structural elements to the living landscape. Using a mix of shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers, homeowners can create depth and color. Grant points out that a combination of evergreen hedges—such as Leyland cypress or Thuja—with seasonal blooms can maintain visual interest all year round. The piece links to a guide on seasonal plant selection from the New Hampshire Gardening Association, which offers state‑specific tips for planting calendars.
Mulch, the article notes, is a cheap yet impactful update. A fresh layer of organic mulch can give lawns a tidy, well‑maintained look while also aiding soil health. The writer includes a side‑by‑side photo comparison of a worn yard versus one rejuvenated with a two‑inch mulch layer, underscoring how such a small change can have a significant visual payoff.
Additionally, the feature introduces the idea of paver walkways—a trend that’s gaining traction in small New England towns. Grant visits a local contractor, Stone & Beam Paving, whose work she describes as “sleek and modern.” The contractor offers a free on‑site consultation through the Union Leader’s partner network, a perk that many readers are excited about.
4. Professional Touches: Roof and Fence Refresh
Beyond paint and plants, the article underscores the importance of maintaining other structural elements like the roof and fencing. Home Inspection Services of NH—another Union Leader partner—offers a discounted inspection for readers. The report they provide identifies common roof issues (e.g., missing shingles, moss buildup) that, if left unchecked, can undermine curb appeal.
For fences, the article suggests opting for a “soft fence” made from cedar or composite wood. The writer links to CedarGuard, a supplier that provides low‑maintenance fences that resist rot and insect damage—a big plus in New Hampshire’s humid climate.
5. Budgeting and DIY vs. Professional Help
A large portion of the article addresses cost considerations. Grant highlights that while certain upgrades, like new doors or professional landscaping, can be pricey, many homeowners can achieve a substantial boost on a budget by tackling projects themselves. The article offers a detailed cost breakdown:
| Project | Estimated Cost | DIY vs. Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Paint front door | $300–$500 | DIY (paint, primer, brushes) |
| Mailbox replacement | $200–$400 | DIY (assembly) |
| Pathway lighting | $150–$250 | DIY (purchase, install) |
| Mulch & groundcover | $200–$400 | DIY (bulk mulch, seeding) |
| Paver walkway | $800–$1,500 | Professional |
| Roof inspection | $150–$250 | Professional |
| Fence installation | $1,000–$2,500 | Professional |
The Union Leader even offers a free printable curb appeal checklist (linked within the article) that helps homeowners decide where to invest and where to DIY. The checklist prompts users to assess their door, mailbox, lighting, plants, and roof condition, and it automatically estimates the time and cost required.
6. The Social and Community Angle
An unexpected but heartening section of the feature talks about how curb appeal isn’t just about individual pride; it influences the entire neighborhood’s aesthetic. Grant quotes Sarah Thompson, a longtime resident of the town of Northfield, who says, “When our streets look good, it boosts everyone’s morale. It also reduces vandalism and encourages community involvement.” The article references the town’s upcoming Community Beautification Day—an event that encourages residents to bring out their new designs and share tips. A link to the town’s website provides details on how to sign up for a volunteer crew.
7. Final Thoughts and Action Plan
The article wraps up with a succinct “action plan” for homeowners: start with the biggest visual impact (door paint or mailbox), add lighting, and then refine with plants and mulch. The writer encourages readers to use the Union Leader’s “Design Recipes for Curb Appeal” worksheet (link provided) to track progress and share before‑and‑after photos on the newspaper’s online community forum.
With a blend of practical advice, expert opinions, and local resources, this feature delivers more than just a checklist—it offers a community‑centric blueprint that showcases how individual home improvements can ripple outward to elevate an entire neighborhood.
If you’re ready to transform your front yard, grab the printable checklist linked in the article, check out the local businesses mentioned, and start planning your curb‑appeal makeover today. Your neighbors—and your home’s value—will thank you.
Read the Full New Hampshire Union Leader Article at:
[ https://www.unionleader.com/nh/home_garden/design-recipes-curb-appeal/article_df0fd45f-9a3f-4087-a14f-9c759f0ff171.html ]
