When the temperature outside goes up we tend to shift our time and energy to the outdoors.  While we would all like DIY’s Yard Crashers to come and makeover our yards, the reality is that our budgets only allow for minor updates.  Just because wallet is thin, doesn&;t mean you can&;t upgrade the appearance of your home.

Here are 3 outdoor projects that will add curb appeal without breaking the bank:

Upgrading Fixtures

Nothing makes a home look outdated like old outdoor fixtures.  Consider upgrading your lighting, mailbox, house number and door bell.  Be sure that the finishes and styles match to create a cohesive look.

Lighting fixtures should be proportionate to the space allotted.  Nothing looks more awkward than a beautiful entrance with dinky light fixtures that barely give off any light.

A good rule of thumb is the fixture(s) length is:

• Doorway with Single Sided Fixture (one light for the entire doorway): ¼ the height of the doorway
• Doorway with Double Sided Fixtures (one light on each side of the door): 1/3 the height of the doorway

Mount the lighting fixtures so they are slightly above eye level.

Define and Refine Your Landscaping

Edging your landscaping and gardens not only defines spaces but it is a great way to refine your home&;s landscaping.  Before adding edging, add mulch or rocks to your garden beds.  Not only will this compliment the clean design of your new landscaping but it also helps prevent weeds from sprouting up.

when it comes to edging, there are many different materials that can be used to accomplish this; the most common are pavers, rocks or bricks.  This is a great way to make use of leftover rocks and bricks that you may have dug up in your yard or used in a previous project.  You can also find various types of edging at your local hardware store.

Want to get creative?  You can use leftover wood or composite decking to create a border around a square or rectangular area.  Smaller plants can also be used for edging.  Some great options are: Alyssum, Artemisia or Candytuft.

Another great way to complete your landscaping is by adding some flowers, mulch and edging around trees, telephone poles and/or street side mailboxes.  As an added bonus, it should make it easier to maneuver the lawn mower around these areas.

Accessorize with Flowers and Plants     

Plants are a great way to add color and texture to your outdoor spaces.  Depending on your taste in décor, you can buy plants that can be transferred inside the house when the cooler weather hits New England.

Have a deck?  Consider adding wooden planters to the sides for added style.  Upgrade your front porch with hanging plants.  Be sure to space them out evenly for the most visually appealing effect.  Plants and flowers in planters of varying heights complement any outdoor space including decks, patios and porches.

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