Stain Shutters
Greg and Morgan’s shutters were dark green, which, combined with the red brick siding, was dated and jarring.
To soften the home’s appearance, we stain the shutters with Rust-Oleum Smokey Beige in Satin on the bottom, and Varathane Cherrywood Gel Stain layered on top.
We also spray them with a protective clear coat.
Install New Light Fixture
No curb appeal makeover is complete without a new light fixture to modernize the front porch and enhance its appearance.
This lantern actually was a flea market find, but oh, what a difference it makes!
Replace Landscaping
This home’s overgrown landscaping has seen better days, so we removed it and started fresh with pansies, Super Blue Liriope, Encore Azaleas (Autumn Embers), Cephalotaxus Plum Yewtopia, an Olive Tree, “Mojo” Pittosporum (under the windows) and Coral Bells.
Closing Thoughts
Greg and Morgan’s house is over five decades old, and it showed. Overgrown plants made it seem smaller than it was. The porch, which should have been a focal point, was completely forgettable. And the carport, as Greg says, was just ugly.
With a little money and a lot of work, we’ve taken years off this little house.
Without the carport, the brick planter and the overgrown shrubs you can now see the house. And painting the bricks a lighter shade allows it to stand out on this beautiful lot.
The stained shutters and wood columns have taken away the industrial look we had before and replaced it with a warm, rustic feel.
Plus, there’s a bright new color on the front door that welcomes guests before they even get into the driveway.
Costs
Lumber for columns: $68
Paint, stain and landscaping: $500
Faux vent: $31
What We Used
Shutters: Rust-Oleum Smokey Beige in Satin on bottom, Varathane Cherrywood Gel Stain layered on top
Porch ceiling: Behr Snowmelt in Flat sheen
Front door: Behr Eucalyptus Wreath in Semi-gloss
Bricks: Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige
Columns: Behr waterproofing stain and sealer in Valise
Porch Floor: Behr Solid concrete stain in Pacific Fog
Special Thanks to Romabio for providing the masonry paint!
Other Tips from This Episode
 | Simple Solutions How to Loosen Screws with 3 Kinds of Screwdrivers |
 | Best New Products Recessed LED Lighting with a Bonus Nightlight |
 | Watch & Learn How to Paint Exterior Bricks |
| Watch & Learn How to Gel Stain Metal Shutters |
