wa design
Bathroom - contemporary black tile ceramic tile and black floor bathroom idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets and white walls

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Tampa with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, multicolored backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Photo by Glenn Wong
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary partial sun side yard stone vegetable garden landscape in Boston.

Greenfab
Inspiration for a contemporary black three-story flat roof remodel in Seattle

Dan Cutrona
Inspiration for a small timeless entryway remodel in Boston with a black front door

Every home improvement project can feel like going into battle, but the sweet taste of victory is enough to make it worthwhile. If you ever feel intimidated by homes and gardens in magazines, don’t fret – you can turn your home into a beautiful beacon with easy curb appeal updates! Kevin and Annette Klingel are some of our favorite weekend warriors, and their latest project proves that anything is possible when it comes to dressing up your front garden. The Klingels recently gave their home and front garden a major renovation and entered their photos in the Window Box Contest. When we saw the gorgeous before and after pictures, we knew we had to get the inside scoop on their process and uncover their best curb appeal ideas. Curb Appeal – Before and After Before the renovation, the Klingels had a charming South Bend, Indiana rambler that was tidy and traditional, if a little unassuming. Deciding it was time for a much-needed update, the Klingels replaced their old green roof with a black barrel roof to match the style of their home. They also made a needed replacement and changed out the sidewalk and front stoop to a new version in classic black. After those dramatic changes, the Klingels just couldn’t stop! Loving the contrast between the new black roof and stoop and their cream house, they painted their shutters black. And here’s where we come in – Annette wanted to incorporate her love of flowers into the new home design and found the perfect planters and window boxes to match the shutters. They purchased ten black window boxes in a classic and chic design to put around their outside windows. The Klingels also used tall black planters around the entrance to the house. The window boxes and planters each received the same plant treatment – red, yellow, and orange impatiens with flowing ferns for a bright punch of color. Paired with hanging baskets and a few other accents, the Klingels house is now a masterpiece. From Drab to Fab The Klingels love their warm and inviting new front entrance, and the neighbors do too. Instead of getting overlooked, their house now stands out and is the star of their busy street, where it is seen by lots of people everyday. They have received tons of compliments about their new look – a crisp and clean front garden that stays true to the style of the home and neighborhood. The Klingels’ curb appeal update wasn’t without its challenges, but the end product is amazing, and as Annette says, definitely worth the time. The Klingels recommend starting with the necessary replacements and finding beautiful matching pieces to add curb appeal. With a little patience, elbow grease, and the help of a great garden supply store like Hooks & Lattice, you too can have the home of your dreams. Photos: Kevin & Annette Klingel

Photography by Thomas Story for Sunset Magazine, May 2017
Mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor great room photo in San Francisco with pink walls and no fireplace

Stoffer Photography
Inspiration for a transitional black tile mosaic tile floor and multicolored floor bathroom remodel in Grand Rapids with white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

Lori Cannava
Example of a small classic rooftop deck container garden design in New York with an awning

Inspiration for a large timeless white two-story concrete fiberboard gable roof remodel in Minneapolis

Mid-sized traditional white two-story vinyl house exterior idea in Chicago with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2017 Houzz Design team: Alicia Friedmann Interior Design Powder Room
Trendy black floor powder room photo in Los Angeles with black walls and a wall-mount sink

Celect 7” Clapboard siding and trim in FROST; Celect Board & Batten in Wrought Iron
Example of a large country gray two-story mixed siding house exterior design in Indianapolis with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Example of a classic backyard patio design in Chicago with an awning and a bbq area

Example of a trendy light wood floor and brown floor living room design in Kansas City with black walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

© Sargent Photography Design by Hellman-Chang
Large trendy master dark wood floor and brown floor bathroom photo in Miami with beige walls, a vessel sink and wood countertops

dogtrot view from front entry.
Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in Charlotte

Example of a trendy 3/4 white tile, yellow tile and mosaic tile black floor walk-in shower design in Orange County with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door and black countertops

Jeri Koegel
Inspiration for a contemporary galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor wet bar remodel in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, gray backsplash, wood backsplash and black countertops