Gridley+Graves Photographers
Example of a mid-sized country single-wall brick floor and red floor eat-in kitchen design in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, concrete countertops, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops

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

Example of a large trendy single-wall dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in St Louis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a trendy cable railing deck design in San Francisco with a pergola

1950s kitchen photo in Seattle

Custom cabinetry on the far wall of the kitchen is built around two doorways, adding a great deal of storage and incorporating a hutch/buffet area with leaded glass doors as the focal point of that wall. Photo Credit: Crown Point Cabinetry

A John Kraemer & Sons estate on Lake Minnetonka's Wayzata Bay. Photography: Landmark Photography
Inspiration for a timeless curved staircase remodel in Minneapolis

Residential Design by Heydt Designs, Interior Design by Benjamin Dhong Interiors, Construction by Kearney & O'Banion, Photography by David Duncan Livingston

Photography by Matt Sartain
Small transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor laundry closet photo in San Francisco with white cabinets, marble countertops, a side-by-side washer/dryer, shaker cabinets, white countertops and white walls

Hand-finished bar foot-rail, we took brand new hardware and aged and antiqued it to look as though it came straight out of a bar from the 1860's. Matches the aesthetic of the rustic entertainment room. Photograhpy by BlackStone Edge.

Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects, Inc.
Urban kitchen photo in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink and stainless steel appliances

Inspiration for a mid-century modern kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with colored appliances, concrete countertops, shaker cabinets and white cabinets

The guest bathroom has the most striking matte glass patterned tile on both the backsplash and in the bathtub/shower combination. A floating wood vanity has a white quartz countertop and mid-century modern sconces on either side of the round mirror.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | John Kraemer & Sons, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling
Large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Minneapolis with stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, gray cabinets, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash and an island

Elegant walk-in closet photo in Charleston

Mark Woods
Bathroom - large contemporary master green tile and glass tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom idea in San Francisco with green walls

Photography by Tim Street-Porter
Elegant boy carpeted kids' room photo in Orange County with blue walls

scott bergmann
Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in Boston with stainless steel appliances and slate backsplash

Built in 1900 - this Pacific Grove retreat home was in need of updating and elbow grease. The homeowners also needed a kitchen that could handle large family gatherings and corporate retreats. They chose to go with a bead board cabinet style that complimented the home's Victorian roots as well as offered modern conveniences such as Euro-Frameless hinging. Cabinetry by Ultracraft of North Carolina in their Hampton door style with Mullions on most upper cabinets. Countertops in Caesarstone's Calcatta Nuvo.