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

Trendy kitchen photo in New York with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and wood countertops

Mid-century modern gray floor living room photo in Raleigh with white walls and a ribbon fireplace

This powder bath proves that small spaces can make a major statement. Tucked just off the kitchen, this leafy retreat is a lesson in layering texture, color, and pattern for maximum personality. At the heart of the design is a showstopping mural tile from TileBar, splashed across the shower wall like an exotic painting come to life. To support this wild botanical centerpiece, we selected a richly hued green tile from Glenrock and a whimsical black-and-white flower-patterned hex tile from The Tile Shop for the floor. Together, they ground the space while allowing the mural to truly shine. A warm wood Wayfair vanity adds modern structure, while the wall-mounted mirror and sconce from Worley’s Lighting introduce a bit of sculptural flair. Matte black plumbing fixtures from Delta and a clean-lined Kohler toilet finish the space with crisp, functional contrast.

The gentleman's study is a history lesson, with its vast collection of civil war artifacts. This space gave the perfect opportunity to display the homeowner's passion, that has been years in the making. The two wing chairs with their horn back crocodile upholstery are the perfect spot for a fireside chat. The oversized moldings continue creating the grand scale of this stately residence.

Inspiration for a small southwestern one-story adobe exterior home remodel in San Francisco

The Laurel was a project that required a rigorous lesson in southern architectural vernacular. The site being located in the hot climate of the Carolina shoreline, the client was eager to capture cross breezes and utilize outdoor entertainment spaces. The home was designed with three covered porches, one partially covered courtyard, and one screened porch, all accessed by way of French doors and extra tall double-hung windows. The open main level floor plan centers on common livings spaces, while still leaving room for a luxurious master suite. The upstairs loft includes two individual bed and bath suites, providing ample room for guests. Native materials were used in construction, including a metal roof and local timber.

Beach style blue tile mosaic tile floor and white floor bathroom photo in Miami with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Photography by John Merkl.
Family room - transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room idea in San Francisco with white walls

Mid-century modern living room with open plan and floor to ceiling windows for indoor-outdoor ambiance, redwood paneled walls, exposed wood beam ceiling, wood flooring and mid-century modern style furniture, in Berkeley, California. - Photo by Bruce Damonte.

Peter Vanderwarker View of Kitchen
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized 1960s galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Boston with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, wood countertops, black backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and black countertops

1950s backyard rectangular pool house photo in New York

A simple but bold moment in this secondary bathroom designed by Kennedy Cole Interior Design.
Bathroom - mid-sized 1950s 3/4 blue tile and ceramic tile concrete floor, gray floor and single-sink bathroom idea in Orange County with furniture-like cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops, a niche and a freestanding vanity

The very high ceilings of this living room create a focal point as you enter the long foyer. The fabric on the curtains, a semi transparent linen, permits the natural light to seep through the entire space. A Floridian environment was created by using soft aqua blues throughout. The furniture is Christopher Guy modern sofas and the glass tables adding an airy feel. The silver and crystal leaf motif chandeliers finish the composition. Our Aim was to bring the outside landscape of beautiful tropical greens and orchids indoors. Photography by: Claudia Uribe

A perfect addition to your outdoor living is a seating wall surrounding a firepit. Cambridge Maytrx wall, Pyzique Fire Pit, Round table Pavers. Installed by Natural Green Landsacpe & Design in Lincoln, RI

Photo credit: Denise Retallack Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional subway tile and white tile mosaic tile floor bathroom remodel in Other with a pedestal sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops and blue walls

Photography by Samara Vise
Example of a classic kitchen design in Boston

With an eye toward accessibility, this bathroom is designed to ease the everyday routines of a homeowner who often uses a wheelchair. Universal design strategies guided the project structurally with ADA-compatible elements incorporated throughout. One side of the vanity is set lower and left intentionally open underneath to accommodate the wheelchair when needed. Photos by Spacecrafting Photography

Richard Leo Johnson
Inspiration for a small cottage gray one-story exterior home remodel in Atlanta