Designers Say These Outdoor Trends Are Secretly Hurting Your Curb Appeal

"Even the most impeccably designed interior can't overcome a sloppy exterior. Whether you're strolling up the walkway each day after work or you have friends coming over for dinner, being greeted by an array of mismatched planters, out-of-season decor, and cluttered flower beds definitely throws the vibes off. And this could happen long before you've even reached the front door!"

"These factors all contribute to the curb appeal of your home. While some updates may be well-intentioned, not every design choice is a good thing - often, less is more in the front yard! To keep your home from becoming that house on the block, I asked the pros to identify six outdoor trends that might be ruining your home's curb appeal. They also provided their designer-approved strategies for fixing them, so you can be sure your place shines all year long."

"Have you ever walked past a house and thought, "Wow, they tried to do everything here"? They have the water feature, the tulip garden, the yard art, the bird feeder, the arbor, the over-the-top seasonal decor. Anything that's ever been thought of as yard decor or landscaping is there, without any regard for what actually fits into the parameters of the space."

""One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when it comes to curb appeal is overcomplicating the landscape," says Joseph Richardson, founding principal of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture. "In many cases, simpler is better. The most successful outdoor spaces feel cohesive, intentional, and appropriate for the architecture of the home." Think about what type of home you have and what your geographic location is, and let that guide you as you select a few elements to play u"

Curb appeal is shaped by what people see before reaching the front door, including walkway impressions, planters, seasonal decor, and flower-bed organization. Even well-designed interiors can feel undermined by clutter, mismatched outdoor items, and out-of-season decorations. Some well-intentioned updates can still harm the overall look, especially when too many elements compete for attention. Overcomplicating the landscape is a common mistake, and simpler designs tend to look more cohesive and intentional. Successful outdoor spaces match the home’s architecture and fit the property’s parameters. Choosing a few appropriate elements based on home type and geographic location helps maintain a polished, year-round appearance.

Read at Apartment Therapy