Front Yard Decor For Small Spaces: Tips and Tricks for Moms Sprucing Up on a Budget

 When you have a small courtyard, improving the curb appeal of the limited space at your disposal can pose a big challenge.This is even more difficult for a house lady as her money is needed elsewhere, but desires a porch that would be the envy of the neighborhood.

Having said that, front yard appeal is very much doable, even if you don’t have a hefty amount to spend, simply by giving some deft touches to enhance the elegance of your small space, the way you want.

So here are some budget-friendly landscaping ideas that will not only make your yard shine, but will impress visitors and neighbors alike, as well. Read on to always stay a step ahead of the local competition!

Paint the front door 

Most exterior paints are relatively inexpensive, so you can paint the front door yourself to add some brightness and give your point of entry a brand new look. Remember to pick a bold color that coordinates with the other outdoor colors of your home.

Doors are prone to chipping over time, so prep the door surface properly, especially if you are changing colors, before you begin painting and you will get a new facade which will last you for years to come.

Add greenery 

One of the simplest, easiest as well as the cheapest way to add instant interest to a small courtyard is by incorporating greenery. You can create a beautiful focal point by using colorful flower beds or go for a more natural presentation by opting for green plants. Either way, both will add a touch of visual interest to the exterior of the home.

If your budget is even more tight, you can create your own flower bed borders by using wood chips or river stones which are both inexpensive and easy to procure. Local home improvement outlets also come with great deals on potted plants and planters from time to time, so it is a good idea to stay informed on these sales.

Focus on perennials 

Perennials not only give you the best bang for your buck but are best for adding a splash of color, interest and texture as well into your front yard green areas. Before purchasing any, do some research about the ones best suited to your location and by observing which flowers are blooming in other people’s front yards during the warmer months.

This will help you select the plants you love most and will enjoy having in the front yard. Keep in mind, since perennials come back year after year, they are a good return on investment and by the third summer they should be doing fairly well and be in place by then.

Make use of focal points 

Focal points add a great deal interest to a small front yard as these objects draw more attention in a limited area. You can install anything from lining up large rocks around the garden bed or use rocks to create a rock garden to enhance the look of the front yard in a flash.

For added visual appeal and functional space, make seats made of rocks or create raised planting beds for growing flowers and even vegetables.

Light it right

Lighting is another way to add a touch of glamour to a small outdoor space. These days, solar lights are in vogue because they come in an exciting range of color and design and are relatively inexpensive and save on power bills also. Apart from having to purchase expensive outdoor lights, solar lights also provide additional safety to the home in times of power outages, besides the curb appeal.

Solar lights can also be installed to light up the dark corners of your front yard and also light up the rock garden and flower beds for an elegant look. They are also more durable than the traditional outdoor lights. You can also decorate the flower beds with solar flower lights that can illuminate the garden at night.

Add colors

Adding color to the front yard can transform an otherwise ordinary small space into a serene retreat, admitted and envied by all. Begin by painting the planters to give it a contemporary look to the garden area. Apply a fresh coat of paint to any metal furniture you are using, either by purchasing fresh paint or using leftover paint from any previous project.

In addition to painting, you can add colors to your yard in the form of flowers and foliage and place them on the deck, patio or driveway for a more welcoming look. If you have a little more money in hand, you can utilize the services of a professional landscaping designer to create a front yard that seamlessly integrates native plants with tranquil water features.

Incorporate wall art 

While wall art is good for interior spaces, there is no tea why it cannot give the exterior of your home the same personality as well. Simply hang a piece of fun art work, such as a groovy metal sun sign or something similar that can be picked up from decor stores inexpensively. 

Moreover, it is a great way to fill the empty blank spaces on the exterior front yard walls, cover imperfections, if any and add color. Consider using material that is weatherproof like powder-coated metal, ceramic or stainless steel and secure it tightly on the wall to prevent damage in the event of strong winds.

Clean and pressure wash

Give the surface of your home’s front yard a good polished and shining look to make it seem fresh and well-cared for. Use a pressure washer and thoroughly clean the driveway, walkway, fences, gutters and whatever looks in need of a scrub, including your yard’s outdoor furniture.

On the driveway, remove all oil stains using a degreaser before beginning to wash it. Remember to start with the least powerful nozzle first and then work your way up to the pressure desired, so as to not cause any damage to the object you propose to clean.

Create an inviting seating area

Create an inviting and welcoming area in your front yard by setting out a few chairs and a bench. You can also use this opportunity to infuse color and a bit of personality to your curb appeal. Use lawn chairs that are made of plastic, come in bright colors and can withstand the elements also.

You can also try reinventing an old piece of indoor furniture and bringing it outdoors but only by applying a coat of weatherproof varnish or a fabric waterproofing spray on it beforehand.

Install a white picket fence

Since your front yard is small, there is no need to fence it completely. Instead install a few white picket fence panels, no more than eight feet long, in the front to add loads of charm. Paint it with colors matching your home’s exterior or simply go for the quintessential clasdic color look, white.

You can also use the plank panels to fence with side of the walkway or outline the driveway in order to create an additional barrier from the street. Irrespective of the color you choose, make sure to plant some colorful blooms in front of the fence.