Last Updated on June 2, 2025
Like many homeowners, my list of home improvements is much longer than my budget or available time. While we save up for big renovations, I like to tackle small, affordable projects that still make a noticeable difference.
This spring, I gave our front entrance a mini-makeover—and in less than 30 minutes, our curb appeal got a big boost.
A Statement Piece for the Entryway
We have large double front doors, so I knew I needed something bold to make the entry feel balanced and welcoming.
At the nursery, I found some beautiful charcoal planter urns that matched our existing outdoor light fixtures. Since our doors are 12 feet tall, I chose the largest urns I could find—29 inches—to ensure they’d be visible from the driveway.
Money-Saving Tip: Fill with Recyclables
Planter urns can get expensive to fill, especially large ones. To save on potting soil and keep them lightweight, I filled the bottom with empty jugs from our recycling bin.
Just make sure the lids are screwed on tight to keep water out and prevent unpleasant odors from forming. This little trick cut my soil use nearly in half!
Tip: Place the urn where you want it before adding soil—trust me, it’s awkward to move once it’s full.
Add Flowers for Instant Impact
Once the urns were in place, I added some cheerful flowers for a fresh pop of color.
And just like that, the front entrance looked polished, welcoming, and full of personality.
Free Ways to Boost Curb Appeal
If your budget is tight, no worries—there are several no-cost ways to instantly improve your home’s exterior.
Sweep the Entry
Leaves, cobwebs, and pollen collect quickly around doorways and porches. A few minutes with a broom goes a long way. Don’t forget to sweep corners and overhead areas!
Power Wash
Dirt and mildew build up on siding and walkways over time. Borrow or rent a power washer to bring those surfaces back to life.
Weed & Trim
Skip the landscaping overhaul and focus on cleanup. Pull weeds, trim shrubs, rake mulch, and mow regularly. Tidy edges and clean lines give your yard a maintained look.
Clean the Windows
Not the most fun task, but clean windows brighten your home inside and out. The difference is subtle but powerful.
Window Cleaning Tips:
- Remove and rinse screens; let them dry in the sun.
- Scrub with 2 cups water + ¼ cup white vinegar + ½ teaspoon dish soap, then rinse.
- Vacuum window tracks with a detail attachment.
- Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to hot water + vinegar for extra shine.
- Use a squeegee and wipe between each stroke with a microfiber cloth.
- Wipe frames and sills with your leftover solution to finish the job.
What’s Next on Our Home Project List
We’re slowly working through our home improvement checklist. Next up: building a back deck and reworking the kids’ Jack-and-Jill bathroom to make it more spacious.
We’re also keeping an eye on our windows. They’re still in good shape, but we’re watching for signs it might be time to replace them:
Signs Your Windows May Need Replacing:
Rising energy bills – Compare usage over time, not just cost
Drafts – You can feel air movement around the frame
Single-pane glass – Less insulation and efficiency
Cracked or warped frames – Especially in older wood windows
Hard-to-open windows – Could be stuck, damaged, or painted shut
Fog or condensation between panes – Indicates seal failure
Your Turn!
Have you made any small changes that made a big impact on your home’s exterior? Share your curb appeal tips or favorite entryway updates in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!
The pop of color you added to the front door makes such a big impact. And you know I love that you used repurposed empty jugs to fill the bottom of the urns. 🙂