Holiday curb upgrades help you make a bold seasonal statement while improving year-round value; prioritize lighting, entryway trim, and refreshed landscaping, and consult experts like Smith Brothers Services, Smith Brothers Landscape, Smith Brothers Tree Services for professional execution. See Holiday Decorating Ideas to Make Your New Home Shine for targeted tips that align accents with your home’s architecture.
You can elevate your home’s holiday curb appeal with targeted exterior upgrades that make a statement, focusing on lighting, fresh paint, seasonal plantings and clean lines; consult Smith Brothers Services and Smith Brothers Landscape, and enlist Smith Brothers Tree Services for professional pruning to highlight architecture, improve sightlines, and create an inviting, festive arrival that boosts value and enjoyment.
Better yet, stop and see us in person! We love our customers, so feel free to visit during our regular business hours. at 28W563 Roosevelt Rd, Winfield, IL 60190. And call us (630) 934-1369 | (630) 917-2060 or email us at Smithbrotherslandscape.com
Elevating Your Entryway
You can transform first impressions by focusing on scale and finish: upgrade to a 36-inch or wider door, add sidelights or a transom for natural light, and pick hardware rated Grade 1 or 2 for longevity. If you engage Smith Brothers Services they can coordinate door replacement, trim detail, and threshold work so the entry aligns with landscape beds and tree pruning handled by Smith Brothers Landscape and Smith Brothers Tree Services.
Front Door Enhancements
For the door itself, choose materials that match your style-fiberglass for low maintenance, solid wood or mahogany for warmth-and use a high-gloss enamel to last 5-7 years. Swap old knobs for a satin-bronze lever set and a Grade 1 deadbolt, install a 4-6 inch kick plate for protection, and add bold house numbers or a brass mail slot to increase perceived value by making the entry feel intentional.
Decorative Lighting Options
Choose LED fixtures (use about 75% less energy than incandescent) with 2700K-3000K warmth and aim for 400-800 lumens at the porch; pair path lights rated 30-100 lumens with motion sensors or smart timers to extend bulb life. You can incorporate uplighting on specimen trees-Smith Brothers Tree Services can position fixtures to highlight trunks and canopy-while Smith Brothers Landscape helps integrate hardscape-mounted lanterns for cohesive design.
Spacing and mounting matter: space path lights roughly every 6-8 feet, mount wall lanterns so the center of the fixture sits 60-66 inches above the walking surface, and place uplights 10-15 feet from a tree trunk to create even canopy wash. Low-voltage 12V systems with 6-12W LED fixtures and a properly sized transformer simplify installation; hire Smith Brothers Services to size circuits and ensure compliance with local codes.
Enhancing Curb Appeal with Color
Using color strategically transforms your facade without major renovation: adopt a three-color scheme-primary, trim, accent-and choose satin or eggshell for siding with semi-gloss for trim and doors to resist weather. Test samples on different walls and at different times, and coordinate hardscape tones with plantings; many homeowners see measurable appeal improvement after a fresh palette. If you want professional coordination, Smith Brothers Services can map colors to roof and landscape for cohesive results.
Choosing the Right Paint Colors
When choosing tones, apply the 60-30-10 rule to your exterior: 60% primary, 30% secondary/trim, 10% accent for doors or shutters. Place 12×12 sample boards on sun- and shade-facing walls, photograph them morning and evening, and note undertones against your roof and brick. Match warm roofs with warm neutrals and cool slate with blue-grays; coordinate your planting palette with Smith Brothers Landscape to reinforce curb appeal year-round.
Seasonal Decor Options
Rotate accents to reflect seasons: you can use fall wreaths, mums, and 3000K warm string lights; winter evergreens with metallics and soft white LEDs; spring pastel planters; and summer bright cushions and flags. Choose battery or low-voltage LED strands to reduce energy and simplify setup, and limit displays to entry and porch to maintain balance. Before draping lights near tall trees, have Smith Brothers Tree Services inspect branches for safe placement.
For durable displays, group planters in odd numbers (3 or 5) and place them at eye level-about 60-66 inches-to create focal points; keep your pathways at least 36 inches wide for accessibility. Attach lights with gutter clips or outdoor-rated screw hooks, use timers set to dusk, and store textiles in breathable bins between seasons to extend life. Consult Smith Brothers Landscape for plant pairings that echo your seasonal colors and coordinate any overhead work with Smith Brothers Tree Services.
Landscaping for Impact
You can create layered focal points by planting 3 dwarf evergreens, 5 mixed shrubs, and 20 bulbs per bed for spring return, then anchor the entry with a standout door treatment. Hiring a professional landscaper such as Smith Brothers Services helps ensure lighting, pruning, and mulch depth are optimized, with many projects showing a 25-40% lift in perceived curb appeal.
Seasonal Plant Selections
You should mix structural evergreens-boxwood and dwarf holly spaced 3-4 ft apart-with seasonal color like 12″ cyclamen pots and pansies; plant bulbs 6″ deep and stagger 10-15 per square foot for dense spring bloom. Smith Brothers Landscape can recommend cultivars for your USDA zone and set up drip irrigation and slow-release fertilizer to keep displays vibrant through holiday traffic and cold snaps.
Creative Hardscaping Ideas
You can define arrival paths with a 4-ft bluestone walkway, 18″ timber steps or a 6×8-ft cedar bench, and add 24″ LED path lights every 6-8 ft for safe, festive illumination; choose permeable pavers to reduce runoff and a compacted 4″ gravel base to prevent settling. Typical budgets range $1,500-$5,000 for a refreshed entrance, depending on material and site prep.
For durability, pair hardscape with proper drainage, root barriers and spacing-Smith Brothers Tree Services advises keeping hardscape at least 3 ft from trunk drip lines, using geotextile underlay and a minimum 4″ gravel base under pavers to prevent frost heave; these measures can extend performance 5-10 years and cut maintenance costs while maintaining holiday-ready appearance.
Landscape Improvements
Maximize seasonal impact by layering evergreens, structural shrubs and seasonal accents; if you want professional help, outline examples used by Smith Brothers Services on walkways and fronts. You can plant 3-5 boxwoods for year-round form, add 2 small specimen trees, and reserve 15-25% of the bed area for seasonal color changes handled by Smith Brothers Landscape and Smith Brothers Tree Services.
Plant Selection for Winter Interest
Choose hollies (Ilex × meserveae) and boxwoods for berries and structure; plant groups of 3-5 for visual weight. Use 2-4 clumps of ornamental grasses like Miscanthus for movement, and interplant hellebores or pansies in fall for early blooms. You should stagger heights-tall evergreens 6-12 ft behind 18-36 inch shrubs-and mulch 2-3 inches to protect roots through freeze-thaw cycles.
Hardscaping Features
Add defined elements-paved walkways, low stone walls, raised planters and a front-entry landing-to create year-round structure; aim for a 3-4 ft walkway width and 18-inch seat walls. You can accent with 6-12 LED path lights and mix materials such as bluestone for steps and gravel for beds to lower cost while boosting texture. Smith Brothers Landscape often pairs these with targeted plantings for contrast.
Specify materials and install details: permeable pavers reduce runoff and cost roughly $8-20/ft² installed, bluestone steps run $15-30/ft², and compacted gravel sits at $5-10/ft²; budget accordingly. Slopes should have a 2% grade away from the house, and you should space LED path lights every 8-10 ft for even illumination-Smith Brothers Services applies these standards when integrating drainage and lighting with hardscapes.
Attention to Details
Fine details like lighting, hardware, and neat edging transform your home’s first impression. Install 2-4 low-voltage path lights to define walkways, swap dated door hardware for satin nickel or matte black, and maintain 2-3 inches of mulch depth for a tidy bed line. Smith Brothers Services and Smith Brothers Landscape often pair these tweaks with seasonal pruning from Smith Brothers Tree Services to keep plantings from obscuring architectural highlights.
Outdoor Furniture and Decor
Scale matters: you should choose furniture that leaves 30-36 inches of clearance for walkways and a conversation area occupying 60-80% of the porch footprint. Select weatherproof teak, powder-coated aluminum, or all-weather wicker and tie the palette to your home’s trim with one accent color. Smith Brothers Landscape recommends anchoring seating with a 5′ x 7′ outdoor rug and storing cushions in labeled bins for winter protection.
Address Numbers and Mailboxes
Use high-contrast numbers sized 4-6 inches; increase to 6-8 inches if your house sits more than 50 feet from the street so delivery drivers and emergency responders can locate you quickly. Mount numbers at eye level near the primary entry or on the mailbox post, opt for backlit styles for night visibility, and coordinate the finish with other hardware-Smith Brothers Services often makes this small change during curb-spiff projects.
Follow USPS guidance by mounting the mailbox 41-45 inches above the road surface for carrier access; you can choose a decorative post-mounted box or a flush wall unit based on setback and style. Stainless steel or powder-coated finishes resist corrosion, and adding a 2-3 inch contrasting mounting plaque improves legibility. If branches block sightlines, schedule a trim with Smith Brothers Tree Services to ensure your numbers and box stay visible year-round.
Upgrading Lighting
Strategic lighting highlights your architectural features and guides visitors while cutting energy costs-LED upgrades use about 80% less energy and can last 20-25 times longer than incandescents. You can prioritize warm 2700K fixtures for a welcoming glow, place uplights to accent columns, and hire pros like Smith Brothers Services to calculate lumen requirements and control zones for holiday and year‑round use.
Festive Outdoor Lighting Ideas
You can wrap trunks and railings with 3-5 strands of warm white LEDs for classic warmth, drape net lights over hedges for even coverage, or install color‑changing projectors for dynamic facades; choose 2700-3000K for traditional appeal and sync lights with timers or smart plugs to run 4-6 hours nightly. Smith Brothers Landscape often recommends spacing net lights every 1-2 feet on shrubs for consistent density during peak season.
Functional Lighting Solutions
You should layer lighting-path lights (90-200 lumens spaced 6-8 ft), step lights, and 400-800 lumen flood fixtures-to ensure safety and visibility; add motion sensors and dusk‑to‑dawn controls to reduce runtime. Smith Brothers Tree Services can advise on positioning uplights to avoid canopy shadows and prevent glare into neighbors’ windows.
For more detail, use three layers: ambient (wall sconces, porch pendants at 400-800 lumens), task (path and step lights at 90-200 lumens), and accent (spot or uplights at 300-600 lumens). Position uplights 3-6 ft from a tree base and aim at a 25-30° angle, placing the fixture about one‑third up the trunk to create balanced canopy illumination. Select fixtures with cut‑off shields to limit light trespass, choose LEDs rated 80-100 lumens per watt, and pair with timers, photocells, or Wi‑Fi/Z‑Wave controllers to automate holiday scenes while conserving energy.
Creative Outdoor Displays
Festive Décor and Themes
You can anchor displays with 3-5 focal pieces-like a wreath, oversized planter, and lighted sculpture-and repeat 2-3 color palettes for cohesion; use weatherproof fabrics and ornaments rated IP65 for wet conditions and scale elements so doorways and walkways stay clear. For example, a $300-$700 front-porch refresh often yields the biggest curb impact per dollar. If you need help sourcing durable materials or installing large pieces, Smith Brothers Services can cut hours off your prep time.
Lighting Techniques for Ambiance
Layer soft lighting by combining warm 2700K string lights, 300-700-lumen spot uplights, and path lights spaced 6-8 feet apart for safe navigation; mount string lights 7-9 feet high over seating and angle uplights at 20-45° to highlight architecture without glare. A cohesive plan from Smith Brothers Landscape, will tie fixtures to planting beds and hardscape, making your display feel intentional and inviting while conserving energy with LEDs.
Position 1-2 300-500-lumen uplights at the base of small trees and 3-4 for mature specimens, spacing path lights every 6-8 feet; low-voltage 12V systems use 3-10W fixtures, so size transformers at 125% of total wattage. Add smart timers, photocells, and GFCI-protected circuits to cut operating hours and maintenance. For delicate canopy pruning and precise uplighting, you can hire Smith Brothers Tree Services, and Smith Brothers Services handles wiring and control setup efficiently.
Doorway Enhancements
Upgrading Your Front Door
Swap a worn door for a 36-inch fiberglass or steel model with an insulated foam core and low-E glass sidelights 10-14 inches wide to cut drafts and boost visual appeal; paint it in a bold hue like deep red or navy and add a storm door with a tight seal to improve energy efficiency and resale appeal while giving your entry a fresh focal point.
Decorative Door Hardware
Choose hardware that balances style and function: select an ANSI Grade 1 or 2 deadbolt, a solid-brass handle set, and finishes such as aged bronze or satin nickel for durability; consider a smart lock with Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth for keyless entry and activity logs, and match backplate sizes (2-3.5 inches) to the door’s scale for cohesive proportions.
When you upgrade hardware, coordinate lighting and landscaping to enhance the effect: have Smith Brothers Services install a dusk-to-dawn porch light and pair aged-bronze fixtures with low-voltage path lights from Smith Brothers Landscape, , while Smith Brothers Tree Services trims sightlines to showcase your new door; ongoing maintenance like quarterly lubricant and finish touch-ups preserves appearance and function for years.
Maintenance Matters
Keep upgrades performing all season by scheduling routine checks: inspect gutters and roof twice yearly, power-wash siding every 12-18 months, touch up paint every 3-5 years, and reseal decks every 2-4 years. You should test exterior lighting monthly and log repairs so small issues don’t escalate, and coordinate with Smith Brothers Services-using Smith Brothers Landscape for lawn and bed care and Smith Brothers Tree Services for arbor work-to keep your curb appeal investment protected.
Seasonal Clean-Up Tips
Follow a seasonal checklist to keep walkways clear and plantings healthy:
- Fall: rake leaves weekly, clear gutters biannually, apply 2-3″ of mulch.
- Spring: remove winter debris, prune perennials, refresh mulch and edge beds.
- Year-round: winterize irrigation, store hoses, swap burned bulbs for LEDs.
Knowing you can book Smith Brothers Landscape or Smith Brothers Services for recurring clean-ups and rely on Smith Brothers Tree Services for safe pruning saves time and reduces hazards.
Ongoing Upkeep for Lasting Appeal
Maintain momentum with a quarterly routine: mow weekly in season, fertilize 3-4 times per year, aerate annually, inspect irrigation every three months, and power-wash paths every 12-18 months. You can contract Smith Brothers Landscape for programmatic lawn care and Smith Brothers Tree Services for scheduled tree health checks to keep your exterior consistently presentable.
Track maintenance in a simple log noting dates, products, and contractor contacts; homeowners using a checklist reported a 40% drop in emergency repairs over two years. Rotate mulch every 18 months, repair caulking around windows within a year of cracks, and schedule hazardous limb removal with Smith Brothers Tree Services to prevent storm damage and preserve the enhancements you invested in.
Seasonal Accents
Seasonal accents transform your facade with measurable impact: place 6-12 potted evergreens on steps, install 150-200 LED pathway lights on timers, and layer textures like burlap and metallic ribbon to reflect porch lighting. You can coordinate color palettes with roof and siding tones, have Smith Brothers Landscape plant short-lived bulbs for 6-8 week blooms, and use low-voltage lighting to cut consumption by roughly 60% versus mains-powered fixtures.
Wreaths and Door Decorations
Choose a 24-30-inch mixed-foliage wreath for a standard 36-inch door, mount it with a 50-lb-rated hook, and swap waterproof ribbon every 2-3 weeks in wet climates. You can add a wooden monogram or battery-operated micro-lights for depth, select UV-stable materials to avoid fading, and hire Smith Brothers Services for custom, weather-treated pieces that withstand wind and moisture.
Outdoor Furniture and Accessories
Anchor a 4-seat, 36-48 inch table and chairs on your landing, use non-slip pads and weighted covers to prevent wind damage, and pick powder-coated aluminum or teak plus Sunbrella cushions for long-term durability-Sunbrella fabrics resist UV and mold for thousands of hours. You might incorporate a 40,000 BTU fire table for warmth and ask Smith Brothers Tree Services to trim overhangs that shed sap onto fabrics.
For maintenance, clean cushions monthly and seal teak twice yearly; allow a 36-inch circulation zone around seating for comfortable movement and ADA-friendly access. You can add string LED accents rated IP65, store cushions in a ventilated box during storms, and use color-coordinated planters to tie furniture into the landscape-Smith Brothers Landscape can create planted borders sized to your patio footprint for cohesive seasonal styling.
Sustainable Choices
You can upgrade for impact while lowering maintenance and bills: choose permeable pavers to cut stormwater runoff by up to 50%, install native plantings to slash outdoor water use by up to 60%, and swap to LED pathway lights. For step‑by‑step guidance and cost‑effective ideas, follow 6 Steps to Lasting Curb Appeal That’ll Boost Your Home’s Value and adapt the suggestions to your site.
Eco-Friendly Materials
You should specify materials that lower long‑term impact: recycled composite decking (often up to 95% recycled content), reclaimed brick for walkways, permeable pavers, and low‑VOC exterior paints to improve air quality. Engage specialists like Smith Brothers Landscape for sustainable hardscapes and Smith Brothers Tree Services to select native species that reduce watering and pruning needs.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Start by replacing incandescent or halogen exterior bulbs with ENERGY STAR LEDs, which use about 75% less energy and last 15,000-25,000 hours, then add motion sensors or smart controls to minimize run‑time; Smith Brothers Services can size upgrades to match your lighting zones and solar readiness.
For measurable savings, combine LEDs with controls-motion sensors and photocells typically cut exterior lighting run‑time 30-60%-and upgrade to Low‑E windows plus improved air sealing to reduce HVAC cycling. Check local utility rebates that often shorten payback to 2-5 years, and have Smith Brothers Services perform an energy audit so you can phase investments for the best annual savings versus upfront cost.
Maintenance and Care
Maintain painted surfaces every 3-7 years based on exposure, inspect your roof and gutters twice yearly, and pressure-wash walkways every 18-24 months to prevent deterioration. You should check exterior lighting monthly and address peeling trim or rot immediately; Smith Brothers Services offers seasonal inspections, Smith Brothers Landscape handles plant health and mulching, and Smith Brothers Tree Services manages pruning and risk assessments to protect your investment.
Preparing Your Home for Winter
Seal gaps around doors and windows with low‑expansion foam or weatherstripping and add R‑38 attic insulation in cold climates to cut heat loss roughly 10-15%. You should winterize irrigation by blowing out lines, insulate exposed pipes, prune branches 6-10 feet from your roof to reduce ice damage, and schedule HVAC and chimney service before the first freeze; contract Smith Brothers Tree Services for any large removals or hazardous limbs.
Year-Round Curb Appeal Tips
Rotate seasonal color and layer evergreen structure for winter interest, install warm 2700K LED path lighting on timers, and repaint your front door every 3-5 years for high impact. You should keep mulch at 2-3 inches, mow at 2.5-3 inches in summer, and audit irrigation weekly during growing months; Smith Brothers Landscape can design a maintenance plan that keeps your exterior consistent and show-ready.
- You should clear gutters and downspouts at least twice a year to prevent ice dams and foundation issues.
- You should apply 2-3 inches of mulch in spring and fall to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- You should replace exterior bulbs with 2700K LED for inviting warm light and add timers or smart controls for efficiency.
- Knowing you should schedule a pressure wash every 18-24 months to remove grime, mildew, and prevent paint deterioration.
A 2017 industry study found well-executed landscaping can raise resale value by 5-12%, so you should prioritize structural evergreens and layered lighting. Budget roughly 1-3% of your home’s value annually for exterior upkeep, repaint trim every 5-7 years, and rotate annuals quarterly to sustain visual interest; Smith Brothers Landscape case studies show listing activity often increases within two weeks after upgraded foundation plantings and lighting.
- You should inspect outdoor lighting monthly and replace bulbs or faulty fixtures promptly to maintain safety and ambiance.
- You should edge beds and walkways every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for crisp, maintained lines that photograph well.
- You should deep‑prune shrubs in late winter and check tree health annually with an ISA‑certified arborist to avoid surprises.
- Knowing you should book Smith Brothers Tree Services for major tree work every 3-4 years to prevent branch failures and maintain safe clearance.
To wrap up
Presently you can transform your home’s exterior with strategic lighting, polished entry accents, and seasonal planting-enlist Smith Brothers Services for coordinated upgrades, Smith Brothers Landscape, for thoughtful hardscaping and beds, and Smith Brothers Tree Services for safe, aesthetic pruning so your property commands attention throughout the holidays and beyond.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you can make a bold holiday statement with targeted exterior upgrades; hire experts like Smith Brothers Services, Smith Brothers Landscape, and Smith Brothers Tree Services, and consult Be the Envy of Your Neighborhood with this curb for practical ideas on lighting, entryway accents, and seasonal landscaping that ensure your home stands out.
