We’ve all been there—you’re standing in front of your house, thinking it could use a little something extra, and then poof, you take the plunge into a DIY disaster.
Before you get too trigger-happy with the paintbrush or begin imagining your house as a “statement piece” on the block, let’s talk about some of the most common curb appeal mistakes that could turn your home from chic to, well… something else.
Here are the top 10 exterior blunders to avoid at all costs, unless you secretly enjoy the “haunted house” aesthetic.
1. The Overzealous Paint Job: When “Bold” Turns into “Blinding”
Sure, a pop of color can be great, but when your house looks like it was hit by a neon explosion, you may have overdone it.
From fluorescent green to neon orange, the wrong color palette can turn your charming home into a 24/7 eyesore.
Think twice before choosing “bold” over “subtle” — there’s a fine line between trendy and “Where’s the sunglasses?”
2. The Overgrown Lawn: It’s Not a Jungle, It’s Your Front Yard
If your front yard looks like it could be a habitat for wild animals, then your lawn might be a tad overgrown.
Sure, those towering weeds are technically “natural,” but they also give off major “This house is abandoned” vibes.
Take a hint from the neighbors and keep the grass neat unless you’re secretly hosting a wildlife reserve. Nothing says “curb appeal” like a lawn that actually looks like one.
3. Clashing Door Hardware: The Knob That Ruined Your Home’s Vibe
You know that feeling when you buy a new doorknob because it is shiny and cheap? It seemed like a great idea until it clashed with your classic wood door and the rest of your home’s aesthetic.
Your front door hardware should be an extension of your style, not an afterthought that screams “I bought this on sale at the hardware store.”
Choose something that complements your door, or else your front entrance will be asking “What was I thinking?”
4. The Invisible Mailbox: Where Did It Go?
Your mailbox should not be hiding behind bushes or lost under a mountain of old newspapers. If someone has to go on a scavenger hunt to find it, that’s a problem.
A mailbox should be functional and easy to find, not a hidden treasure. You don’t want to create an exterior treasure hunt—unless you’re also planning on putting a pirate flag in the front yard.
5. The “DIY Disaster” Fence: When Your Gate Goes Rogue
DIY fences are great if you’re a pro… but if your attempt at fencing looks like it belongs in a medieval castle (and not in a good way), it might be time to reconsider.
Whether it’s wobbly wood or an ill-fated paint job, a fence should serve as a boundary, not as a warning to your neighbors.
Unless you’re aiming for “rustic” but accidentally got “abandoned barnyard,” don’t let your fence fall into the “I tried and failed” category.
6. Tacky Holiday Decor—All Year Long
We get it, you love Christmas lights. Who doesn’t? But when they stay up until July, you might be veering into “too much” territory.
Holiday decor is delightful in its season—outside that window? Not so much.
Save your twinkling lights and inflatable snowmen for the appropriate time of year and consider dialing down the festive spirit when it’s not December.
No one needs to see your inflatable Santa in the middle of a hot summer day.
7. The “Bunker” Look: Too Many Security Features, Not Enough Aesthetic
We all want to feel safe in our homes, but piling on security features until your house looks like a fortress might not be the best approach.
Excessive cameras, bars on windows, and a flood of security lights will make your house feel more like a high-security compound than a welcoming home.
Keep the “Fort Knox” aesthetic to a minimum; you’re not trying to scare off potential burglars by looking like you’re preparing for a zombie apocalypse.
8. The Too-Many-Pillars Syndrome: Your Home Is Not a Temple
We love a good column or pillar—when used sparingly. But when you’ve got so many columns that your house starts looking like a Greek temple, you’ve gone too far.
Excessive pillars can create a serious “I’m an ancient ruin” vibe rather than modern elegance.
Instead of making your home look like it’s holding up the sky, try to keep the number of architectural details balanced and tasteful. Your neighbors don’t need to bow down to your entrance.
9. The Overuse of Artificial Plants: Because Fake Isn’t Always Better
We get it, you want greenery without the hassle of watering, trimming, and occasional pest control.
But when your front porch is filled with so many fake plants, it starts to feel like the set of a low-budget horror film.
There’s nothing wrong with a few artificial plants if used wisely, but don’t let your porch become a fake jungle.
Real plants bring life and vibrancy—unless you’re okay with giving your guests the impression they’ve stepped into a 90s sitcom set.
10. The Overcomplicated Landscaping: A Maze, Not a Garden
If your front yard has more paths, statues, and fountains than a botanical garden, you might have gone overboard.
Landscaping is great, but when it’s so busy that people need a map to navigate, it’s a problem. Keep it simple and tasteful.
Your yard should be an inviting space, not an obstacle course for guests trying to get to the door. A few strategic plants, a well-placed bench, and maybe a small water feature—keep it classy, not chaotic.