Every home improvement project can feel like going into battle, but the sweet taste of victory is enough to make it worthwhile. If you ever feel intimidated by homes and gardens in magazines, don’t fret – you can turn your home into a beautiful beacon with easy curb appeal updates! Kevin and Annette Klingel are some of our favorite weekend warriors, and their latest project proves that anything is possible when it comes to dressing up your front garden. The Klingels recently gave their home and front garden a major renovation and entered their photos in the Window Box Contest. When we saw the gorgeous before and after pictures, we knew we had to get the inside scoop on their process and uncover their best curb appeal ideas. Curb Appeal – Before and After Before the renovation, the Klingels had a charming South Bend, Indiana rambler that was tidy and traditional, if a little unassuming. Deciding it was time for a much-needed update, the Klingels replaced their old green roof with a black barrel roof to match the style of their home. They also made a needed replacement and changed out the sidewalk and front stoop to a new version in classic black. After those dramatic changes, the Klingels just couldn’t stop! Loving the contrast between the new black roof and stoop and their cream house, they painted their shutters black. And here’s where we come in – Annette wanted to incorporate her love of flowers into the new home design and found the perfect planters and window boxes to match the shutters. They purchased ten black window boxes in a classic and chic design to put around their outside windows. The Klingels also used tall black planters around the entrance to the house. The window boxes and planters each received the same plant treatment – red, yellow, and orange impatiens with flowing ferns for a bright punch of color. Paired with hanging baskets and a few other accents, the Klingels house is now a masterpiece. From Drab to Fab The Klingels love their warm and inviting new front entrance, and the neighbors do too. Instead of getting overlooked, their house now stands out and is the star of their busy street, where it is seen by lots of people everyday. They have received tons of compliments about their new look – a crisp and clean front garden that stays true to the style of the home and neighborhood. The Klingels’ curb appeal update wasn’t without its challenges, but the end product is amazing, and as Annette says, definitely worth the time. The Klingels recommend starting with the necessary replacements and finding beautiful matching pieces to add curb appeal. With a little patience, elbow grease, and the help of a great garden supply store like Hooks & Lattice, you too can have the home of your dreams. Photos: Kevin & Annette Klingel

Paver Patio Next to Pool with a Paver Fire Pit. Work Done in 2013. Call for a Free Estimate!
This is an example of a small traditional backyard patio in Indianapolis with a fire feature and brick pavers.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country backyard patio in New York with natural stone pavers and no cover.

Inspiration for a large modern backyard patio in Minneapolis with an outdoor kitchen, decking and no cover.

Outdoor hardscape, pathways and asian inspired pergola for residential backyard patio area.
Photo of a small asian backyard patio in Santa Barbara with concrete pavers and a pergola.

YardLux has revolutionized outdoor furnishings, their designs project a unique statement that is both weather resistant and stylish.
Inspiration for a mid-sized backyard patio in Miami.

Large beach style backyard patio in Toronto with a pergola.

Like no other planter you've ever seen, this three-tiered structure allows you to create a unique piece of living architecture anywhere in your garden or outdoor-living area. As well made as it is attractive, this innovative planter is constructed of 100% Western Red Cedar that's naturally decay resistant. The corner joints are reinforced for increased durability. The Cascadia Planter comes with multiple installation options, which allows you to get the exact look you're wanting. It's perfect for creating a unique focal point, even in the off-season when it isn't overflowing with blooms. Proudly crafted in the USA, this decorative and fully functional planter holds approximately 4 cu. ft. of soil. If it is going to be displayed on a deck or other non-porous surface, it is recommended that a plastic liner (not included) be placed under the base tier. Assembly and care instructions included. Overall dimensions: 28" W x 28" D x 15" H. Tier dimensions: Large - 28" x 28"; Medium - 20" x 20"; Small - 12" x 12".

Paver Driveway in Tremron Mega Old Town Autumn Blend.
Photo of a small mediterranean front yard patio in Orlando with concrete pavers and no cover.

Photo of a small contemporary backyard patio in Austin with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Tiny Urban Planted Patio
Photo of a small contemporary front yard patio in San Francisco with a container garden, decking and no cover.

Outdoor BBQ alfresco kitchen display featured at BBQ's & Outdoor Melbourne. This display is 2 meters long, featuring a black and stainless steel 4 burner Beefeater barbecue, black Rhino bar fridge, a bank of 3 drawers with soft close and a 2 door cupboard with a shelf. Complete with solid backs, bases and matching end panels to support the 40mm Caesarstone benchtop that encapsulates the barbecue. This unit is available from Kitchens by Matric and can be installed in a covered alfresco area, meeting and exceeding Australian fire safety standards.

Design ideas for a small contemporary backyard patio in London with decking and no cover.

Andrew Cutright
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard patio in DC Metro with a fire feature and concrete pavers.

Small country front yard patio in Dallas with decking and a roof extension.

Our client wanted a modern outdoor cushion to simply rest on her concrete sitting area, and not move. We found a solution. She chose her favorite outdoor fabric from our wide selection of fabrics in our walk -in showroom.

A desirable backyard 'living room', complete with wet bar, hot tub, and a golf green! In one day we jointed this well-balanced combination of dimensional and flagstone concrete pavers. The results are compelling!

This homeowner - a huge fan of UT football - had seen this same mural that we had done inside of Hooters on Kingston Pike in Knoxville (huge UT football fan area), and wanted it for himself as part of his outdoor man cave, which is a huge outdoor space with multiple level decks and this grill and cooking area. He actually built a brick wall to emulate what he saw on the Hooters UT man mural and had me paint the same right onto the brick. Then he added rope lighting at the top and underneath the ledge below the mural, which really makes is stunning at night! (see previous pic)

Front yard paver patio & landscape.
Inspiration for a small front yard patio in Minneapolis with concrete pavers.