EDMUND BARR
Small homes can make a big impression.
With the right exterior features, even the tiniest cottage or bungalow can project serious curb appeal.
Before: Falling Down Fixer-Upper
This 1925 bungalow needed a major overhaul to make it liveable.
Credit:EDMUND BARR
It had rotted wood siding and nonfunctioning windows, and the structure was on the verge of falling down.
The renovation completely altered the exterior, adding modern appeal while retaining its historic charm.
A sunny yellow front door beckons visitors onto the redone front porch.
Credit: Courtesy of homeowner
Squared-off columns and a metal roof above the porch nod tothe home’s Craftsman roots.
Before: Drab Facade
A beige color scheme set a dreary tone for this small cottage.
The before-and-after makeover showcases the difference a brighter exterior color palette and broader front steps can make.
Credit:Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Low-slung wooden steps now wrap around the small porch for a more open feel.
Window boxes and planted containers provide pretty curb appeal.
Standard-issue brick and minimal landscaping left the Cape Cod with little curb appeal.
Credit: Laurey Glenn
The door and shutters seemed out of scale with the rest of the structure.
After: Distinctive Exterior Update
A sleek black-and-white color scheme modernizes the brick exterior.
Wider shutters and sidelights around the new front door feel more in proportion with the rest of the home.
Credit:Laurey Glenn
Window boxes, evergreen topiaries, and boxwood hedges now distinguish the small house.
A makeover created an inviting outdoor living space.
After: Pretty Porch Makeover
A front porch update boosted this home’s curb appeal.
Credit: Courtesy of homeowner
Replacing the screens withstylish curtain panelsboosted the porch’s privacy.
Low, colorful plantings frame the front of the house with greenery.
Before: Boxy and Blah Exterior
This small home exterior lacked architectural features to lend it style.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Wrapped in dingy yellow siding and trimmed in brown, the facade mostly fell flat.
An extensive addition to the back of the house provided the perfect opportunity to refresh the entire exterior.
Enlarging the windows and adding an awning made the cottage look gracious and inviting.
Credit: Adam Albright
Small Ranch Revival
This small home previously lacked any stylistic features to make it stand out.
The homeowners embarked on an ambitious exterior makeover to add retro-inspired curb appeal.
See how the bland ranch took on striking midcentury modern style.
Credit: Courtesy of homeowner
Overgrown landscaping also contributed to the neglected look.
A few simple but thoughtful changes allowed the charming exterior to shine.
After: Charming Cottage Home
Alise OBrien
Alightened-up exterior color schememodernizes this cottage without sacrificing character.
Credit:Jon Jensen
A simple palette of gray and white with black accents makes the small home appear larger.
Custom touches, like a new front door and window box, alsoboost curb appeal.
Before: Characterless Ranch
This 1960s ranch couldn’t provide the space or style its owners needed.
Credit: Courtesy of homeowner
The single-level home sat too low to offer views of the nearby ocean and made living quarters tight.
An extensive renovation helped the small home better serve the family and fit in with its surroundings.
The redesign included the addition of a widow’s walk that offers views of Cape Cod Bay.
Credit:Alise OBrien
The perch is accessible from a pull-down ladder above the home’s upper-level landing.
Although it had some charming features, the dilapidated appearance couldn’t be overlooked.
An exterior makeover refreshed the small home with a brighter, more modern look.
Credit: Courtesy of homeowner
After: Small Home Refresh
Paul Dyer
Shaped-up hedges allow this home to step into view.
A new front door andfresh exterior color schemeupdate the wraparound porch with a sleek look.
Shades of gray pair with navy and white to achieve a modern farmhouse aesthetic.
Credit:Michael Partenio
Before: Buried Charms
This small home’s exterior was quite the eyesore.
Boring white paint and zero landscaping left a lot of room for improvement.
A screened porch and dormers fit in with traditional island style.
Credit: Courtesy of homeowner
The seafoam green exterior color complements the now lush landscaping.
Before: Lackluster Landscape
Dull landscaping and discordant colors lessened this Cape Cod home’s charisma.
Overgrown trees and shrubs blocked views both inside and out.
Credit:Paul Dyer
Although it had a stately presence, the small home lacked polish.
The neutral color scheme helps play up its sophisticated appearance.
Landscaping the sloped front yard finished the exterior makeover with traditional style.
Credit: Courtesy of homeowner
Credit: Richard Leo Johnson
Credit: Courtesy of homeowner
Credit:Laurie Black
