Small Home Improvement Projects that Have Big Impact 

Enhancing your home’s curb appeal and adding value doesn’t necessarily require a daunting full-scale reclad. For homeowners seeking impactful yet manageable upgrades, incorporating wood, particularly Real Cedar, into your exterior design offers a perfect solution. Wood not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of your property but also significantly increases its resale value. 

From subtle accents to functional enhancements, there are several ways to integrate cedar into your home’s exterior. These smaller-scale improvements can transform the look and feel of your home, providing a fresh, inviting appearance while ensuring a high ROI on your home-improvement investment. 

Photog: Brian Mihealsick

Strategically Wall Sections

The Tree House by Matt Fajkus Architecture represents a masterful blend of modern design and natural elements, making it a standout project in Austin. The facade, adorned with knotty cedar siding, is anything but ordinary, offering a funky yet sophisticated aesthetic that captures the eye. The cedar’s rich texture and warm tones contrast strikingly with the home’s white stucco and minimalist design, adding depth and character. This approach not only elevates the curb appeal but also creates a welcoming ambiance that complements the sleek, modern aesthetic. 

Welcoming Wood Portico

We love this cedar portico by High Bush. It offers a warm, inviting entrance to the home, blending beautifully with the various architectural styles. This mid-size upgrade can enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal, making a significant impact on its curb appeal. The natural warmth of cedar creates a welcoming vibe, while its compatibility with other materials, like brick, ensures a cohesive look. Durable and weather-resistant, a cedar portico is a stylish yet practical addition to your home’s front.

Neighborly Property Dividers

Cedar property dividers provide soft privacy without the feel of being walled in. These natural barriers blend seamlessly with the landscape, offering a tasteful way to define your property. Cedar’s natural beauty and versatility allow for various design options, from traditional picket fences to modern privacy screens, enhancing your home’s exterior with elegance and functionality. Plus, cedar’s natural resistance to decay ensures your property’s boundary remains beautiful for years.

Bluebonnet by Shelter Residential Design, photo by Sama Jim Canzian

Cedar Soffit Upgrade

Replacing synthetic soffits with Real Cedar soffits can elevate your home’s architectural details. Cedar soffits add a rich, natural element under roof overhangs, enhancing ventilation while providing a visually appealing contrast to your home’s exterior. This feature not only improves aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the longevity and protection of your home, showcasing cedar’s practical benefits alongside its beauty.

Courtesy of This Old House, photo by Nat Rea

Front Porch Makeover

Upgrading your front porch with cedar treads, handrails, decking, and balusters can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal. Cedar’s natural durability makes it ideal for outdoor spaces, resisting wear and tear while offering a timeless aesthetic. This makeover not only provides a welcoming entrance but also adds a touch of rustic elegance, making your porch a standout feature of your home’s exterior design.