The 3 Exterior Mistakes You Might Be Making

Tatum
4 days ago
2 min read

Hello decor friends,

We talk a lot about what to do inside our homes but today, we’re stepping outside. You may still have snow on the ground but it’s not too soon to begin thinking about your home’s exterior. It is the first impression, and just like inside, a few common missteps can quietly sabotage all that curb appeal potential.

Let’s chat about the top three mistakes I see homeowners make on their home’s exterior and how to avoid them.

1. Playing It Too Safe (or Too Trendy)

There’s a delicate balance between timeless and trendy. One of the biggest mistakes, going all in on whatever is currently flooding your feed.

All-black exteriors. Ultra-modern farmhouse everything. Stark white with high-contrast trim. Beautiful? Yes. Right for every home? Not necessarily.

Your exterior should complement your home’s architecture and surroundings. A historic brick colonial might not love a moody charcoal makeover. A coastal cottage may feel heavy in deep espresso brown.

On the flip side, playing it so safe that everything blends into beige oblivion can also fall flat. If your home disappears into a sea of similar houses, consider subtle contrast—maybe a richer front door color, upgraded lighting, or warmer trim.

2. Ignoring Scale and Proportion

This one sneaks up on people.

Tiny light fixtures flanking a grand front door. An oversized wreath that swallows the entry. Skinny shutters that don’t actually match the window size (this one is more common than you think).

Exterior elements need to be sized correctly for the architecture. Lighting should be substantial enough to feel intentional. Planters should anchor the doorway, not look like an afterthought.

Designer Tip

House numbers should be readable from the street—both functional and stylish. When in doubt, go slightly larger.

Undersized pieces feel timid. Proper scale feels confident and polished, if something feels “off” but you can’t quite name it, nine times out of ten… it’s proportion.

3. Forgetting That Landscaping Is Part of the Design

You can have the prettiest paint color on the block—but if the landscaping is struggling, sparse, or wildly overgrown, it distracts from everything else.

Landscaping frames your home. It softens hard lines. It adds texture, color, and life. Without it, even a beautifully designed exterior can feel unfinished.

This doesn’t mean you need a full garden overhaul. Sometimes it’s as simple as:

Fresh mulch
Defined bed lines
Symmetrical planters at the entry
Seasonal greenery or blooms
Keeping shrubs trimmed and windows visible.

Think of landscaping as your exterior accessories. It’s the layer that makes everything feel thoughtful instead of accidental.

Your home’s exterior doesn’t have to be dramatic to be beautiful. It just needs to feel cohesive, proportional, and cared for.

If you’re ever unsure, take a photo from the street. Look at it as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Does it reflect the style and story you want to tell? Does anything feel too small, too trendy, or a little neglected?

The outside sets the tone for everything inside. And when it’s done well, it’s not just curb appeal—it’s a warm welcome home.