As the holiday season approaches, homeowners usually busy themselves making sure their interior spaces are ready for guests. But the holidays are also the perfect time to make sure your home has great curb appeal and is ready to greet friends and family. To get a feel for how your house looks to others, take a step back and view it as your guests would. Does your home look fresh or a bit run-down? Are your walkways, steps, porch and yard tidy and well-kept? Once you know what others see, you can allocate the time and resources to improve those areas.
Repair Your Walkways, Steps, and Railings
If your walkways and steps are uneven, they can pose safety hazards and detract from your home’s beauty. If the brick needs attention, traditional tuckpointing and brick repair can improve your home’s curb appeal and increase safety. The same is true for handrails—make sure they are secure and in good repair. If you don’t have a railing, consider installing one, perhaps ironwork handrails that will complement the aesthetics of your historic brick home, as well as ensuring the safety of you and your guests.
Clean Your Porch and Consider Painting Your Front Door
Your front door is the focal point of your entrance and a quick way to refresh curb appeal. When choosing a color, consider historically appropriate hues for your historic brick home. Bold reds, deep blues, or classic black can make a statement, while earthy greens and warm neutrals are more understated and elegant.
If you’d prefer not to paint, clean the door to remove any dirt and fingerprints. While cleaning, tackle the porch, too, if you have one. Clear clutter, sweep cobwebs and wipe down any remaining decorations.
For an added touch, you might want to consider sourcing a decorative piece from architectural salvage, such as an antique door knocker.
Clean Your Brick for a Fresh Look
Interior and exterior brick collect dirt and grime which dulls their natural beauty. While tempting, power washing and scrubbing should be avoided, as old brick is softer than modern brick, and aggressive cleaning can damage the mortar.
Instead, gently scrub the brick using a mild detergent and soft-bristled brush. For stubborn stains, a paste of dish soap and baking soda can be effective. Rinse everything well and let it dry naturally.
You can hire someone to clean the exterior for you, but ensure your contractor understands the traditional ways to care for historic brick so nothing gets damaged.
Ensure Your Fireplace is Safe and Efficient
If your historic brick home includes a functioning fireplace, don’t skip having it examined inside and out. Consider hiring a professional chimney inspector to check for structural issues, creosote buildup and ventilation problems. Annual maintenance is essential for safe operation, and if the inspectors find cracks or gaps in the mortar, misaligned flues or other issues, don’t operate your fireplace until the issues are repaired. A chimney sweep can perform a thorough cleaning, and a historic brick expert can fix any masonry concerns with brick repair and traditional tuckpointing.
Seasonal Decor for a Festive Touch
As a final touch, adding some festive décor to your home adds seasonal cheer and a warm welcome for your guests. For Thanksgiving, consider a rustic mix of pumpkins, corn stalks and lanterns. As the weather turns toward winter, evergreen wreaths, bows and garlands add glamor and charm. Seasonal string lights or battery-operated candles also add to your decor. For a historic home, understated decor often works best, highlighting architectural details rather than covering them.
With careful attention to curb appeal and seasonal decor, your historic home can provide a memorable experience for everyone who visits.
In Washington, D.C., homeowners trust Renaissance Development to ensure their property remains a cherished part of the capital's historic landscape. Discover how our expertise can help you realize your vision, and enhance your historic home year 'round. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.
