9 Landscaping Secrets That Instantly Make Your Home Seem More Expensive

Creating a beautiful and inviting landscape is about more than just planting flowers and shrubs. According to expert landscape designers, the secret to a luxurious outdoor space is in the small, often overlooked details that tie everything together. Whether you’ve been in your home for years or have a garden full of mature plants, taking the time to assess and refresh your garden can make a big difference.

For instance, Kristian Thiem of Tidal Creek Designs suggests looking at your older plants and updating where necessary to freshen up the look. Kat Aul Cervoni believes in a thoughtful design approach that uses minimalism to create eye-catching focal points.

Here are 9 different strategies—from selecting the right color schemes to essential garden maintenance—that experts recommend for achieving a polished and cohesive look in your outdoor space.

Tend Your Trees

Trees not only add beauty and shade but also contribute significantly to the perceived value of your property. A well-placed, healthy tree can transform an ordinary yard into a striking landscape, giving it depth and charm.

Beyond their aesthetic value, trees have been shown to positively affect property values and marketability. Keeping your trees in top shape not only enhances your everyday environment but could also be a wise investment, potentially offering returns in terms of higher property values and quicker sales times.

Repeat Elements to Establish Unity

Creating a sense of unity in your garden can be as simple as repeating certain elements throughout the space. Choose a color palette or a texture that you love and weave it into various parts of your landscape.

This repetition helps to connect different areas of your garden, making it feel more cohesive and less cluttered. The result is a landscape that exudes tranquility and order, where every plant and decorative feature feels like part of a well-thought-out design rather than a random assortment.

Good Maintenance

Regular upkeep is key to ensuring your home and its surroundings always look their best. Take a step back and give your property a critical look—sometimes, a fresh perspective can reveal needs that you might have overlooked. Is it time to power wash the siding, deck, or patio? Could the trim benefit from a new coat of paint? Maybe the shutters are due for a replacement?

Addressing these maintenance tasks can dramatically uplift your home’s appearance, shifting from potentially shabby to undeniably upscale. It’s all about the details that, when well-cared for, collectively enhance the overall aesthetic and value of your property.

Use Natural Materials for Outdoor Furniture

Shifting towards natural materials for outdoor furniture can significantly enhance the look and feel of your space. Wood, rattan, and woven fabrics not only blend beautifully with the outdoors but also create a warm and inviting ambiance.

These materials, particularly in earthy tones, lend a rich, soothing texture that can’t be matched by more industrial options like concrete and steel. The use of natural elements in your outdoor furnishings speaks to a thoughtful design that prioritizes comfort and harmony with the environment.

Attention to Detail

It’s the little details that often have the most significant impact in making your home look more polished and expensive. Start with the basics: keep your walkways level, clear of weeds, and your driveway well-maintained and neatly edged to prevent grass from encroaching.

Then, consider adding those special touches that catch the eye—like a stylish mailbox, attractive containers with seasonal blooms near your entrance, or strategic landscape lighting that highlights key features like trees. These elements combine to create a refined and welcoming first impression that truly stands out.

Neatly Edged Landscaping Beds

A tidy edge on your landscaping beds can transform the entire look of your yard. Whether you opt for metal edging, which offers a clean, low-maintenance boundary, or go for the traditional spade-cut edges, the key is precision. S

harp, well-defined borders between the lawn and garden beds provide a polished appearance and can easily adapt as your garden grows and evolves. It’s a small detail that makes a significant difference, making your landscape look meticulous and well-cared-for.

Continuous Color with Evergreens

Incorporating evergreens into your garden ensures it stays vibrant and full of life all year round, not just in spring or summer. These stalwarts of the garden not only maintain color through the colder months but also add much-needed texture and structure.

While boxwoods are a popular choice, don’t shy away from exploring other varieties that offer flowering options or unique foliage colors. This continuous presence of green is not just visually pleasing but also elevates your home’s overall appeal and feel.

Use a Discreet Color Palette

Sticking to a subtle color scheme can really elevate your home’s curb appeal. Think about a palette of greens and whites with just a hint of purple. This simplicity prevents the front yard from feeling chaotic and gives off an effortlessly chic vibe.

More isn’t always better—limiting your colors avoids the busy look of mixing too many hues, which can cheapen the overall feel. A couple of well-chosen colors can make your landscape look thoughtfully designed and surprisingly upscale.

Large-Scale Pavers and Stonework

Consider going big with your pavers and stonework to make a bold statement. Larger stones create a sense of grandeur and permanence that smaller, common pavers just can’t match. This approach not only adds visual interest but also imparts a luxurious feel to your outdoor spaces.

The effect is less about following the crowd and more about crafting an environment that stands out. It’s an investment that says you care about quality and style, boosting both the look and value of your home.