It’s finally here. After months of short snowy days and bundled up hikes on frosted trails, summer has arrived in our beautiful city of Colorado Springs!
Summer in COS looks like a lot of things: ascending 14ers and dragging tourist friends up the incline, indulging in local cuisine and live music on every restaurants’ patio, and weekends spent camping, or at festivals and markets all over the city.
And, for homeowners, it also means creating lists of renovation and maintenance projects to fit somewhere in between. Because when all is said and done, summer in Colorado Springs really looks like lounging on your front porch and watching the sun set behind Pikes Peak (preferably with a local craft beer in hand).
After a long winter though, most of our front porches need at least a small makeover. And to help, we’ve come up with a list of affordable and quick changes to create an inviting space and spruce up the curb appeal:
1. Lay Out A Welcome Mat
Nothing says hello quite like a greeting at your feet. Welcome mats are not only practical and useful (especially when stormy weather hits Colorado Springs), but an affordable option for updating any bland entrance space. We love the Come In, Cozy Up doormat from West Elm ($29), as well as Target’s Home Sweet Home Doormat ($13).
2. Plants, Plants, (And More Plants!)
During the warmer months in Colorado Springs, potted and hanging plants are an easy way to create a more inviting front entrance. Shop for plants in pairs to frame the front door and create symmetry—most suitable to modern, post-1950 homes. For bungalow or pre-1940 homes, go for an eclectic and cozy entrance by using plants and pots of various shapes and sizes. Check out Ikea for affordable potting solutions (starting at $0.99) and visit one of the many local nurseries to source plants suitable to Colorado Springs weather.
3. Hang A Seasonal Wreath
Wreaths are a fun and fresh way to spruce up even the most dated front door. We love Target’s Daisy Floral Wreath for summer ($34) but recommend shopping local or even taking a wreath making class in Colorado Springs. By learning to make your own wreath, you can change out the flowers and accents for different seasons and holidays as well!
4. Update The Porch Light
Take a patio from drab to fab by simply updating the porch lights! Choose a fixture that fits with the style of the home, don’t be afraid to be bold. For a modern home, keep the clean, symmetrical lines and frame the front door with copper or matte black wall lanterns ($50 at All Modern). For a funky, unique home, try a pendant lamp (shop Target starting at $22) or string lights.
5. Front Door Makeover
To really make a statement, give the front door a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware. Bright, vibrant colors are currently in—DIY Network recommends turquoise, lime green, red, and mint as some of the most popular choices. Finish off the look with vintage hardware or a century-appropriate door knocker. Before shopping online, spend an afternoon browsing the timeless treasures at Colorado Springs American Classics Marketplace. They very well may have the vintage doorknob you need!
-
- Before
-
- After