Housing Style: In a World of Cookie-Cutter Homes, What Stands Out?

Written by Mary Beth Tice

Drive through any new subdivision these days and you will notice a growing trend- cookie-cutter homes with no distinguishable features at first glance. With most new construction resembling a paint-by-numbers book, you have to wonder, what makes a home stand out in a crowd, particularly while on the market?

Curb Appeal

Whether or not you are selling your house, curb appeal is a great way to stand out when your house is one of a million instead of one in a million. Trees, bushes and flowers are all great ways to add appeal, but think a bit BOLDER! If your HOA allows, consider painting your door and shutters beautiful contrasting colors to add a visual pop. Unique light fixtures also add a special something not found on your neighbor’s lot. When planting flowering plants, alternate plants with different bloom seasons so your yard has color year-round.

Step up the Design Inside

Now that you have the most visually appealing house on the block, it’s time to step up the appeal on the inside. A common use for a finished room over the garage (FROG) is a home office. Step up the design by turning your office into a library. If yours is a TV room, go a step further and turn it into a media room complete with surround sound and room darkening curtains. If you have the space and funds, add a bathroom to your FROG and create an in-house guest suite.

In the kitchen, upgrade your appliances. Invest in a downdraft range, stainless steel appliances and pull out shelves in your cabinets. Other great swaps are real wood cabinets instead of pressed board, granite counters instead of laminate and ceramic tile for vinyl.

Simple tips like this can be followed throughout your house in order to make it truly unique. Just take your current design and step it up a bit!

Have any tips you would like to add? Post them in the comments!