Step-by-Step Instructions

Rough cost estimate: $620 (Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of plants.)

• Paint: $75
• Hardware: $185
• Lighting: $250
• Accessories: $110

Rough time estimate: 2 days

 

1. Replace the door hardware and doorbell. Make your entry more functional with these low-cost updates. Coordinate the finish with your lighting and kickplate.

 

2. Paint the front door in an appealing shade to create an instant focal point. A mango-colored door pops against the home’s cream exterior and emits a warm, welcoming mood.

 

3. Add house numbers. Choose large digits in a design that suits your home’s style, and place them in a conspicuous spot to make it easy for guests and service vehicles to locate your home.

 

4. Stain your concrete to dress up a plain porch and steps. Here, the homeowner combined two stain colors to give the appearance of stone. For tips on applying two stain colors, pick up a brochure in the paint department at your local Lowe’s.

 

5. Affix a kickplate to the door. This protective strip adds a dash of elegance and helps prevent scuffs and dents—a must for homes with children or pets.

 

6. Set out a new doormat. You can choose from a wide variety of styles and colors to suit your taste. This homeowner selected a durable rubber mat with a sculpted wrought iron look.

 

7. Plant small trees or shrubs to add natural beauty. Choose a fragrant selection, such as tea olive, that family and visitors can enjoy at the front door. Add mulch around the new shrubs to create a defined planting area and to cover the base of the trees and shrubs.

 

8. Flank the door with attractive planters. You can change out the plants seasonally for fresh splashes of color. The eye-catching arrangement here blends rosemary with colorful kalanchoe, bright petunias and ivy. Be sure to choose plants with similar light and water requirements.

 

9. Install new light fixtures. This homeowner chose oversized lanterns to lend a traditional feel.

 

10. Incorporate path lighting. These budget-friendly fixtures are also an eco-friendly option thanks to their solar panels. Simply place them in the ground on either side of your path. The sun charges them during the day for evening light.

 

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.