Before & After Curb Appeal Makeovers that Wow
By Axis Fuksman-Kumpa • October 30, 2023
Many clients come to us needing a curb appeal boost for their house. Afterall, the home's exterior is a guest’s first impression of your home and many homeowners consider it a reflection of themselves.
We frequently share tips and curb appeal ideas, but it can be overwhelming knowing where to start when thinking about your own house. There’s so much to consider including which direction your home faces, your climate, soil, sunlight, how your walkways are positioned, seasonality of your flowers, layering, the surrounding neighborhood – and much more.
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One of the best ways to understand what you like in curb appeal is by browsing Pinterest, Instagram or other curb appeal project ideas. So check out the below Tilly curb appeal before and afters that focus – from Maine to California!
DIY Cottage Garden Style Charm, New York
This homeowner had great curb appeal ideas, but wasn’t sure how where to start on her own. She turned to Tilly and shared her general landscaping ideas and our landscape designers created a lush plan to fill her flower beds and achieve the cottage garden charm she desired.
Clearing out the dated shrubs and opening the front entry was an easy way to create a big impact. Not only can the exterior of the home and picture window be seen, but the homeowner gets more light inside the home as well.
The front door was painted a soft blue to pop and stand out from the house, adding cheer and fantastic curb appeal to passerby's on the street.
The plants selected have seasonality to them with something blooming all spring and summer.
Before Tilly
Before Tilly
After Tilly--
Front Foundation & Walkway Refresh, New York
This entry just needed some additional elements to improve curb appeal create a cohesive look. Tilly helped this homeowner change their front walkway, update their garden beds and add color during the seasons. On a small budget, this front landscaping made a big difference to the overall curb appeal.
After Tilly
Before Tilly--
Updated Tropical Appeal, Florida
This Florida home had a tired font entry that the homeowner wanted to update. They worked with Tilly to create a tropicalentry with native plants that are less maintenance and benefit local wildlife. The plant palette was comprised of native Floridian plants that will thrive in this home’s climate and sunlight.
This client also did a DIY power wash to the brick walkway to give fresh curb appeal.
After Tilly
Before Tilly--
Slope & Function, Colorado
This client had a sloped lawn that they couldn’t figure out how to use. They were updating the exterior of their home and knew it was time to update their landscape while they were at it.
Their Tilly designer recommended a chic modern retaining wall to create tiers of usable space. This corten steel retaining wall is the ultimate addition to boost curb appeal.
The home goes from dated to a modern bungalow with the hardscape materials selected, the minimalist planting palette and modern entry numbers. The fresh coat of dark color planned for the house is the finishing touch to this drastic improvement.
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Classic Curb Appeal Charm, Maine
This front had no landscape design, but it had a ton of opportunity. This client came to Tilly to figure out how to use their lawn best. Their designer gave them a classically curved front garden bed that brings interest to this charming modern farmhouse and grounds the flagpole within the space.
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Seasonal Garden Appeal, Illinois
This Tilly client didn’t love their curb appeal, but knew it had a lot of potential.
Tilly updated the lonely shrubs at the curb and added beds of native flowers to frame the stately entrance.
Tilly's plan 
Before Tilly --
Cottage Style Delight, Virginia
This new homeowner came to Tilly for a front remodel when they bought a fixer upper. They used our landscape design services to reimagine what their new home could look like with fresh paint and a welcoming design!
Their Tilly landscape designer achieved cottage curb appeal with pops of color that draw your eye to the cozy porch.
Tilly's plan 
Before Tilly--
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Smart Xeriscape, Colorado
Xeriscape landscaping is something many of our Colorado homeowners are interested in due to the state’s water restrictions and drought conditions. Xeriscaping can be achieved in many ways, but this homeowner wanted to explore no grass options for less maintenance and instead focus on native ground covers, boulders, and climate appropriate plants.
Tilly's plan 
Before Tilly--
Traffic Optimization, Texas
This Texas homeowner realized they weren't making the most of their space and the flow didn't match how they used their exterior. They wanted to open up their side yard for seating so their designer removed some of the wood fence and added a gravel sitting area. A stepping stone pathway was added from the front to make it inviting for them and their neighbors.
Their designer also added more plantings to the front foundation for a fuller, lush look. Potted plants can frame the doorway for a pop of color and to add curb appeal.
Tilly's plan (front tree removed for visibility)
Before Tilly--
Simple & Chic, Texas
Sometimes beautiful curb appeal is about simplicity and low maintenance!
This home needed some hedges to add curb appeal and then they can plant seasonal flowers as they wish. Potted plants can be added to the entry or a wreath to the front door to add additional personality, if desired.
This classic home will need minimal upkeep to look its best moving forward.
Tilly's plan
Before Tilly--
Pops of Curb Appeal Color, Wisconsin
This homeowner had design ideas that included changing the color of their home’s window shutters. In their 3D renders, their designer turned the window shutters black to help them visualize this change to the exterior. Changing the shutter color can be a budget friendly yard update!
Tilly's plan 
Before Tilly--
Transplant & Add, Texas
This client wanted some curb appeal ideas to create a welcoming entrance. Their designer recommended expanding the front garden bed to create a modern shape.
They layered in pollinator friendly plants, ornamental grasses and ground cover to fill the garden beds. The finishing touch was edging it with a clean chopped stone.
Tilly's plan
Before Tilly--
New Build Beauty, South Carolina
This new build in Charleston uses the surrounding nature to create a grand entry for a beautiful new home. Their designer gave them a modern front that has great tropical native options throughout.
Tilly's plan
The homes site! --
Cheerful Native Garden, Washington State
Less grass, more native plants is a great solution to save money, cut back on maintenance and help your local ecosystem. This client came to Tilly for a water wise landscape design plan. Their Tilly designer filled the front with native plants and created a social gathering area over gravel in the front yard!
Tilly's plan
Before Tilly--
Entry Landscaping that Compliments the Home, Louisiana
In a new build, landscape is critical to give the entry a welcoming feel. This Louisiana home’s modern design will compliment the home’s architecture with its simple color palette, beautiful grasses and large paver walkway.
Tilly's plan
Before Tilly--
Clean Up Curb Appeal, Colorado
This front entry had overgrown landscaping that needed some taming. To achieve a more kempt and thoughtful look, plants were transplanted and organized together in groupings that make sense and are visually appealing.
Before Tilly
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