Giving your home a makeover can seem like a daunting task, but refreshing your home’s front entry doesn’t require excessive work or expense. With just three simple changes, you can make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal and overall aesthetic. Plus, a new and beautiful entry can boost your home’s curb appeal and spark joy every single time you enter your home.

    This guide will explain how to refresh your home’s front entry by resurfacing your stoop, installing window boxes, and updating outdoor lighting.


    1. How To Resurface a Concrete Stoop

    Home improvement doesn’t have to cost a lot. Resurfacing a worn-out stoop is a great start toward completely transforming your home’s front entry in an affordable way.

    An unsightly stoop isn’t very welcoming. Many stoops have one of two problems: the surface is dirty and worn, or the steps have many bricks with gaps. Both these things hurt your home’s curb appeal, but the situation goes beyond looks. Gaps aren’t just unattractive; they also make the bricks difficult to walk on. Worse, they collect water, which can undermine the home’s foundation over time.

    To resurface the stoop, first clean it thoroughly with a pressure washer. This will remove any loose debris or dirt.

    Next, apply a concrete resurfacer product like Quikrete Re-Cap. Work the material into the surface with a squeegee or trowel. The product will dry quickly, so work fast. Finally, add a textured finish by brushing or brooming the surface. A textured surface will create a grip to prevent slips.

    For the hazardous cracks and gaps in the stairs, fill them in with easy concrete crack filler. Applying mortar is an easy DIY project: Just dampen the crack first, then use a trowel to pack in the mortar. Smooth it flush with the surrounding bricks and let it cure fully before walking on the steps. The result is a stoop that instantly improves curb appeal and looks as good as new.

    If you want to take things a step further, consider opening up your front porch if you want to spruce up its look, improve first impressions for visitors, or boost resale value down the road. This is a more involved task, but it can go a long way toward revamping your home’s exterior.


    2. How To Install Window Boxes

    Window boxes filled with colorful flowers can instantly add charm and personality to any home’s front entry. If you want to give your home a fresh look, you can choose window boxes made from various materials like wood, metal, plastic, resin, and more.

    Consider the style of your home’s architecture when selecting window boxes. For example, ornate wrought iron planters would suit a Victorian home. Simple wooden boxes work well for Craftsman bungalow styles, while metal and resin options provide more durability with less maintenance.

    Install window boxes under first-floor windows next to the front door and plant them with cheerful blooms like petunias or pansies in complementary colors. You can either build window boxes yourself or purchase ready-made versions. DIY wooden window boxes offer flexibility in size and allow you to match specific architectural details, while pre-made window boxes provide convenience.

    Be sure to look for weather-resistant materials with features such as self-watering reservoirs and drainage holes when choosing window boxes.


    3. How To Update Outdoor Lighting

    An outdated light fixture beside the front door hurts your home’s curb appeal, so try replacing it with a new design to enhance your entryway’s appearance. Look for a lantern style that complements your home’s architecture and opt for a material like metal or aluminum for durability and weather resistance.

    When selecting an outdoor wall lantern, consider replacing entry doors that match the fixture’s style. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide on how to replace an entry door without replacing the door jamb.

    Beyond basic illumination, look for features like automated dusk-to-dawn functionality or dimmable lights. Make sure the fixture is UL-listed for wet locations — a sealed light design prevents moisture damage.

    Finally, choose a finish that coordinates with other exterior elements. Oil-rubbed bronze or satin nickel are popular timeless choices. Opt for clear-seeded, frosted, or translucent glass for a softer and more welcoming light. If you want to go above and beyond, add coordinated landscape lighting along the walkway.


    Bonus Tips For Freshing Your Entryway

    • Pressure wash: When was the last time you washed your home’s exterior? (If you can’t remember, that’s too long ago.) Pressure wash the exterior and remove any moss, mold, mildew, or algae.
    • Trim trees and hedges: Nothing adds curb appeal like plants, but overgrown vegetation can diminish a home’s appearance. Make trimming and shaping bushes a routine to keep your home well-maintained.
    • Mulch flower beds: You can control weeds, enrich soil, retain moisture, and add visual appeal with just one addition: mulch. Pine straw, hay, and wood chips are some popular options that add order and texture to your garden.
    • Hang new house numbers: Just because a home’s address is forever doesn’t mean the same has to be true for the numbers on your house. Whether you want a minimalist style or you want to make a bold statement, there’s something for everyone at the home center. So, take pride in your home and add some new numbers.

    So, Is Refreshing Your Home’s Front Entry Worth It?

    Upgrading your home’s front entryway can create social and financial benefits that outweigh the monetary investment. Still, each homeowner’s situation is different, so be sure to consider the pros and cons before deciding whether to refresh your front entry.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Curb appeal directly relates to perceived home value. Potential buyers make snap judgments about a home’s interior based on exterior appearance, and a refreshed, welcoming entryway can help your home sell faster and for a higher price.

    Even if you’re not planning to sell soon, a better entry experience has benefits. Arriving home to an attractive, well-maintained exterior improves your daily mood, and curb appeal upgrades are relatively simple to do yourself. If you have the time and money to invest, refreshing your home’s front entry can be a great benefit to its value and overall aesthetic.


    FAQs About Refreshing Your Home's Front Entry

    What are the most important elements to update when refreshing a home's front entry?

    Focus on repairing and enhancing high-visibility areas like the front door, stoop, porch, walkway, and lighting. For maximum impact, make sure these elements look fresh and well-maintained.


    How much does refreshing a home's curb appeal cost?

    It depends on the scope, but many affordable DIY solutions can make a big difference. For example, resurfacing a stoop with a concrete resurfacer may cost around $50. Installing new front door hardware could run $100. Outdoor lighting updates average $200 to $400, but they could cost thousands more depending on the scale of your lighting. Professional services tend to cost more but can save homeowners time and effort.


    How long does the front entry refresh process take?

    You could finish small DIY projects in a weekend or less. Resurfacing a stoop may take one or two days, but installing new lighting can take only a few hours. Larger endeavors like repairing a front porch could take several weeks. Time can vary based on your experience and the size and scope of the project.


    What kind of maintenance is required after refreshing the front entry?

    It depends on the specific updates. For example, window boxes need seasonal planting and watering, while light fixtures only require occasional cleaning. Overall, choose durable and low-maintenance materials to minimize future upkeep requirements. Professionally installed improvements may include a warranty or service plan, so you may also want to consider hiring professionals for your upgrades.


    Does a front entry refresh require any special skills or tools?

    If you have standard DIY tools like drills, saws, and screwdrivers, you should be able to tackle most basic home improvements. Specialized tools like pressure washers can make jobs easier, but you can also rent them if you don’t want to invest much money up-front. Novice DIYers may benefit from hiring pros for structural repairs or complicated lighting installation. However, simple cosmetic upgrades like paint and decor generally don’t require special skills.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Mitchell Layton

    Mitchell Layton

    Mitchell Layton is a former professional mover who currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell spent years packing and moving for REAL Rock N Roll Movers, a commercial and residential moving company based in Los Angeles that’s primarily staffed with up-and-coming musicians. That gave him plenty of experience navigating box trucks up and down the winding streets of LA. In addition to moving hundreds of happy customers into new homes and apartments all across Southern California, Mitchell has also performed corporate moves on company lots for Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount, and more. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into his profession, Mitchell has all the helpful tips you need for your next move.

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    photo of Lori Zaino

    Lori Zaino

    Lori Zaino is a freelance writer and editor based in Madrid, Spain. With nearly two decades of editorial experience, she’s written and edited for publications like Forbes, CNN, Insider, NBC, Newsweek, The Points Guy, The Infatuation, and many others. Having just completed her first home renovation, she’s more interested in home improvements than ever, dedicated to bringing you fresh and accurate content to help you update your living spaces.

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