Text by Bethany Adams
From planning your yard’s hardscaping to selecting the perfect floral finishing touch, maximizing your cottage’s curb appeal is one of the best ways to create a lasting impression on friends and neighbors. Whether you’re looking for a large-scale summer project or seeking to update your home’s exterior on a budget, we asked Tone on Tone’s Loi Thai to share his expert advice on giving your cottage’s curb appeal the boost it deserves this season.
The Cottage Journal: Why should people consider the curb appeal of their homes?
Loi Thai: It’s the first thing you see when you come home, and it’s what the world sees. Curb appeal adds value to your neighborhood and community.
TCJ: Is there a particular place that you like to start when planning a yard or garden?
LT: I begin every garden project by first evaluating the hardscaping (walkway, stoop, patio, porch, retaining wall, etc.), which is the architecture of the garden. Think of the hardscaping as the furnishings and the plants as the accessories.
TCJ: Are there any common mistakes you see people make when it comes to curb appeal?
LT: Yes, using one of each plant, which looks busy and haphazard. For example, don’t use 15 different plants but do use three different kinds (five of each). Planting en masse and repeating the same plants throughout the garden provides cohesion.
TCJ: Do you have any landscaping/curb appeal must-haves?
LT: I love hydrangeas, which are big impact shrubs. The blooms can last for weeks, even months. There are so many varieties. ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas tolerate more sun, and oakleaf hydrangeas grow well in partial shade. If you can’t grow hydrangeas in the ground, try the smaller varieties (like Bobo) in pots.
TCJ: Any advice on manageable projects for people who don’t have the time or know-how to maintain a full garden?
LT: Containers are so versatile; anyone can have them. If you are too busy to grow a full garden, try a few pots of plants flanking the front door—they will add instant color and curb appeal without a huge commitment. Or if you don’t have a lot of room, you can still have a mini garden with just a few pots on a balcony or terrace.
TCJ: For anyone who’s working within a budget: What would you recommend focusing on for the most impact?
LT: I would focus on your front door or front entry. Add a seasonal wreath, pretty doormat, and a few pots of annuals to make your entry as welcoming as possible.
Shop our latest issues for more inspiration!
