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Whether you are trying to boost resale value or impress guests and neighbors, updating the exterior of your home can be a smart investment. These upgrades can add to the curb appeal of your property, creating a better first impression as people approach your front door.
But how do you know where to focus your efforts? Curb appeal trends come and go, so we turned to several experts to find out which projects they recommend for 2025. From small upgrades like planting new flowers to more in-depth endeavors like revamping the hardscape throughout your property, consider the following ideas to elevate the look of your front yard in 2025.
1. Bold Colors
Bold, deep colors will be a hit in the coming year, in both exterior paint and landscaping choices. We expect to see more homeowners replace neutrals with charcoal, browns, greens, terra-cotta, and dark blues. These sophisticated tones create more depth to a home’s exterior and can help highlight architectural features. Make a statement by using bold tones on the exterior and either crisp white or warm wood for accents like shutters, trim, and doors.
Choosing vivid colors for landscaping can also make onlookers’ eyes pop. “Homeowners are now embracing more vibrant exterior colors with teal as a top contender for 2025,” says Katie Dubow, president of Garden Media Group, based in Chester County, Pennsylvania. “This color evokes the calming nature of the ocean and the sky. It also offers a touch of nostalgia, while still feeling contemporary and fresh.” She suggests choosing some teal-colored plants and flowers in the new year, including blue agave (Agave tequilana), African lily (Agapanthus africanus), Zamin allium (Allium caesium ‘Zamin’), blue chalksticks (Curio repens), and hostas or plantain lilies.
2. Artistic Hardscaping
Turn heads by getting creative with hardscaping around your property, such as stone, brick, concrete, gravel, asphalt, and wood materials that form pathways, the driveway, a front deck or patio, and other features that help create an attractive and functional outdoor space.
“Artistic hardscaping is changing the way front yards look,” says Loren Taylor, landscaping and gardening expert and owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros. “It’s not just about functional walkways or patios anymore; people are turning these elements into creative statements. Custom designs with different textures and colors can completely transform a space, making it visually striking while still being practical.”
Realtor Rachel Stringer, a professional real estate agent at Raleigh Realty in Raleigh, North Carolina, expects to see people focusing more on unique driveway designs. “Instead of plain concrete, sellers are using patterned stonework or permeable pavers for style and eco-friendly drainage,” she says. “A beautiful driveway can boost curb appeal, and buyers will notice it even if they don’t expect it.”
3. Living Walls and Fences
Another landscaping trend to look for in 2025 is natural barriers, such as living fences and walls. These features add privacy, plus they make a design statement and highlight nature and sustainability. “Living walls add a modern, fresh touch that’s hard to ignore,” says Stringer. “They are decorative and add greenery to homes with limited yard space, and their eco-friendly vibes appeal to today’s environmentally conscious buyers.”
Living fences are also showcased in Garden Media Group’s 2025 Garden Trends Report. “As we move into 2025, one of the standout garden trends is the shift towards living fences—replacing traditional fences with living ones that provide privacy, define spaces, and contribute to sustainability,” says Dubow. “This aligns with the growing desire for greener and more natural environments.”
4. Lived-in Landscaping
Another trend highlighted in the Garden Media Group report is having a more lived-in look instead of a pristine and untouched landscape. “One of the most exciting trends in curb appeal is nature’s renaissance—allowing nature to reclaim its place in our front gardens and landscapes,” explains Dubow. “Sustainability and connecting to the earth are more important than ever, and this trend emphasizes rewilding by integrating nature, native plants, and a less manicured garden design.”
Dubow recommends choosing native plants and taking more of a back seat to maintenance. This trend isn’t about abandoning the garden, but rather working with nature to create a space that’s both beautiful and sustainable, she says. “It’s about letting go of the rigid, controlled garden aesthetic and allowing plants to express their natural beauty in ways that mirror the untamed world around us.”
5. Statement Front Doors
Welcome visitors with a front door that makes a statement. The return of eye-catching doors is also anticipated in 2025. Expect to see strong colors like bright red, deep blue, forest green, and even yellow at entrances. Using unique materials is also in vogue, helping to give a front door character and enhance curb appeal. A strong natural wood door can do the trick, along with opting for reclaimed wood, metal accents, and a variety of glass inserts from frosted to clear that help let some light in. Finally, consider installing unique hardware to grab attention, such as artistic door handles or vintage knockers.
