What Are the 5 Exterior Details That Make or Break Your Curb Appeal?
5 Exterior Details That Make or Break Curb Appeal
If you want your home to look like it’s been designed, not just painted, here’s where to focus. These are the little things that decide whether your house makes people slow down and smile… or keep driving.
Gutters & Downpipes – They’re the frame around your home. If they clash, the whole picture feels wrong.
Window Frames – They can quietly blend in or make a statement — but they should never feel like an afterthought.
Brick, Stone, or Cladding – If it’s staying, it’s running the show. Your wall and trim colours need to play nicely with it.
Roof Colour – This is your anchor. Every other colour choice should have some connection to it.
Entry Path, Fence & Garage – These are the handshake your home gives the street. One gets to be the hero; the others should be supporting acts.
Pro Tip: You can nail your wall colour and still feel disappointed if these details aren’t working together.
(Want the full breakdown — including my “can’t-change-it” map and designer cheat tips? Grab the free guide here →)
Before and after photo of exterior colour update in Yowie Bay by Elm & Ember Interiors, showing improved curb appeal with new roof, gutter, cladding, fence and trim colour.
Why These Details Matter More Than You Think
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen a homeowner spend thousands on a repaint, step back… and feel meh.
It’s not because they picked the “wrong” wall colour.
It’s because the rest of the house — the trims, the gutters, the roof — is still speaking a completely different language.
When you get these elements working together, the whole home feels intentional. And that’s when you get the “wow” moment.
The 5 Curb Appeal Game-Changers (at a Glance)
1. Gutters & Downpipes
Think of them as the eyeliner for your house — they define the edges. If they’re fighting with the wall or roof colour, nothing feels cohesive.
(In the free guide: when to blend vs. bold, and the quick fix for mismatched gutters.)
2. Window Frames
They frame your view from the outside in. Contrast can be stunning in modern homes, while tonal blends suit classics and cottages.
(In the free guide: undertone tricks that make outdated frame colours feel deliberate.)
3. Brick, Stone, or Cladding
These surfaces are bossy — they set the tone. If you ignore them, they’ll ignore your beautiful wall colour right back.
(In the free guide: the 3-tone pull method that makes existing brick look intentional.)
4. Roof Colour
Your roof is the biggest single colour block you have — and it’s not going anywhere. Use it as a starting point, not an afterthought.
(In the free guide: how roof undertones change how your wall colour looks in real life.)
5. Entry Path, Fence & Garage
They greet every guest. Choose one to be your “main character” and let the rest be the supporting cast.
(In the free guide: my go-to front door colours that look timeless instead of trendy.)
A Quick 3-Step Exterior Audit
Want to know if your home is working as a whole? Try this:
Step back – Literally. Stand across the street.
Scan the five details – Gutters, windows, brick/cladding, roof, entry/fence/garage.
Ask: “Does this look like it was planned?” – If not, start there.
(For my full 15-minute audit checklist, download the free guide →)
The Bottom Line
Your wall colour is just the backdrop. The real magic is in the details — and when they work together, your home feels pulled-together, valuable, and timeless.
The best part? You don’t need to replace everything to get there.
You just need to know how to work with what you’ve got.
Get the exact steps, pro tips, and quick fixes inside:
Download “The 5 Tiny Exterior Details That Make or Break Your Curb Appeal” →
Frequently Asked Questions About Curb Appeal & Exterior Colours
You’re not the only one who’s puzzled over gutters, trims, and brick tones — here are my quick, designer-approved answers to the most common curb appeal questions I hear from homeowners.
Q: What adds the most curb appeal to a house?
In Australia, the fastest way to add curb appeal is through detail updates — matching gutters to your roof or wall, harmonising trims with window frames, and refreshing the front entry with a door colour that complements the home’s style. - Learn more with our Free Designers Guide
Q: What colour exterior sells the best?
Neutral tones like warm greige, soft white, or muted green are timeless and appeal to the widest range of buyers.
Q: How can I improve my house exterior on a budget?
Tackle the details first: repaint the front door, update gutter or trim colours, and freshen up your landscaping. These quick wins can transform the look without major costs.
Q: Should the roof be darker or lighter than the house?
A darker roof can ground the home, while a lighter roof can make it feel taller. The key is matching undertones so the palette feels intentional.
Q: How do I pick an exterior colour that works with my brick?
Identify whether your brick’s undertone is warm, cool, or neutral, then pull 2–3 shades from it for walls, trims, and accents.
Q: What exterior updates add the most value to a home in Australia?
Updating the paint scheme, creating a welcoming front entry, and making small cohesive changes to trims, gutters, and fencing can lift both curb appeal and perceived value.
Q: Is it better to have light or dark gutters?
Both can work — but they should blend with either the roof or wall colour so they feel like part of the design, not an afterthought.
Q: How can I make my house look more expensive from the street?
Keep your colour palette consistent, repeat tones across multiple features, and make sure no element feels disconnected from the rest of the scheme.
Deanna is the founder of Elm & Ember Interiors, a Sydney-based interior design studio that helps families create beautiful, practical homes. She specialises in colour consultations and selections support for new builds and renovations.