Whether you're preparing to list your home or simply want to take pride in its appearance, curb appeal is an essential element of your property's overall value. In Bar Harbor, Maine—where natural landscapes and historic charm shape the look of every street—enhancing your home's exterior doesn’t have to mean a full renovation. Even simple, well-executed changes can dramatically boost how your home is perceived by visitors and potential buyers alike.
If you're planning to sell or just want to elevate your property’s appearance, here are practical and cost-effective ways to add curb appeal in Bar Harbor’s unique coastal setting.
Refresh the Front Door
The front door is more than just an entrance—it’s a focal point. Updating this area can make a strong first impression with minimal effort. In a town like Bar Harbor, where coastal and historic styles blend, choosing colors and finishes that align with the local character is especially important.
Start with a fresh coat of paint in a color that complements your siding. Rich coastal tones like spruce green, deep navy, or colonial red are ideal for Bar Harbor homes.
Then consider these additional upgrades:
- Swap outdated hardware for modern matte black or brushed nickel finishes.
- Install a new doorbell with a clean, modern design.
- Add a tasteful, seasonal wreath or decorative knocker.
- Consider a smart lock that blends convenience with curb appeal.
Tidy and Upgrade Landscaping
In Bar Harbor, where views of the ocean and Acadia National Park are part of daily life, well-maintained landscaping shows that your home fits into its natural surroundings. You don’t need a full landscape overhaul—start with clean lines and healthy plantings.
Here are some simple but impactful steps:
- Trim shrubs and tree limbs that obscure windows or pathways.
- Define garden beds with fresh mulch and clear edging.
- Add native Maine plants like black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, and wild blueberries.
- Use window boxes or planters with seasonal flowers for added color.
- Remove weeds and keep your lawn neatly mowed.
Power Wash and Paint Surfaces
Dirt and mildew are common in coastal towns. Salt air and moisture can take a toll on siding, porches, and outdoor fixtures. Power washing is an easy way to give your home a clean, refreshed look.
Focus on:
- Siding, shutters, and fencing
- Walkways, driveways, and porches
- Garage doors and deck surfaces
Update Exterior Fixtures
Small details make a big difference when they’re coordinated and up to date. Replacing aged or mismatched fixtures creates a unified, polished look.
Suggestions include:
- Installing new light fixtures with coastal or colonial-inspired designs
- Replacing house numbers with bold, modern styles in metal or wood finishes
- Swapping out mailboxes, especially if the current one is rusted or outdated
- Replacing old doormats with fresh, clean options that reflect seasonal style
Improve Walkways and Driveways
Paths and driveways set the tone from the moment someone steps onto the property. If these areas are damaged or cluttered, they can detract from the home’s charm—even if the house itself is in excellent condition.
Ways to improve curb appeal through hardscaping:
- Patch or replace cracked stones or uneven bricks
- Sweep and edge walkways for a tidy appearance
- Use decorative gravel, pavers, or stepping stones to define entry paths
- Add solar-powered pathway lighting to highlight walkways at night
Enhance Outdoor Living Areas
Bar Harbor homes often feature porches, decks, or patios that extend the living space outdoors. These spaces should be presented as assets. When well-staged, they hint at the lifestyle a buyer could enjoy.
Ideas to bring these areas to life:
- Add clean, simple outdoor furniture with cushions in coastal tones
- Place lanterns, planters, or candles for ambiance
- Use outdoor rugs to define spaces and add warmth
- Hang string lights or install weather-resistant sconces
Highlight Architectural Details
Bar Harbor homes often include distinct features like gables, wooden trim, natural stone, or vintage shutters. Accentuating these elements enhances the property’s unique character.
You can highlight these features by:
- Using subtle lighting to accent the home's structure at dusk
- Painting or staining wood features to match the overall exterior
- Adding decorative brackets or corbels that align with period architecture
- Restoring original features where possible, like wood railings or stone steps
Keep Decor Seasonal and Subtle
Decorative touches can reflect the time of year and create a sense of warmth—but balance is key. Bar Harbor’s style is understated and elegant, and the same should apply to outdoor décor.
Some tasteful seasonal ideas:
- In spring: fresh floral planters and a clean welcome mat
- In summer: nautical touches and crisp white or blue fabrics
- In fall: pumpkins, mums, and neutral wreaths
- In winter: evergreen garlands and classic white lighting
Connect with Steve Shelton
Improving curb appeal can elevate your property’s value, draw more attention from buyers, and make a lasting impression in showings. For homeowners in Bar Harbor looking to sell, or those simply enhancing their investment, Steve Shelton offers strategic guidance and local insight that makes every improvement count.
Steve understands what buyers look for in coastal Maine homes—from historic touches to modern upgrades—and works with clients to prepare properties that shine from the curb to the closing table.
Reach out to Steve Shelton today to start planning your next real estate move in Bar Harbor. With hands-on advice and market expertise, Steve is ready to help you showcase your home’s full potential.
