First impressions matter—and in the world of home design, curb appeal is king. Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value, prep for resale, or simply love the idea of coming home to something beautiful, giving your front yard some intentional love does wonders!

We sat down with Landscape Designer Britt Udenberg of Mom’s Design Build to talk all things curb appeal: what it means, why it matters, and how to elevate your front yard—Minnesota-style.

What Is Curb Appeal, Really?

Curb appeal is traditionally defined as the attractiveness of a property and its surroundings when viewed from the street. But Britt adds:

“It’s not just about looks—it’s about emotion. Curb appeal is that gut feeling someone gets when they pull up to your home. It should feel inviting, intentional, and aligned with the home’s architecture.”

Curb appeal is your home’s handshake. It’s a silent but powerful introduction—and it speaks volumes about the care and pride you put into your space.

Why Curb Appeal = Real ROI

Upgrading your front yard and home exterior has a direct impact on your property value. According to the National Association of Realtors, homes with high curb appeal sell for an average of 7% more than similar homes with a lackluster exterior. Britt agrees:

“When you invest in curb appeal, you’re investing in the story your home tells.”

Plus, good design doesn’t just help sell your home, it helps you fall in love with it all over again.

Simple Yet Impactful Upgrades to Boost Your Curb Appeal

Ready for a refresh? Here are Britt’s favorite curb appeal upgrades:

• Lawn TLC: “Shaping existing plants is the #1 way to immediately increase curb appeal,” says Udenberg. A maintained lawn is also incredibly impactful to the appearance of the space. 
• Foundation Plantings: “Simple plantings along the foundation help soften the home and ground it in the landscape,” she states.
• Statement House Numbers: Add flair with modern metal fonts or rustic stone mounts.
• Window Details: Decorative shutters and window boxes add so much charm!
• Paint & Hardware: A fresh coat of paint, a bold front door, and upgraded lighting fixtures go a long way. Britt says, “Lighting takes everything to the next level.” Think: path lights along walkways and uplighting your favorite trees. Learn more about low-voltage landscape lighting.
• Porch Seating: If you have the space, create a sitting area that feels inviting and cozy.
• Bubbling Boulder Fountains: Adds movement and soothing sound. Great stone options include fieldstone, granite, basalt, and ledgestone.

In need of Garden Maintenance? Check out our most appreciated service, Mom’s Fine Gardening.

Minnesota-Proof Plants That Pop

Minnesota’s four seasons offer opportunity. To keep your front yard glowing year-round, plan for seasonal interest with staggered bloom times. But what thrives here and still looks beautiful?

• Evergreens & Arborvitae: Great for privacy and structure, even in winter.
• Hydrangeas: “They’re lush in summer, and dried heads provide beautiful winter interest,” says Britt. “You can even get them in your favorite color!”
• Allium: Unique blooms that add personality, and stunning, textural plooms come fall.
• Textural Grasses: These add movement and softness all season long.
• Maples: A Britt favorite. “They have beautiful form, dense tree cover, and amazing fall color.”

Pro tip: Add annual planter containers to incorporate spring blooms, summer tropicals, and even fall and winter arrangements. Think winter boughs, birch branches, lights, and even faux florals. Mom’s Fine Gardening, a division of Mom’s Design Build, creates stunning seasonal arrangements. Britt notes, “This is a quick way to add a stunning touch to your space!”

Low-Maintenance Curb Appeal? Yes, Please.

Want a gorgeous yard without the upkeep? Britt recommends:

• Native plants: Adapted to Minnesota’s climate, they thrive with less effort. Some great options include Purple Coneflower, Butterfly Milkweed, Little Bluestem, Red Osier Dogwood, and Anise Hyssop.
• Mulch, not rock: “Rock dries the soil and can cause plants to burn,” she warns. “Mulch keeps things moist and promotes big, healthy growth.” Read more about mulch here.

Best Materials for Minnesota Walkways & Driveways

Winter is no joke, so your hardscape should be tough! You must consider materials that are best suited for Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles that will stand the test of time…

Walkways:

• Clay Pavers: They are classic and add so much style to your home! They’re also easy to shovel.
• Natural Stone (like bluestone or sandstone): Gorgeous and durable! You can “salt” these materials using sand and use a plastic shovel to remove snow to keep them damage-free!

Britt’s take? “These look so much more beautiful than concrete. But you must pick stone that is large enough to hold the soil beneath!”

Driveways (Budget-Friendly to Luxe):

1. Asphalt
2. Concrete
3. Stamped/Colored Concrete
4. Pavers – “Pavers let you get creative with pattern, color & borders, especially using Unilock. They’re also easier and less expensive to repair long term,” Britt adds. Be mindful! Pavers can be more maintenance because you can’t use salt, a metal shovel, or plow in the winter.

Don’t Skip the Landscape Lighting!

Lighting can make or break curb appeal—especially after dark.

• Wall lanterns by doors and garages add charm and safety and make the whole home look more inviting.
• Cohesive Fixtures: Match your lighting style to your home. If you have a more industrial-style home, your lighting choices should compliment that. If your home has more of a cottage feel, pick a fixture that is soft and cozy.

Britt’s advice? “Take the time to personalize it. Adding nice fixtures makes it feel like you paid attention to your home’s exterior.”

Before You Begin: 3 Things to Consider

1. Budget – Know what you’re working with. Prioritize your goals and plan accordingly.
2. Your Home’s Character – Britt recommends: “Decide what you like about your home—architecturally and color-wise. If something major needs to change, do that first. The rest of the design will hinge off those big decisions. You don’t want to work backwards!”
3. Layering – Lighting, plantings, and stonework should be integrated in careful harmony with each other. “In our professional experience, it is best to start with a masterplan than to do one thing at a time,” she says.

Plan Wisely

If you have space, plan like a pro:

• Establish tree placement early—these are the anchors of your design, and they will be around the longest. Plant them symmetrically around key features, whether that be the driveway, front door, or landscape features. Also utilize trees that you love most!
• Plan planting beds that carry the eye toward the home.
• Avoid overcrowding – make sure every landscape element has room to shine.

Ready for a Curb Appeal Glow-Up?

Whether you’re prepping to sell, making your neighbors jealous, or simply want to fall in love with your home again, Mom’s Design Build is here to help.

View our extensive Portfolio, and Contact Us Today to get started on your front yard transformation.

Because curb appeal isn’t just the first impression—it’s the lasting one.