When it comes to home staging, we all know that first impressions seriously matter. And nothing sets the tone for a showing like next-level curb appeal. That’s why professionally trained home stagers never skip the exterior during a staging consultation. Buyers start judging a home before they even open the front door.

Whether you're working with a cozy cottage or a sprawling estate, here are some go-to curb appeal tips that instantly elevate the home's vibe and perceived value (without blowing the budget).

Add Black Mulch

If you do one thing to improve a home’s landscaping quickly and affordably, make it this: use black mulch.

Black mulch doesn’t just look crisp and clean, it actually enhances most exterior colors, making everything feel fresher and more high-end. It gives off “well-maintained and worth every penny” energy, which is exactly what we want buyers to feel.

Make Those House Numbers Work

There’s nothing worse than a buyer pulling up and going, “Wait… is this the right house?”

Clear, modern house numbers are more than just functional, they're a subtle design moment that helps set the tone. If the current numbers are rusty, tiny, or just hard to read from the street, it’s time for an update. We love using a large architectural font for an instant style boost. Bonus: a quick coat of matte black spray paint can make old numbers look brand new.

Don't Shrink the Flower Beds

One of the most common mistakes we see? Flower beds that are way too narrow.

Think of landscaping like a picture frame for the home. Beds should be at least 4 to 6 feet wide at their narrowest point. And if the house has a larger facade, go even wider! More generous beds allow room for layering plants and adding that lush, welcoming feel buyers love.

Scale Matters: Think in Layers

Great landscaping uses varied heights to create interest and balance.

Too often, we see yards with a big tree and then nothing but grass. The goal is to connect those extremes with layered plantings that scale up with the house. Include mid-height shrubs and plants that are tall enough to hide the foundation (because no one is buying a home for its exposed concrete).

The Basics Still Matter

Of course, all the fancy upgrades in the world won’t matter if the yard isn’t well cared for. So don’t forget the simple stuff:

• Pull the weeds
• Water the lawn
• Add a little fertilizer if needed

When buyers see a neat, well-loved exterior, it sets the stage for everything else they’re about to fall in love with inside.

Bottom line? Curb appeal is your secret weapon. And as a trained stager, you have the eye and the expertise to make that front yard work just as hard as the beautifully styled living room inside.

Want to sharpen your staging skills even more? Our SDP® Expert certification covers exactly how to wow buyers… from curb to closing.