How to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal in One Weekend

Let’s be honest, curb appeal is a big deal in Malibu. Whether it’s a neighbor strolling by with their dog or a potential buyer doing a casual drive-by, your home’s first impression starts at the curb—and it better make a statement. The good news? You don’t need a landscape architect or a month-long renovation. With just one weekend, a little creativity, and some Malibu-inspired flair, you can improve curb appeal and have fun doing it.

Think of your front door like the cover of a magazine—it sets the tone for what’s inside. If yours is faded, peeling, or tired, it’s time for a refresh. Grab a paintbrush and go bold: sage green, soft black, or a rich ocean blue can completely change the vibe.

Add a sleek new doorknob, swap out your house numbers for something modern, and toss down a fresh doormat with personality. Top it off with a pair of oversized planters (bonus points for succulents or dwarf citrus trees). Suddenly, you’ve got an entrance that says, “Yes, this is where style lives.”

Pressure washing might not be glamorous, but it’s the quickest way to make your home look five years younger. Grime builds up quietly on concrete patios, stone walkways, driveways, and exterior walls. And when it’s gone, it’s like giving your home a facelift.

Rent a power washer or hire a local service (many offer weekend appointments). Don’t forget to tackle:

• Salt spray buildup on coastal-facing homes
• Siding and stucco discoloration
• Stained garage doors or fences
• Mildew on planters, furniture, or tile

In under two hours, you’ll remove months (or years) of weather wear, and all you had to do was point and spray.

The right lighting makes your home safer and gives it serious curbside ambiance after sunset. Start by checking existing fixtures. Are they rusty? Clouded? From another era entirely?

Replace outdated wall sconces or hanging lanterns with streamlined, coastal-modern options. Matte black and brushed nickel work well, but Malibu homes also look great with natural finishes, like aged brass or copper that will patina over time.

Add path lights to your walkway or uplights to highlight a mature palm, olive tree, or sculptural succulent. Soft, warm LEDs can turn your exterior into a magazine-worthy moment by night—and that absolutely counts when you're working to improve curb appeal for showings or weekend drive-bys.

You don’t need a full landscape overhaul to make your yard feel intentional. In fact, Malibu’s Mediterranean climate practically begs for low-maintenance plantings with high visual payoff.

Here’s your weekend plan:

• Remove anything dead, overgrown, or that is no longer serving the landscape
• Trim hedges and trees that block views or walkways
• Add simple layers like river rock, decomposed granite, or mulch for contrast
• Place a few dramatic elements: tall grass in concrete pots, citrus trees in terracotta, or a group of succulents in mixed ceramics

The goal isn’t to overfill the space but to bring back life and texture. Curb appeal is about story, and your front yard should feel like the first chapter of an interesting, beautifully edited home.

This is where you can have some fun. What does your home feel like from the outside? Casual beach retreat? Contemporary ranch? Spanish villa?

Add just one or two elements that help tell that narrative. Maybe it’s a rattan bench with cushions and a striped throw. Maybe it’s a rustic ceramic wind chime or a lavender plant that adds color and scent. Maybe it’s a surfboard leaning just-so against the porch, hinting at your lifestyle without screaming for attention.

These details don’t just enhance the look—they create mood. And in Malibu, mood matters.

You know those little quirks you’ve stopped noticing? The mailbox that leans? The chipped trim on the garage? The doorbell that’s more decorative than functional?

Now’s the time to fix them. Patch, paint, polish, or replace—whatever it takes. Buyers (and guests) will notice. And even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, taking care of these small things makes your whole home feel more cared for—and that’s the energy we’re after when we improve curb appeal.

Boosting your home’s curb appeal doesn’t mean reinventing the entire exterior. It’s about enhancing what’s already there, letting the architecture and setting speak louder, and making sure the first impression is memorable for all the right reasons.

With just one weekend of effort—and a few well-placed updates—you can dramatically change the way your home is perceived from the street. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy your space more, these simple, thoughtful upgrades go a long way.

If you’re thinking about listing or just want expert advice on what really makes a difference in the Malibu market, Adam Brawer can help. With a sharp eye for design and deep knowledge of Malibu’s luxury real estate scene, Adam offers guidance that helps you take the right steps at the right time.

Contact Adam Brawer today to learn how to improve curb appeal with purpose—and elevate your home’s presence, value, and story.