7 DECORATING MISTAKES YOU'RE MAKING IN THE FRONT YARD

It is the first thing your guests see when they arrive, so why not make a good impression.

1. LETTING WEEDS RUN RAMPANT

It isn't possible to catch every weed the second it pops up, but that's no excuse for just letting them overtake your lawn. Dedicate a little time each week to removing unsightly weeds from your yard, and the area will retain a clean, manicured look all year.

2. NOT ADDING ANY PERSONAL DETAILS

Your yard is as good a place as any to let your own design sensibilities shine. Pick flowers and plants that represent your style and correlate with your interior decor to give your home a completely cohesive look — inside and out.

3. LEAVING GARDEN TOOLS OUT IN THE OPEN

After tending to your yard for hours, all you want to do is kick back with a much-deserved drink. But making sure your hoses, rakes and gardening gloves are back in their place is essential to letting the space take center stage.

4. LETTING YOUR FRONT DOOR COLOR FADE

While the color of your door may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about your yard, it's an integral part of your home's outdoor design. If you notice the color starting to fade from exposure to sun and wind, take care of it sooner rather than later. A fresh coat of paint will keep the front of your home from looking unkempt.

5. NOT SWEEPING YOUR STEPS

If the entrance to your home includes any outdoor steps make sure you regularly give them a good sweeping. Dirt, grass, and leaves can accumulate quickly and turn that area into an eye sore.

6. OVERCROWDING THE SPACE WITH FLOWERS AND SHRUBBERY

The addition of bushes and blooms immediately improves any outdoor space, but there is a fine line between creating a lush lawn and a jumbled mess of stems and petals. Give each plant its own space so it can reach its full potential, without having to fight for sun, water, and flower food.

7. NEGLECTING THE LIGHTING

Don't forget to check your outdoor lamps periodically to make sure they're still working. A little light not only adds a flattering glow to your home, but makes it easier for guests to find your entrance as well. And on that note, don't forget to take down holiday lights in a timely manner.

Source: Elle Deco