Thanks for joining us for Project Design: Curb Appeal Tips Southern California Style! This is fun as we have different parts of the country represented (Annie from Most Lovely Things in Connecticut and Cindy from Rough Luxe in Northern California) but I think these tips apply with modifications everywhere.
In addition, we are happy to have René from Cottage and Vine and Brooke from Nesting With Grace. Please be sure to check out everyone’s posts at the end! 
I’m showing my sister, Teresa’s house in San Diego. I love going there to see family and enjoy the beautiful climate and Mexican food! San Diego is very dry and water is precious, so the landscape requires drought-tolerant plants.
Tip One: Choose climate-appropriate plants and ground cover. Succulents and iceberg rose bushes do well here.
Tip Two: Chairs or a bench provide a welcoming entry (I bought this metal bench years ago from Smith and Hawkins for Target and was glad Teresa could use it). We added pillows in outdoor fabric.
Tip Three: Incorporate a splash of color. We got this big petunia arrangement in a realistic looking faux clay pot at Home Depot for $39 (instant gratification).
Tip Four: Outdoor curtains like those on the balcony can provide sun relief in the summer months (and give a resort feel).
Tip Five: A bold pattern like the black and white umbrella makes a statement. 
Tip Six: A rubber mat and outdoor rug can freshen things up… along with a wreath. This faux eucalyptus wreath from Target looks pretty real (and the area is surrounded by eucalyptus trees–I was thinking of adding some live branches but never got around to it 🙂
Tip Seven: Friendly greeters (optional).
Judge and Chief (brothers) take curb appeal seriously.
Spanish style architecture is typical in San Diego and all over California thanks to the Spanish missionary settlers (which we all learn about in grammar school here). This is Teresa’s next door neighbor’s home for example.
Those are my Curb Appeal Tips Southern California Style!
Please check out these ladies tips:
You may also like:
Eight Pretty Ideas for Small Gardens
Damn…I have been so lazy the last few years….and have not done much to create curb appeal! When I retire I will make it my priority to get this place in shape! I’m off to check out everyone else’s tips!
Beautiful home & great tips! Thanks so much for inviting me to join in Maryann!
Thanks, René…always great to have you participate with us!
I really love that black bench and the accents. Beautiful home and curb appeal. The pups are adorable too!
Don’t know why, but I found the post in my junk box! I would have been unhappy if I’d missed this post showing Teresa’s gorgeous house. You’ve shown photos of the inside before and the outside matches the beautiful interior of the house. Love the “curb appeal” tips, especially the drapes on the balcony.
Here, many homes are hidden behind high walls, so you don’t see anything from the curb. Or else they are right on the sidewalk, with no front yard at all.
The curtains are an excellent idea. We have a pergola where we eat most of the year, but anybody facing west gets the setting sun glaring in their eyes. At first, we hung bamboo shades, but they eventually fell apart, being outdoors. Then we had white canvas roll-up shades made. They are perfect–they make shade but don’t feel dark, and we can keep them up when they’re not needed. The difference in temperature from just that filter is amazing.
Dear Mary Ann,
I painted my whole home BM white dove from your suggestion. I have to say I love it !
Thank you very much for all your ideas and for sharing them with us.
Beautiful curb appeal. Love the greeters! Can you tell me where she found the iron bird stakes in the succulent bed? Thanks!
She got them in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
The curtains are, indeed genius. Love the black and white down to the perfectly coordinated Greeters. I think the bench and umbrella are just terrific additions.
Thanks! I like how the dogs coordinate too 🙂
Loving that wreath…the simplicity of it. I want one. The bench is perfect in that little spot. My favorite are the greeters, though.
Love the curtains on the PERGOLA BALCONY!!!!!!!!!
TWO GARAGE DOORS……….never seen that on opposite sides.
The GREETERS make me SMILE EVERY TIME!
XX
It’s great as one is a two car garage and the other is a single (good storage)!
Mary Ann! I love Theresa’s home! The curtains add so much drama and I do love a bench. I love how her style of home separates the garage doors. So many SoCal homes are all garage door in front. And how cute are your little greeters? Chief and Judge, even their names are cool!
The curtains were TC’s idea…I love them, too. Her office is up there and she can take calls on her balcony.
Parking that bench outside the entrance and adding the curtains are genius! I bet your sister is so happy with the instant curb appeal you gave her lovely home. You added so much charm with the simple changes you made!
Thanks, Cindy. The bench isn’t exactly Spanish style but all the black metal accents tie together.