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Whether you’re trying to increase resale value or impress guests and neighbors, update the exterior of your home can be a smart investment. These upgrades can make your property more attractive and create a better first impression when people approach your front door.

But how do you know where to focus your efforts? Combat appeal trends come and go, so we reached out to several experts to find out what projects they recommend for 2025. From small upgrades like planting new flowers to more in-depth efforts like renewing the hardscape throughout your property, consider following ideas to enhance the appearance of your garden year 2025.

1. Bold colors

Bold, deep colors will be a hit in the coming year, in both exterior paint and landscape choice. We expect to see more homeowners replacing neutral colors with charcoal, brown, green, terracotta and dark blue. These sophisticated tones add depth to a home’s exterior and can help highlight architectural features. Make a statement by using bold tones on the exterior and either crisp white or warm wood for accents like shutters, trim and doors.

Choosing vibrant colors for landscaping can also make onlookers’ eyes pop. “Homeowners are now embracing more vibrant exterior colors with teal as a top contender for 2025,” said Katie Dubow, president of Garden Media Groupbased in Chester County, Pennsylvania. “This color evokes the soothing nature of the sea and sky. It also offers a touch of nostalgia, while still feeling modern and fresh.” She suggests choosing some teal-colored plants and flowers for the new year, including blue agave (Agave tequilana), African lily (Agapanthus africanus), Zamin allium (Allium caesium ‘Zamin’), blue chalk sticks (Curio returns), and hostas or plantain lilies.

2. Artistic Hardscaping

Turn heads by getting creative with hardscaping around your property, such as stone, brick, concrete, gravel, asphalt and wood materials that form paths, the driveway, a front deck or patio and other features that help create an attractive and functional outdoor space .

“Artistic hardscaping changes the look of yards,” says Loren Taylor, landscape and garden expert and owner of Outdoor Fountain Pro. “It’s not just about functional walkways or patios anymore; people turn these elements into creative statements. Custom designs with different textures and colors can completely transform a space, making it visually striking as well as practical.”

Realtor Rachel Stringer, a professional realtor at Raleigh Realty in Raleigh, North Carolina, expects people to focus more on unique driveway designs. “Instead of plain concrete, vendors are using patterned stonework or permeable pavers for style and eco-friendly drainage,” she says. “A beautiful driveway can increase curb appeal, and buyers will notice it even if they don’t expect it.”

3. Living walls and fences

Another the landscape trend to look for in 2025 are natural barriers, such as hedges and walls. These features provide privacy, plus they make a design statement and highlight nature and sustainability. “Living walls add a modern, fresh touch that’s hard to ignore,” says Stringer. “They’re decorative and add greenery to homes with limited yard space, and their eco-friendly vibes appeal to today’s eco-conscious buyers.”

Living fences are also featured in Garden Media Groups 2025 Gardening Trends Report. “As we move into 2025, one of the standout gardening trends is the move to living fences – replacing traditional fences with living ones that provide privacy, define spaces and contribute to sustainability,” says Dubow. “This is in line with the growing desire for greener and more natural environments.”

4. Residential landscape architecture

Another trend highlighted in the Garden Media Group report is to have a more vibrant look instead of a pristine and pristine landscape. “One of the most exciting trends in curbing is the nature renaissance—letting nature reclaim its place in our gardens and landscapes,” explains Dubow. “Sustainability and connection to the earth are more important than ever, and this trend emphasizes rewilding by integrating nature, native plants and a less manicured garden design.”

Dubow recommends choosing native plants and taking more of a backseat to maintenance. This trend is not about abandoning the garden, but rather working with nature to create a space that is both beautiful and sustainable, she says. “It’s about letting go of the rigid, controlled garden aesthetic and letting plants express their natural beauty in a way that reflects the untamed world around us.”

5. Statement front doors

Welcome visitors with a front door that makes a statement. The return of eye-catching doors is also expected in 2025. Expect to see strong colors like bright red, deep blue, forest green and even yellow at entrances. Using unique materials is also in fashion, helping to give a front door character and enhancing the curb. A strong natural wood door can do the trick, along with choosing reclaimed wood, metal accents and a variety of glass inserts from frosted to clear to help let in some light. Finally, consider installing unique hardware to grab attention, such as artistic doorknobs or vintage knockers.