This $200 Refresh Transformed a 1977 Home from “Blah” to “Amazing”

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This $200 Low-Lift Update Took a 1977 Home from “Zero” to “WOW”

ABOUT THIS BEFORE & AFTER

HOME TYPE: House

PROJECT TYPE: Outdoor Spaces

STYLE: Traditional

SKILL LEVEL: DIY

RENTAL FRIENDLY: No

If you’ve been searching for ways to freshen up your home’s curb appeal, the story of Hussain Aslam’s 1977 house makeover offers a wealth of inspiration. Hussain recalls that when he first bought the place, it had “zero curb appeal.” The yard was a canvas of forlorn weeds with only a couple of scraggly bushes keeping it company. He says, “The grass was not green,” and the overall appearance left much to be desired.

Upon arriving home each day, the house’s dull exterior dampened his spirits. “The bare bricks also gave a dull old look to the house that made us feel old as its residents,” Hussain shares. This was Hussain’s first home purchase, and he craved an inviting atmosphere—something that felt alive, colorful, and welcoming, rather than a neglected shell of its former self.

Before: house with brown brick and gray vinyl siding, and a bare yard

From Zero Curb Appeal to Color and Beauty

Over the course of a year, Hussain embarked on a series of small, budget-friendly updates that collectively transformed the home’s exterior. The first step? Leveling the ground in front and creating a defined, inviting bed straight in front of the windows. He opted to remove some outdated bushes and repositioned a striking Japanese maple to give it a more eye-catching position.

New plants and grass followed suit. “The new grass took time to sprout from seed and we pulled all the weeds by hand through the growth period,” he explains with a sense of pride. As he awaited the greenery to flourish, Hussain revitalized the house itself by painting the previously mottled brick a sleek gray that brought a touch of contemporary flair.

“We did not spend too much and changed how our house could be perceived,” Hussain remarked. Feedback from friends and neighbors reflected this sentiment, as many exclaimed “WOW!” when they saw the transformation. The project was not only low-maintenance but mostly a one-time effort that had dramatically improved the home’s exterior.

After: Gray painted brick house with plants along walkway to front door

Ultimately, Hussain created a vibrant and lively home that lifts his spirits every time he returns. “It’s full of life and color—we enjoy the walk from the driveway to the main door so much that we would park on the driveway rather than in the garage to walk through the flowers and plants to our front door,” he shares enthusiastically. When asked if he’d change anything, he whimsically mentions that he’d select fragrant plants to enhance the sensory experience even further.

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