Curb Appeal: Steal the Look

Homeowners Tim and Lindsey say, "We fell in love with the Cape Cod style and the paint colors. We added the retaining wall — the granite matches the house's original basement-level walls."

The white wooden pieces under the gable trim above the front door are purely for looks. Try this idea by mounting newel post ball caps, typically used on stair railings.

Double up on classic style with a pair of lantern fixtures flanking the door. The symmetry looks great with the duos of urns, pilasters and railings around the entry. (Minka-Lavery Glen Allen outdoor wall from lantern, bellacor.com)

Retaining walls made of stone, brick or concrete can shore up the layers of a sloping yard and define flower beds. The main bed, bordered by a granite retaining wall, is filled with purple 'Wave' petunias, while fountain grass grows near the house's large front window. Crape myrtles, which bloom all summer long, make a beautiful, low-maintenance tree.