Copy the Curb Appeal: Birmingham, Alabama

Built in: 1920. Bought in: 2012. Size: 1,600 sq. ft. “We almost didn’t look at this house — it was blah beige, and the front was covered in ivy. But we did, and since we added siding painted modern gray, box columns and railings, we love coming home to it!” say homeowners Jamie Thomas and Ivan Skripnik.

Original to the house, the door has traditional Craftsman-style dentil molding. Before, it was basic black; the couple changed it to cheery aqua.

6811 Craftsman Dentil Shelf fir door, from $800, simpsondoor.com; Paint: Capri Teal by Glidden

Home Decorators Collection Dusk-to-Dawn 11"-tall metal outdoor wall lantern in black, $60, homedepot.com

The swing is original to the house. “Sometimes on weekends, we take a break from yardwork to sit and relax with a cold drink,” says Jamie.

Highwood Weatherly 52"-wide plastic porch swing in white, $328.50, amazon.com