Copy the Curb Appeal: Shreveport, Louisiana

“We fell in love at first sight with this 1920s home and its traditional Southern style, though it needed some TLC. We redid the porch and yard — and kept the same inviting green color on the siding,” say homeowners Jeannie and Randall Martin about their 3,200-square-foot home.

In 2007, when the couple moved in, pine trees blocked the view of the house from the street. “Removing them made a huge difference in our curb appeal,” says Randall. Beds of red, pink and white begonias are a happy contrast with the green of the boxwood, the other shrubs, and the house. As for the front porch, the Martins replaced a tired wood porch with long-lasting brick, which continues in the walkway.