A colorful front door has the power to turn an ordinary home into the prettiest house on the block. And fortunately, this mini makeover can be done in a day. Follow our tutorial for how to paint a front door (be sure to pick a dry day with low pollen levels), and your home will have a fresh look by nightfall. Not sure what color to choose? Here are 7 designer-approved paint colors that will give your home serious curb appeal. 

Landscaping your entire front yard with plants and flowers can get very pricey—not to mention, time-consuming—but when strategically placed, even just one planter can boost your home's curb appeal. To maximize the planter's impact, hang it right beside your front door so guests can't miss it when they ring the bell. Rather than pot multiple small plants, transplant them into one large planter to really make a statement. An added bonus: You'll only have one container to water.

Alternatively, invest in two eye-catching pots to flank your front door. Then fill them with blooms that will last for months, such as decorative grasses, to get the most for your money. 

Not only do house numbers make your home easier to find, but choosing attractive ones is a simple way to update your front entrance. If you're looking for metal numbers, search for ones that match the hardware on your front door. Want to really make a statement? Consider a custom plaque with stakes to set up on your front lawn. 

If you have an overhang or porch that protects your front door from rain, decorate it with a long-lasting wreath or swag. This dried floral wreath (on sale for $36; terrain.com), made from larkspur and preserved myrtle, will make your front entrance look like springtime, not just this season, but for many to come. For an arrangement that lasts, choose one with dried or preserved natural elements, and move the wreath indoors during storms to protect it from moisture. 

Inside our homes, updating the lighting is one of the top ways to improve our homes' decor—and the same trick works outside, too. If the problem is that the light by your front door is too dim, replacing the light bulb and clearly away the dirt and cobwebs could do the trick. You won't notice the gradual shift over time, but naturally collecting dust and debris could be veiling the light.

If the fixture itself is outdated, it may be time to invest in a new one. For a modern farmhouse look, go with this oil rubbed bronze stunner ($32; amazon.com). Or for a sleek contemporary style, try this minimalist outdoor lamp ($70; amazon.com).