Designers share the 5 things that could be making the outside of your house look worse

Loud, trendy colors can make passersby take a double take, but not always in a good way. Although it's tempting to embrace the latest, boldest hues, it's not a wise idea when it comes to curb appeal.

"Sometimes standing out is not a good thing, especially when you are the only Pepto-Bismol pink residence in a neighborhood of neutrals," Sarah Latham, principal designer of Latham Interiors, told BI.

According to Jessica Dorling, owner and principal designer of Dorling Design Studio, insufficient exterior lighting can negatively impact the curb appeal and functionality of your home.

"Adequate lighting is essential for enhancing your landscaping and curb appeal," she told BI, adding that curb appeal isn't confined to daylight hours.

"You want your home to exude the same warmth and hospitality at night as it does during the day, and effective exterior lighting is pivotal in achieving this," she said.

Dorling also said that when adding additional exterior lighting, don't overlook the importance of illuminating elements such as the stairs and house numbers.

Using temporary materials in exterior finishes that won't hold up to your local environment is a big mistake, said Latham.

The designer shared this example: If you select a wood siding that's going to have intense sun exposure and needs yearly maintenance you don't have time for, your home can soon look degraded and neglected. That's why it pays to use long-lasting, high-quality exterior materials appropriate to your climate.

The upkeep also applies to outdoor furniture and accessories.

"If a homeowner puts wicker furniture on a patio with no overhang in a snow environment, that furniture is going to age quickly and into disrepair," Latham added.

When you're trying to sell your home, it's important to clean up outside in the name of curb appeal.

Sarah Storms, owner and principal designer of Styled by Storms shared that too much clutter is overpowering to prospective buyers.

"Your front yard is your first impression. Remember to put away your bikes or kids' sports equipment," she told BI. "Sometimes, the best appeal is just tidying up."

"To ensure cohesion between the exterior and interior narratives of your home, it's crucial that they tell the same story," Dorling told BI.

"I often advise my clients to view their home as a book — if you're selecting a mystery novel, the inside of the book should be a mystery story and not a science-fiction story," she explained.

If the interior has been remodeled but the exterior hasn't, you're also doing your home a disservice, Dorling said.

Simply put, make sure the architectural styles match inside and out.