Modern homes provide many benefits for homeowners that older homes are lacking in. Better insulation, less maintenance and increased security are some of these benefits. However, modern homes often lack the charm and character of older homes and this is particularly true of the street view that provides a home with curb appeal.

Fortunately, it's fairly easy to increase the charm and appeal of the front of your home with some simple additions. Here are three ideas that you might like to try to give your home some unique character:

1. Add external shutters

External window shutters are a quick and easy way to make the front of your home more attractive and appealing. They provide a rustic and timeless look which creates a cottage like feel to a dull and featureless front facade. They're also a functional addition, providing extra security and increasing control over the amount of light that enters your home throughout the day.

Traditionally, external shutters are made from timber and can be painted in a colour that suits your tastes and complements the rest of your home's look. You can also get aluminium shutters which provide the same attractive look as the timber versions but require less maintenance.

2. Add a new front door

The front door of a home is one of the defining features of the front of a home. You can make a huge difference to the overall appearance of your home's frontage by adding a beautiful and unique new front door. This is a high impact yet fast, cheap and stress-free project that can be completed in a few short hours.

There are many stylish contemporary front doors available on the current market in a range of materials and styles. You can also opt for a restored antique door that will add some vintage charm and character to your home.

3. Add a new paint colour

Repainting a room in a home is the fastest and most effective way to transform and beautify it. This principle also applies to the exterior parts of your home and you instantly add charm and personality to your home by giving the frontal exterior a fresh coat of paint. This can apply to brick homes as well as timber homes by using specially made brick paint.

To get the right look, opt for subtle and modern shades that add warmth and substance to your home. Colours such as pale blues, dusty greys and soft creams are all popular colour trends that also provide a traditional and timeless look.

Contact a company like Shutterflex for more information and assistance.