Kelsea Ballerini's minimalist outdoor lighting shows that the real secret to breathtaking curb appeal has little to do with furniture

When researching curb appeal tricks, planters, porch furniture, and statement-making front door colors are likely to take center stage. While there is no denying that these elements will upgrade your front porch (and, in some cases, even add value to your home), there's an even easier way to ensure your home stands out for all the right reasons, and it's not lost on Kelsea Ballerini.

The country music singer has kept her exterior strikingly minimalist, exhibiting only two black sconces against her white-painted home. Kelsea hasn't decorated her space with planters or added an accent chair or table to her corner. Instead, her outdoor lighting steals all attention.

It feels curated and beautiful, and while flowers and furniture will always be charming, it reminds us how ultra-simple decor can be just as transformative.

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Improving curb appeal and making your porch or backyard more ambient is never a bad idea. However, one would argue that it's even more crucial in the fall when darker evenings draw ever closer.

Following Kelsea's example by placing matching lights on the corners of your home is one way to improve the atmosphere of your exterior space. However, you can take it a step further and strategically light a garden path that's both functional and beautiful.

'To prevent your outdoor space from turning into a ‘black hole’ come winter, use light to make it feel like another room of the home. Line paths with spotlights in a runway effect and add low-level bulkhead lights near doors – both these techniques will add safety and ambient illumination,' comments Mara Rypacek Miller, the managing director and founder of Industville.

'Then, to draw the eye out and stop windows from becoming a mirrored box, add up-lights to trees and sculptures at the perimeter.'

When planning outdoor lighting, it's also important to consider your garden’s direction. This will ensure consistent comfort and usability no matter the time of the year.

'North-facing gardens should use warm white lighting to brighten the space, with focus on illuminating the perimeter to add ambient glow inwards. In south-facing gardens, rely on subtle accent lighting to extend the enjoyment of naturally bright areas into the evening,' Mara says.

'For east-facing gardens, add lighting where you spend time later in the day, since mornings are well-lit naturally. Meanwhile, west-facing gardens benefit from gentle ambient lighting to carry the afternoon warmth into the night.'

Have you already followed Kelsea's example? Or have you decorated with lights elsewhere? Let me know in the comments below.