4 things that make your yard ‘tacky’

Garden gnomes are great if you enjoy them, but make sure the rest of your yard is well maintained Photo by Adobe Stock

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Personal taste is just that — personal. And when it comes to homes, that goes for both interiors and exteriors. Some people adore a maximalist aesthetic, while others prefer a minimalist one. Some people think garden gnomes and pink flamingos ooze kitschy fun, while others shudder at the thought.

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And that’s OK. We’re not here to criticize preferences.

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But some things can ruin the impression of an intentional aesthetic. They tend to be things that aren’t practical and ignore basic maintenance. Some designers call them tacky, and here are a few of the worst offenders when it comes to front yards.

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1. The look of neglect. Nothing downgrades a front yard like overgrown shrubs and grass, dirty walkways and decorations, and peeling paint. Taking care of these things is a bare minimum — make sure you can handle that before adding high-maintenance plants and accessories.

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“A simple, well-maintained yard will almost always look more sophisticated than an elaborate one that isn’t cared for properly,” Alexandra Cooper, interior designer at Planner 5D, told the Martha Stewart website.

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2. Broken items. Similar to the point above, things such as broken lawn furniture, burnt-out light bulbs, damaged fencing, and chipped decorations will tank your curb appeal. Make repairing, refinishing, and replacing a regular part of your yard care routine.

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“Keep things simple but refined, and focus on timeless, durable elements that add both form and function.” Tim Heneveld, country director for Pergolux in North America, told the Homes & Garden website.

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3. Too many artificial materials. We’re talking artificial turf and plastic — whether for flower pots, lawn ornaments, or plants. Yes, they might seem like easy-to-maintain and affordable options, but they won’t stand up to outdoor conditions in the long run. When overdone, artificial materials take away from the natural environment. And what’s more, the sun can make colours look faded and uneven over time.

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Instead, consider flower pots and lawn ornaments made out of clay, metal, and treated wood. Plants that are hardy and native to your area won’t demand too much of your time.

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“Ditch the plastic flowers for low-maintenance shrubs, and, if you can, opt for a clover lawn instead of turf that’s obviously fake,” says The Spruce. “Along with looking better aesthetically, it’s also much better for your local ecosystem.”

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4. Harsh or excessive outdoor lighting. Not only will it raise your electricity bill but it will also strain the eyes. Designers told the Martha Stewart website that its easy to overdo it with bright blue LEDs, multicolored lights, and pathway fixtures. “Lighting can completely transform a front yard, but too much of it often has the opposite effect,” said Cooper.

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A better option might be warm white lighting, discreet pathway fixtures, and subtle uplighting around trees or architectural details.

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