Three easy ways to update your front steps for spring

Spring is finally here, and for many of us, that means it's the perfect time to fix up our front yards and walkways to get back the curb appeal that your house might have lacked during the long winter. But dressing up your home means more than just cleaning up loose branches and putting some flowering annuals in the garden.  

If you, like so many of us, have a standard concrete staircase leading up to your front door,there are a few things you can do to make even these most basic steps a little more exciting. 

1. Dress it up - You would be amazed at what a good power washing and a few planters full of flowers can do for your bland front steps. If you don't have a lot of money to spend, this is an easier way to make your staircase look better for just a little bit. 

2. Paint it - If you're tired of the basic grey that comes standard on concrete flights, why not pick a candy-inspired shade and brighten the entire block? A simple coat of paint can make your staircase much more exciting, and if you're really feeling fancy, why not paint a pattern on the staircase risers while leaving the treads a solid color? Feel free to get creative, and nobody will be able to say that your front porch is boring anymore. 

3. Change the stair rail - Switching out your old, rusty banister for a brand new wrought iron balustrade will be a major upgrade to the staircase in your house. You will be able to impress the neighbors and add safety to your house if you use an updated material that was built to last.