Replicate Jenny Marrs' Design To Bring English Countryside Charm To Your Front Yard

We spend so much time perfecting the inside of our homes that the front yard often gets treated like an afterthought — but nothing says "welcome" like some worn-out shingles and a patchy lawn, right? All jokes aside, bringing some much-needed charm to your front yard may be easier than you think. HGTV's Jenny Marrs has a knack for making home transformations look easy, especially when it comes to creating a front yard that instantly boosts curb appeal. One of Marrs' most admired front yard transformations is a great example of English countryside charm — which you can easily replicate with cedar shingles, some fresh exterior details, and a touch of landscaping.

To make it even better, Jenny and Dave Marrs' curb-appeal boosting trick won't break the bank — adding shingles or a few brightening accents can remain well within a budget. There's no need to go overboard when shaping up your home's exterior. A few mindful touches can bring your vision to life without the need for an extensive or costly makeover. If you want to feel like you're living in a chic, countryside daydream every time you pull up to your home, Jenny Marrs' design offers some effortless inspiration to make it a reality.

In Season 5, Episode 8 of "Fixer to Fabulous," Jenny and Dave Marrs brought new life into a dark and dated 1989 home, turning it into a bright, welcoming space with European countryside charm. The transformation began with swapping out the worn, dark shingles on the gable for fresh cedar replacements. This switch helped the entire exterior look more warm and inviting, while also giving it a brighter feel overall. They complemented the windows with light blue shutters to add a soft, airy charm to the outside. To give the look even more elegance, they draped flowy curtains on the inside, that were visible from outdoors, to create a more cozy and polished look. Jenny explains, via her blog, "We removed the outdated railing from the front landing, resurfaced the driveway, and painted the landing a neutral gray. That allows the eye to focus more on the house."

The front door was painted a lovely light blue hue, which tied the look together while providing a delicate pop of color. If you're considering an exterior update to make your home more appealing to buyers, a pale blue front door can be a smart choice. Some of the best front door paint colors that can boost resale value include hues like Farrow & Ball's Light Blue — the same color that was used by Jenny Marrs for this exterior look. These light additions help to create a serene, countryside-style feel, proving that it's the simple details that can completely transform your design.

To create this charming transformation, Jenny Marrs didn't just focus on the house itself — she also gave the front yard a simple landscaping refresh that perfectly complemented the English countryside vision. One of the first changes they made was removing the awkward shrubs that guarded the front porch. This adjustment opened up the front yard, allowing the beautiful existing tree to become a focal point and creating a more welcoming feel.

To add personality and charm, they used classic window flower boxes, which brought a chic, colorful element to the design. Flower boxes are a versatile addition, as they allow you to choose the kind of blooms that fit your home's style. Some of the best flowering plants for your window boxes include colorful geraniums, marigolds, or even miniature roses. These vibrant plants help to enhance the aesthetic of the landscaping while bringing a touch of life and warmth to the home. With their ability to tie the overall look together, they're the perfect finishing touch for a countryside-inspired front yard makeover. By embracing the simple yet thoughtful choices Jenny Marrs used in this transformation, you can create a friendly, stylish first impression for your home.