Copy the Curb Appeal: Essex County, New Jersey

Built in: 1928. Bought in: 1990. Size: 1,850 sq. ft. “We didn’t like the outside of this house at first," say homeowners Sally and Joe Monaghan. The porch was screened in, the paint colors drab, and the shrubs overgrown. But as we’ve painted it and added new plants, the exterior has become our favorite part.” Wave petunias overflow from pots suspended from the porch ceiling. Their light purple color complements the darker petunias on the steps.

House: Deep Reservoir by Dunn-Edwards; Trim: Whisper by Dunn-Edwards; Doors, shutters, and decorative trim: Crossroads by Dunn-Edwards

This house has two doors. The one on the right is the main entry, and the one on the left opens to the dining room. 1515 primed poplar door, from $289, roguevalleydoor.com for stores; Paint: Crossroads by Dunn-Edwards

Terra-cotta pots filled with dark purple wave petunias and black-eyed Susan bring color to the front steps. The Monaghans didn’t even realize these steps were curved until they ripped out some old shrubs after moving in. They love the semicircle shape.