A few touches add curb appeal to homes Adding small details, such as trim accents, can make a big difference in the appearance of your home. The road to a beautiful home may start with improving its curb appeal. Curb appeal describes the statement a home makes to people who see it from the outside - those people include neighbors and potential buyers. Decorators say the best way to improve your home's curb appeal is to cross the street. Stand across the road from your home and imagine your house with different accessories such as new siding or a backyard deck. Then think of colors and textures. It may also help to try these tips: Design + Get help - Ask your friends and family what they think. It can be difficult for homeowners to look at their houses objectively and come up with decorating ideas on their own - especially if they've lived in the house for a long time. + Get the picture - Take a black-and-white photo of your home from the street. Use colored pencils to draw in new features such as decks or new shutters. + Get creative - Adding a deck to your home can drastically change its appearance and increase its value. Homeowners can find Boardwalk Composite Decking and Railing product made from PVC wood - an environmentally friendly product that keeps its color and texture longer than regular wood. The decking and railing is made by CertainTeed. Color + Get tips - Remember, lighter colors make houses look larger, while darker colors make them appear smaller. Monochromatic colors will simplify the exterior of your home and contrasting shades add interest. + Get information - New types of siding offer home decorators a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from. For example, Certain Teed's maintenance-free Monogram siding comes in 20 solid colors, eight wood-tone blends and 30 coordinating trim colors. For the look of real cedar shakes, the company also offers a line called Cedar Impressions. It includes shingles with the look of real wood in a variety of colors. Homeowners having difficulty selecting color and trim combinations can visit CertainTeed's color selection guide, called Color View, at certainteed.com. The guide lets users virtually view and change color and trim combinations on a home before making a final color decision. + Get style - Know what style home you have and choose your colors accordingly. For example, Earth tones are often used with prairie-style houses, while Queen Anne-styled homes are usually bright and bold. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com.