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This Erin Napier-designed porch offers a lesson in mood-boosting curb appeal – and psychotherapists approve

The HGTV designer shares how to bring a 'drop of sunshine' to your façade – and it's a hit with psychologists and realtors alike

Erin Napier
(Image credit: GettyImages)

Home Town's Ben and Erin Napier are masters of revitalizing historic properties – designing homes rooted in heritage but equipped for modern living. The Mississippi-based duo is not shy of sharing their newly-designed interiors with the world via their HGTV show and social media – but their latest project moves our focus outside

In her timely post (we're on the verge of spring, after all), Erin inspired us all to elevate our home's curb appeal with one essential tool: paint. 'It really was a drop of sunshine, wasn't it?' Erin says, alongside the mint green front door and pale yellow painted exterior.

Erin and Ben accentuated the green and yellow-hued space further by adding a white outdoor dining set, a hanging basket, and a selection of plants. The result is a sunshine-filled front porch that is admired for even more than its aesthetic qualities.

'Yellow is a warm and inviting color that can bring a sense of positivity and optimism to a home's exterior. It is associated with happiness, joy, and playfulness, making it a great choice for those who want to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere,' says Amira Martin, LCSW-R, founder of MA Therapy.

Amira Martin
Amira Martin

Amira Martin is a licensed psychotherapist with over two decades of experience in the psychology industry. Since founding MA Therapy, LLC, she has observed 'the impact that color can have on our mental health and well-being'. She has used her experience to offer 'bias-free psychotherapy' while simultaneously creating a team of healers who lead their clients to professional growth. 

To enjoy yellow's benefits further, Amira recommends incorporating green – just as Erin demonstrates. 

'When it comes to front doors, green is a popular choice for its association with nature, growth, and balance,' the psychotherapist says. She adds that green can 'promote feelings of relaxation and harmony,' meaning it is a perfect choice for those who want to curate a peaceful home – from the first impression. 

'As a psychotherapist, I recognize the potential mental health advantages of incorporating yellow and green into our surroundings,' Amira says. 'Yellow can promote happiness and positivity, while green can have a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body. By surrounding ourselves with these colors, we can create a more uplifting and peaceful living environment.'

cottage front door painted in pale blue with matching window frame.jpg

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Alongside their psychological benefits (and evident good looks), Amira notes that yellow exteriors and green front doors have the ability to create a welcoming first impression that will impress guests and potential buyers. And Matt Teifke, the CEO of Teifke Real Estate, agrees. 

'A yellow-painted exterior combined with a green front door can help increase the resale value of your home. The colors will create an attractive and inviting look, which can help attract potential buyers and make them more willing to pay a higher price for your home,' he says. 

Alongside its ability to add value to your home, Matt says that yellow and green exteriors are (somewhat surprisingly) easy to maintain – with only occasional washing needed to keep them looking their best. 

'Plus, these colors are generally resilient against fading caused by sun exposure or weathering,' he says. 'This makes it an ideal choice for a long-lasting and attractive exterior paint job.'

Heirloom Rooms: Soulful Stories of Home by Erin Napier | $23.18 on Amazon

Heirloom Rooms: Soulful Stories of Home by Erin Napier | $23.18 on Amazon

This beautifully-illustrated book is a unique celebration of the homes we live in and love. Erin tells the story of her modern family life – and the days that made her home the place she longs for when she’s away.

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.