![The outside of a wooden home with a porch. The outside of a wooden home with a porch.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-hero.jpg)
![Sarah Dorsey contributorImage](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/sarah-dorsey-headshot.jpg)
A Note From The Home Depot
Curb appeal is extremely important when modernizing an 80s fixer upper. Sleek and stylish changes can completely transform a dated home. With the help of Home Depot products and installation services, Sarah Dorsey of Dorsey Designs was able to show how new dining room windows and a new front door can make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal.
![The front entrance of a wooden home with a modern door. The front entrance of a wooden home with a modern door.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-1.jpg)
We purchased our 80s fixer upper in 2015 and have been making improvements along the way – this summer we are finally focusing on adding some curb appeal to our home! I love how it has come together! With the addition of windows and a sleek, modern front door, our home has gone from dark and dated to bright and modern!
![A brown wooden home with an old white front door and empty porch. A brown wooden home with an old white front door and empty porch.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-2.jpg)
First, we focused on our front door, which was in desperate need of modernization! Both functionally (the seals were worn and the metal was dented from years and years of use!) and stylistically, to match the other upgrades that we’ve made to our home.
![An updated front entrance with a painted exterior, new modern door, and decorated porch. An updated front entrance with a painted exterior, new modern door, and decorated porch.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-3.jpg)
We replaced it with a streamline, 4 panel matte black door. I love how in the matter of a few hours, the entrance to our house was completely refreshed and transformed!
![A pair of planters sit outside a black and glass modern front door. A pair of planters sit outside a black and glass modern front door.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-4.jpg)
I no longer cringe walking into our house – this is now my favorite way to enter!
![A modern front door opens up into a home. A modern front door opens up into a home.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-5.jpg)
In addition to looking great, I love how heavy and substantial the doors feel! The quality is amazing!
![A black and glass front door with black hardware opens to a room with hardwoods. A black and glass front door with black hardware opens to a room with hardwoods.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-6.jpg)
Adding Andersen 400 Series Windows
Welcome to our home! Come on in!
![The before of a home with white walls, a brown kitchen, and a brown wood ceiling. The before of a home with white walls, a brown kitchen, and a brown wood ceiling.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-7.jpg)
When we first purchased our home, one of my primary complaints was the lack of natural light in the dining room. The living room was filled with natural light; however, this side of the house felt unbalanced and dark.
![The after of a home updated with large windows, a white kitchen, and a painted white ceiling. The after of a home updated with large windows, a white kitchen, and a painted white ceiling.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-8.jpg)
The addition of windows makes the space feel balanced and SO much brighter! It’s only been a few weeks with our new windows, but now, I couldn’t imagine our home without them. They make such a difference!
![A dining table sits in front of a wall of windows. A dining table sits in front of a wall of windows.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-9.jpg)
We selected Andersen 400 Series windows. With a vinyl exterior and natural painted wood interior, they are designed to hold up to years of exposure to elements while having a classic, crafted look inside. We went with a white interior and Terratone exterior – to match the other windows in our home. There are a variety of finish materials and glass types to select from. You can even select black interior trim, I’ve made a note for our next house!
![Two large light fixtures hang over a wooden dining table. Two large light fixtures hang over a wooden dining table.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-10.jpg)
We enjoy family meals here and even use the space as workspace during the day. The addition of natural light makes all the difference!
![A wall of white decorated bookcases and a wooden ladder. A wall of white decorated bookcases and a wooden ladder.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/boosting-curb-appeal-for-an-80s-fixer-upper-image-11.jpg)
We love these windows so much that we’re planning to install them (floor to ceiling!) in our living room – stay tuned! It will be quite the dramatic change!