How You Can Stop Your House Looking Like an Easy Target

You know that one house on the street that just looks like no one in their right mind would mess with it? Okay, well, not all houses are like that, but chances are, you’ve actually seen those houses before. No, not the “beware of dog” sign, or houses with bars over the windows (which screams sketchy). But the houses that look absolutely gorgeous, like, it’s practically your dream home, and it just looks so cute and welcoming at the same time.

It’s honestly amazing that there are houses out there that have this perfect balance between “come on in” and "you'll regret trying anything funny." Basically, it hits the sweet spot between stylish and secure. And yes, it's easier to pull off than you might think. Now, sure, there’s an art to it, but it’s not that hard to master.

Start with the Door Itself

So, it’s best to start off right here, since this is going to be the biggest of them all. Alright, so your front door is doing a lot of talking before anyone even rings the bell. If it's flimsy, chipped, or looks like a strong gust could knock it off the hinges, that's not the look. Honestly, that’s a terrible look. Instead, what you want is something solid, sleek, and seriously sturdy. 

Ideally, you want to look into something like composite doors. Now, sure, timber doors are drop-dead gorgeous, but the problem is the fact that over time, they can warp and rot. That obviously isn’t something that’s going to be safe for your home, right? Ideally, you’ll want something that's weather-resistant but also built to handle dodgy people, too.

Consider a Doorbell Camera

Sure, nowadays a video doorbell is less of a luxury now and more of a basic standard; there’s so many brands out there too. But yeah, people like to know who's at their door, and more importantly, intruders hate being filmed. For the most part, it doesn't have to be a pricey setup either. There are even budget-friendly models that sync straight to your phone and let you talk to delivery drivers from your sofa or even while you're out at the shops. 

Plus, for some of them, like Ring, for example, you can change out the plate so it’s something a little more cutesy (so you aren’t stuck with that ugly silver colour).

Light it Up

Now, this one is low-hanging fruit advice, but so what? It still gets the job done. So, motion-sensor lights aren’t just for alleyways and garages. Basically, you just need to stick one by your front door and suddenly any night time visitor gets a full spotlight experience. But on top of that, you’ll never fumble with your keys in the dark again. So, the key here is subtle drama, just enough light to say, "Yes, this is being monitored," without making your porch look like a nightclub entrance.

There’s Always the Landscaping

Do you love a bushy garden? That’s great… but maybe not right in front of your windows or flanking your doorway. Overgrown hedges and towering shrubs are basically little welcome mats for people trying not to be seen. Yeah, you read that right, so it’s best to just trim things back, choose low-level plants, and keep sightlines to your door clear. It's still pretty, just not inviting in the wrong way.

There’s the Power of the Sticker

You know those little alarm system stickers? They’re tiny, but surprisingly effective. Even if you don't have the fanciest setup inside, that sticker in the corner of your window gives pause to anyone scoping things out. It's the low-effort bluff that works in your favour.