They’re not simply how we access our residences. Front steps mark the beginning of our homes, the place where the outside world ends and family life begins. In summer we sit on them, watching our children play, or chatting with the neighbors, or simply sipping iced tea. Front steps are meant to welcome guests, to invite friends and family in for a spell. But while they need to be sturdy, they don’t have to be humdrum. They should be just as appealing as the rest of our home’s exterior. And yet, front steps are often overlooked by homeowners looking to upgrade their property, perhaps simply because they’re so functional. A good front step revamp can transform the whole look of a house, adding plenty of curb appeal for little money or effort, as the following DIY front step ideas prove.