The Secrets to Creating a Welcoming Entryway

Living the first impression is always important and the same goes for houses. When guests arrive at your address, they will come face-to-face with your entryway so this is a wonderful opportunity to show off your design skills. You can change something small like entrance handles, or go big and completely remodel the whole entryway. It all depends on its state and what you want to achieve in your curb appeal. If you need some ideas, here are the secrets to creating a welcoming entryway and impressing everyone including yourself.

Make it lively with nature

One of the easiest ways to create a welcoming entryway is with refreshing greenery at your front door. Use potted plants to decorate the front door on both sides like evergreen trees or flowery bushes which are perfect for classic curb appeal with symmetry. Add a wooden mesh and allow the vine to climb on it, but make sure to trim it regularly on the top so it doesn’t go wild.

If you have an overhang or portico above the door, add a couple of hanging plants like geranium and petunia to bring joyful colors and pleasant scents. Climber plants like jasmine and wisteria will be perfect for more rustic style and you can easily form an arch above your entryway with these lush plants.

Build an inviting porch

Having a porch will not only give you a better curb appeal but also a space to spend time with family and friends. A simple wooden porch with roofing by the entryway with two rocking chairs and a coffee table creates a homey ambiance. A stone patio with ceramic pots of flowers and simple cast iron set of table and chairs brings a more elegant yet rustic look to the entryway. If you leave on an incline, use it to build a set of stairs with a porch for classical appeal and striking curb appeal.

Upgrade a house number

When you start working on the aesthetics, you need to pay close attention to details. And house number definitely falls in that category. Remove the old number plate and add some bolder versions that will be both clearly visible and embellish your entryway. Pay attention to reflect the interior design of your home when you choose font and style for your house number. Also, choose an appropriate material like chrome for modern appeal and brass for more vintage flavor.

Use color to add visual appeal

Color can help your entryway stand out or make it more in tune with the overall exterior design. Try some bolder earthy tones like orange and red for the door, to truly make it noticeable. Or unify its color with the rest of the house to achieve a tidy and fresh look of your façade. Alternatively, you can also use the same colors as in the entryway interior to create a more fluid transition which is ideal for minimalist design.

Changing a color palette is a quick way to improve your entryway and give it a makeover. And when you plan to do it, think of more than just painting the door although that will make a difference as well. Use nearby walls, columns, and windows to accentuate the entryway through different shades and amp its visual charm.

Replace the front door

Replacing the front door is both energy efficient and will improve the appearance of your entryway. If possible, consider doing something new that will give a fresh interior design to your house like choosing a double door or adding windows to your entrance. Turn your door into a focal point which will look no matter if your property is large or small.

For example, a massive oak door will bring out the natural features of your exterior design and give a more traditional look. On the other hand, metal doors are ideal for modern homes made of concrete and stonework.

Update the hardware

If changing the whole door is too much, you can always try something less demanding like updating the hardware. Go to Access Hardware and find an ideal door handle or, if you are crafty, make one on your own as a DIY welding project. Consider adding some features for aesthetic purposes like knocker or an iron bell by the front door. This looks magnificent on Victorian or colonial architecture, although it can also improve eclectic contemporary designs as well.

Install welcoming lighting

Lightning is an essential part of every design and it serves more than to light the way. Lanterns on the porch table and both sides of the front door create a welcoming and soothing ambiance for the visitors. If you are for something less rustic and more sophisticated, mount two wall lamps on both sides at the door height. This will give your entryway a dramatic look which will compensate for the lack of porch or stairs leading guests to the door.

Lastly

Creating a welcoming entryway is one of the most simple and effective ways to change the appearance of your exterior design. It is perfect when you are on the budget or need a quick fix to gain better curb appeal. However, always pay attention to respect already established design inside and outside of your home, to gain an attractive and inviting ambiance.