Though the front door is the focal point of the home's exterior, it is often ignored for other more important areas being designed within the home. If your home is on the market for resale or if you are concerned about the entrance of your home, you may find a few simple home improvement tips for an often overlooked area. It will require a minimal amount of time, effort, and expense, and the end result could benefit the overall look of your home. Here are a few quick-fix recommendations :
How solid is the door? Depending upon the state of the actual door, the project could be easy. If it is a solid, paneled one, a good paint or restaining may be all that is required. If the door is outdated with glass colored panels, well, it is matter of personal preference, but you may want to consider replacing it with something more subtle and up-to-date.
Add-on details. Take the time to find solid and high quality door hardware to include door handle, knocker, bell and anything else that is outdated or below standard. If brass or iron works with the style, than consider solid as the only option. (Brass plate will not wear well.) Something that can been seen from a distance but does not overwhelm the door should be considered when choosing the style.
Replace or upgrade the exterior lighting with appropriately styled fixtures, lanterns, or garden lights. The variety is wide and there are a number of modern fixtures that work well with both traditional and modern homes to create a higher impact while providing appropriate levels of light.
Add well-appointed topiaries or flowers, or wreaths to soften the look. If you have the space, a symmetrical balance of topiaries on each side of the entrance is my personal favorite.
Upgrade mat to a large, plush one with simple border.
Moving on to the entrance room of foyer. What are you seeing when you walk into the space? Here, are a few recommendations to apply, if appropriate, to this area.
1. Provide focal point in adjacent rooms
2. Upgrade architectural details
3. Improve dramatic lighting effects
4. Open doorways or interior entrances if too enclosed
5. Provide a layered look of fabrics and colors in adjacent rooms
6. Theme out color selections in adjacent areas
7. Minimize clutter
8. Provide high quality and select piece of furniture or bench, if possible
9. Use a high-quality dirt resistant rug
10. Paint stair risers to match trim
11. Provide stair runner with border
12. Select and place artwork carefully, minimally and as a focal point
Since the entrance room is transient, it can be more dramatic in flavor. It would not be unreasonable to paint it red if it is appropriate or place an expensive antique or piece of art here. If you have room for a nice seating area, table and/or chair, or bench pick a nice piece to exhibit. This will be a possible place to stylishly personalize the home. If the process takes longer than anticipated, it may still worth your while in the end and will be appreciated by both family and guests since the first impression is often the most lasting.
By Sharon Hess
