So many of us worry about making the right first impression with our home. Whether its organising cushions or polishing door handles, some of us go to extreme lengths to keep our homes in tip-top condition. But, if impressions are made in the first few seconds, it is our front doors and frontages that have the biggest impact on people. It may be beautiful and cosy inside, but if it doesn’t look inviting from the street and you haven’t looked after your curb appeal, you’ve already lost.
But fear not! There’s so much you can do to bring your home up to its full potential and stand out proudly from the street. Whether you’re selling or just trying to impress a guest, here are five tips to create the perfect first impression with your home.
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1. Revitalise Your Gate, Fence and Lawn
Begin with your guests’ very first step on your property. If your home has a fence or a gate, is it secure? Are the locks working and does it open smoothly? Is it a front lawn and a gate you are proud of? Grasp the opportunity to turn these areas into stand-out features.
Make sure the fence and gate are well painted and not rusty or neglected, as this can be an immediate put-off. The same goes for your lawn; if this hasn’t had some attention for some time, the property can look uninviting.
2. Create a Clear and Convenient Walkway
Homes that are difficult to enter are immediately uninviting. There simply must be a clear route to your front door. If you have a path, it can be a wonderful asset that needs to be fully appreciated. Clean your pathway by sweeping it down or using a pressure washer and remove any dirt or branches covering it.
Keep rubbish bins out of the way — even hide them away if possible. Keep your walkway as clear as possible and use it to frame your home. Place garden planters or flower pots either side as it leads up to the door, to make the path a prominent feature of your home.
3. Have a Front Door That Does the Talking!
The most prominent feature of your home’s frontage will always be the front door. The front door is instrumental in projecting the character of your home, so you need to choose its colour carefully and keep it looking shiny and new. A bright and overbearing door may be too much for some people and immediately create a bad impression, but colours that are modest and understated, like blues and greens, are often hard to dislike.
4. Spruce up Those Door Handles and Door Knockers
However, there is more to your door than just its colour. You can’t overemphasise the importance of door furniture, like door handles and door knockers. They may seem simple, but they go a long way in influencing a guest’s opinion of your home. These are important door features that need to be chosen carefully.
An impressive door knocker can really dictate the beauty of a front door and impress visitors — and the same goes for door handles. If these vital pieces of front door furniture aren’t polished and looked after, they can look neglected. A door with well-polished, gleaming front door furniture, on the other hand, goes a long way in creating a great first impression.
5. Entryway Touches
There are aspects that make or break an entryway. A doormat is a great touch, as it keeps dirt out and can provide a playful greeting message or some much-needed colour, but avoid choosing something too over-the-top. Hanging plants or framing your entryway with standing plants are wonderful touches, but don’t let them obstruct your front door. Consider the amount of space and colours you are working with. Don’t go overboard on your entryway; keep it clean, organised and constantly inviting.
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