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First Steps to a Good Impression: Entryways

Written by Posted On Friday, 02 November 2018 12:43
First Steps to a Good Impression: Entryways

As the old saying goes, you only get one chance at a first impression. That goes for job interviews, dating, and even real estate. The fact is that human beings are very visual creatures. We put a lot of stock into what we see, and on first glance, we make a myriad of instant judgments and decisions. Your front porch, steps, and entryway are the gateway. They’ll be the first thing someone takes stock of as they enter your home. Is your entrance ready to make a great first impression? Have you scored curb appeal points?

 

Reaching for Eden: Plants, Pots, and All Things More or Less Green

First let’s talk about lawns, depending on where you live your front yard may be more or less green. In some areas it’s common to see a cactus or rock garden accenting the natural chaparral of the region. In others, a lush green carpet of grass seems to blanket the ground at the slightest opportunity. Regardless of the natural climate of your locality, your lawn needs to look intentional, and not simply like nature’s handiwork. Plants, and foliage help to make a house look well cared for, and even established. If you love to garden, go for it. If you would prefer to explore the artistry of using native plants from the area, go for it. Just be sure to keep any and all plant life looking healthy, and clean. Wilted flowers, overgrown shrubs, and unkempt lawns all hint at untidiness, carelessness, and possibly neglect. You want to avoid allowing any of those impression to taint the image of your home.

 

Porch? Park it

Do you have a porch? Do you have a lawn chair, bench, or even porch swing? If not, is there enough space to add one? In addition to making the entrance look welcoming, a bench or chair help the home to appear truly lived in—in a homey sort of way. It also implies that your home is situated in a neighborhood, and climate that are nice enough to sit outside and enjoy—a definite perk.

 

Starting off on the Best Foot: Rugs and Doormats

Okay, a rug or doormat on the outside of the home is a must. There are tons of options here: cute, subtle, practical, seasonal, etc. It’s totally up to you, just follow these two rules of thumb. One, the mat cannot be a trip hazard. Pick one that is heavy enough or sturdy enough to lay flat and stay that way. And two, pick a mat that will serve its purpose without requiring much upkeep. The mat is going to be stepped on. That’s the idea. Just make sure that it can handle the interaction without looking like it always needs to be washed. Avoid delicate fabrics, and keep in mind that darker colors are usually more forgiving.

 

Natural Light and Openness

To this point, we have been working our way up to the house, enjoying the garden or lawn, and coming up the steps or driveway. Now as we are about to enter the home, we come to face the door. Think of it as the final handshake of an interview. This is the last piece of the first impression of the house, and as such, it deserves your attention. What type of a door do you have? Is it wood? Double paneled? Does it have windows in it or glass work? What kind of state is it in? Does it need a new coat of paint or finish? Is there grime or dust decorating the facade? Now that you’re taken note of the condition of your door, let’s talk about some things you can do to help polish this last aspect of your entryway. If your front door faces the rising sun or the sunset consider installing front doors with glass. A door of this type will help to capitalize on natural light and serve to brighten the entrance to your home. If your door doesn’t seem to quite match the feel or style of the home, consider changing up the color scheme or decor to better help accent the overall feel of the house. Or, alternatively, choose a bright color to showcase the entrance and highlight the welcoming aspect of your home. Finally, if the door is looking weather worn, or just grimy, give yourself an hour and go give it the attention it needs. A clean, well-maintained door will give the finishing finesse and polish to a great first impression of your home.

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Carol Evenson

Carol is a home renovation specialist with a background in organization and sales. She assists realtors with business management and growth.

https://twitter.com/cmill_com

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