Well, another week is upon us, I spent the weekend tidying up my front door area. Your front door is one of the most vital parts of your home, especially I think if you are selling. It is here where eyes are drawn, where first impressions are made, and where the most expressive component of your house’s exterior lies. Front doors should be a piece of your home that you take pride in.
For me, it is essential that a front door is secure, but also well maintained and cheerful. From door handles, knockers and knobs to surrounding features, here are five tips for freshening up your front door in time for winter!
Start off by Giving Your Front Door a Fresh Coat of Paint!
Giving your front door a new lease of life starts with giving it a fresh coat of paint — preferably a new colour altogether.
Choosing the right colour is rarely an easy task, as colours say far more than you might think. They are, of course, aesthetically pleasing, but the colour you choose also expresses your personality. I have previously blogged about how colours in interiors provoke an emotional response, and I am a firm believer in taking time to consider colours carefully. You need to consider which colours are already surrounding the door and which combinations work for you.
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, there are even apps that make envisaging a new colour for your door an easy task. Do your research, choose a set of colours that you think would suit your house, and try them out. There are a wide range of meanings and emotional responses associated with different colours but, ultimately, it all comes down to what goes with your exteriors current character and choosing a colour that you will be happy with for a long time.
The Little Things: New Door Handles and Door Hardware
The next step to freshening up your front door is revamping your front door furniture. Don’t underestimate the importance of this step. Sturdy door hardware is essential for both security and appearance.
There is nothing worse than an old, squeaky door handle or a rusty, neglected door knocker that doesn’t work. Upgrading your door hardware, from handles and knockers to letter boxes and house numbers, shows that a home is well cared for. It gives off a great first impression and can even add value to your home.
Door knockers can add a beautiful finishing touch to front doors, so if you don’t think yours has enough presence and personality, think about buying a new door knocker.
A Winning Touch: Plant Pots and Planters
For me, a door becomes a much more welcoming place when there is a bit of greenery around it. Plant pots and flower beds that frame the door are always brilliant additions. There’s a plethora of plants and flowers that look stunning placed either side of the front door, so it is no hard task finding something that fits the bill.
Think about what goes with the colour of your door and how much maintenance each plant needs. Something that will look stunning all year round will probably be the best bet. Remember that sometimes, less is more, and just a single plant pot either side of the door can look just as effective as eight or nine different plants located all around your entryway. Of course, this will likely be dictated by how much space there is and if you have a front garden or not!
Door Accessories: The Finishing Touch
Now you’ve given your door a whole new lease of life, you might want to top it off with some finishing touches. What is your door mat looking like? Think about investing in a brand new, quality doormat that stands out. A doormat adds warmth to the entrance and makes a house feel welcoming but it is also, of course, effective at keeping dirt outside of the home. If you think your doormat might be past its peak, it’s time to get a new one!
Another nice touch is giving your door some seasonal character. A Christmas wreath or some bunting can add festive cheer to your entrance. Embracing the different seasons and festivities gives your door personality and makes your home look charming and inviting.
Let There Be Light!
Now you’ve given your door a revamp, it’s time to make sure that it’s well lit so everybody can observe its new features. If you haven’t got door lights or your current lights simply aren’t cutting the mustard, think about investing in some new door lights. These come in all different shapes and sizes, so you’ll be able to find something that fits in with the period and style of your house. Lighting up your front door is good for your home’s security, but it also injects charm into your doorway, making it look welcoming — not to mention flaunting your fresh new front door to the neighbours!