Whether you’re looking to sell your home, rent it out or you simply want to update your front entrance, first impressions really do count.
In fact, some studies suggest a buyer will make up their mind in as little as 10 seconds – with many forming that key first impression looking at your property online, potentially not even visiting it.
The best way to make a great first impression is with a stunning front entrance, so take a look at these 10 inspirational ideas to boost your home’s kerb appeal…
1. Use great plants for your front door entrance
There’s nothing more welcoming than pots of stunning plants outside the front door of your property.
Introduce some colour if you can, but make sure your foliage matches your front door and try to keep everything symmetrical, with the same pots and plants either side of your front door.
Great plants for front entrances
• English Ivy – this trailing plant looks great when allowed to climb either side of your door from a nice pot
• Boxwood Topiary – Boxwood Topiaries can be shaped into and pruned to look decorative and a hardy in colder weather, too, making them perfect UK front entrance plants
• Petunias – if you have a south facing front entrance, be bold with colour and introduce some petunias by allowing them to hang from baskets either side of your front door
2. Take advantage of front door entrance lighting
If your front entrance lacks a little kerb appeal when the sun goes down, consider lighting it up to bring it back to life.
Try to keep your lighting in keeping with your property and your front door.
So, if you have a period home, consider a traditional single pendant light.
And if you own a more modern home, perhaps use up-to-date spotlights or up-lighting to really add a spectacular finishing touch.
3. Hang something on your front door other than a wreath
Wreaths can look great hanging from a front door and really add a touch of colour and texture to your front entrance.
However, if you’re keen to reserve your wreath for Christmas and want to try something different for rest of the year, why not add a touch of humour?
If you’re a dog lover, this sign will be sure to make your guests smile.
And if you like a laugh and a joke, this one could really show off your personality.
4. Create a modern front door entrance
The secret to creating a modern front entrance is more about minimalism and showcasing the big features that make your home what it is.
So, if you have a striking, modern front door, allow it to ‘breathe’ and frame it with some simple box plants and little else.
Sometimes, less is most definitely more.
5. Go vintage with your door fittings
Vintage-style door knockers and handles have stood the test of time for many years and continue to add a classy touch to front doors all over the country.
If your property carries off a more traditional feel, consider a period knocker or handle which could really add a new dimension when buyers or visitors approach your home.
6. Think hard about the colour of your front door
The door to your home will almost certainly be the main feature of your front entrance.
So, think carefully about its colour and the kind of impact you want to make.
If you’re going bold with colour, like a pillar box red or a deep blue, be sure that those traditional colours work with your property.
And if you’re thinking of going for a pastel shade, consider if your property requires a deeper tone to bring the best out of it.
Great front door colours for period homes
• Pillar box red
• Sage or British racing green
• Navy blue
• Slate grey
Great front door colours for modern homes
• Black
• Light grey
• Off-white
• Natural wood stain
7. Go for practicality as well as style
There’s no doubt that a stylish front entrance can really wow buyers and visitors.
But when it comes to buyers, many will be looking for practicality and sustainability as well as design.
With that in mind, you should consider a modern, energy efficient front door.
Composite front doors look incredibly realistic, yet have all the efficiency benefits that come with a modern door – something that is bound to impress potential buyers.
8. Don’t forget the inside
Even if your front entrance really has the wow factor, potential buyers or tenants will soon be brought crashing back to earth if your entrance hallway fails to match up.
A property’s exterior is only as good as what’s inside, so make sure the first few steps your buyers take once they’re through the door are just as spectacular as the ones they took outside.
9. A warm welcome mat
Welcome mats are not only convenient for the wiping of feet – they’re also a lovely touch when people arrive at your property for the first time.
You can show your humorous side here, too, with a welcome mat message that reflects your personality.
10. A perfect pathway
The pathway to your front door can be equally as striking as the door itself if you get it right.
If you’re lucky enough to own a period property, why not add a decorative tiled pathway to your home?
And if your home is modern, you could consider a slate and aggregate path.
Further reading…
• How to maintain your outbuildings
