Curb appeal is an art. Whether you’re trying to sell your house or make all the dog walkers “ooh and awe” while walking by, we have all the tricks for you, specifically when it comes to all the fun and bold things you can do with your front door. The key? Make it memorable!
A quick tip to get started: remember, front doors are all about making a statement and boldness. Don’t be afraid when paying attention to that front door. It centers your home and it’s the first thing people focus on. If you’re going to be daring anywhere in the home, this is the place to do it.
1. MAKE THE ARCHITECTURE BOLD
This isn’t a quick fix, of course, but a great idea if you wanted to take a chance on your front door. A dramatic arched entrance can make a home look instantly regal. Other things like decorative brackets, trim, columns and molding can add spice to the space. Consult with a designer for this one.
2. PAINT THE TOWN RED, OR BLUE, OR GREEN, OR YELLOW
Well, the door anyway. In some communities, like Savannah, Georgia, painting your door red means the house is paid for (Writer’s Note: I think this is the sweetest thing for some reason). However, painting your door a bold color can also mean you’re simply having fun. And paint really adds something to the place. A plus, plus? It’s effortless to quickly change!
Five colors we love for front door pops:
- Benjamin Moore “New York State of Mind” for a Nantucket vibe.
- Benjamin Moore “Umbria Red” to pop against a white home.
- Benjamin Moore “Dove Wing” to reflect some Southern California homey charm.
- Benjamin Moore “Devonshire Green” to bring in that Mediterranean bungalow feel.
- Farrow & Ball “Yellowcake No. 279” for a 1940s cottage experience.
3. ADD “BIG” FLORAL (WE LOVE A GIANT BLOOMING HYDRANGEA)
It’s important to go big or go home with a front door. Small plants aren’t going to do it. Blooming hydrangeas, for example, make a huge statement. The effect is magical. If you’re not interested in the maintenance it takes to upkeep planting beds, the we suggest containers, our Fine Gardening team creates amazing seasonal designs among other services!
Quick tip: Place containers of flowers near the end of the front entry sidewalk to add a dose of eye-catching pizazz and color. A budget-friendly tip would be to plant garden beds with a combination of perennials for color that lasts year after year.
4. SWITCH OUT THE DESIGN OF YOUR DOOR
Change the look of your home’s first impression status by switching out the door entirely. Get one with glass panels or redesign for french doors out front. Glass panels on the top half of the door welcome natural light inside, even when it’s chilly and closed.
5. UPDATE ENTRYWAY HOUSE NUMBERS
These are a quick and easy fix. Replace basic house address numbers with something a little more eye-catching. Place the numbers on cedar planks and make sure they’re at least 4 inches tall (the bigger the better) so visitors can see from the street.
Quick tip: Swap house numbers for letters to spell out your address instead (if the space allows for it).
6. EXPAND YOUR FRONT ENTRYWAY
It’s not always just about the door! Guide guests from the driveway or sidewalk with an open, wide walkway. Add a welcome mat and remember to powerwash the walkway periodically to get rid of dirt and grime. Cut back overgrown plants and keep landscaping under control. Flowers and plant containers are an easy solution to maintain and rearrange any time.
Quick tip: The path should be 3-4 feet wide so two people can walk comfortably side by side.
7. DECORATE WITH STYLE AND TRY SOMETHING NEW!
Splurge on some attractive decorative features for that front door! Attention-grabbing elements like stylish outdoor lighting and colorful tiles on the front steps can really add to that first impression moment.
8. IF YOU HAVE THE SPACE, CREATE A FRONT DOOR LANDING SPOT
And make it cozy! Add updated patio furniture, a hanging wreath and a bistro setting to create the illusion of an outdoor room. Outdoor lighting makes it good for evening and rounds out the unique outdoor design.
If you want more information on updating your home, or if you’d like to speak to a designer to get the design process started, we would love to hear from you!
