I accompanied a client this morning as he toured potential homes with a real estate agent. The experience was, literally, the definition of you only get one first impression. The first house looked as if we arrived unexpectedly. The last visit of the day made up for the first: the landscaping was manicured, the door hardware was new, and the floors were spotless. The mood was set for an offer!
When was the last time you actually entered your house at the front door? If it has been a while, try entering as if it were the first time.
The real entrance to a home starts on the outside. Besides the obvious landscaping, look at the door mat. If your mat is coir or rubber and has deteriorated from the elements, it is time for an update.
Next item to be scrutinized was the hardware on the front door. My storm door’s broken handle was not going to undergo a miracle restoration on its own. New hardware was number one on my list.
I would like to point out that I understand and forgive a few toe scuffs on a front door. After all, how else would kids get in the door other than with a swift kick? But scuffs halfway up the door meant my front door was going to be painted as soon as possible.
Furniture in the foyer can be tricky. A console table or small chest really is perfect in most foyers. I use such a piece for creative storage of keys and mail.
If you have a foyer is large enough, invest in area rug that introduces the colors and the style that are found in the remainder of the home. If the foyer is a square, I like to soften it with a round rug. Rectangle foyers are often limited to rectangular rugs. My foyer is long and narrow so, as much as I would love a large rug, this space can only hold a runner. Consider a bench if your foyer can fit it, to hold shoes and such.
Next it was time to assess the overhead lighting. Consider how outdated, bright or dim your lighting is. It makes the space more inviting.
Remember, the entry to your home provides the first impression and it only gets once chance. Make it a good one.