Almost everybody dreams of having a nice inviting home. Not everyone is thrilled about the idea of having people over, but even they tend to be happier when things are nice and neat. The key to having an inviting home is to begin at the beginning. The entrance way to a home is the first impression. Here are four ways to make a home more attractive by creating the best first impression as people enter.
1. The Yard
The very first thing that people notice as they approach a home is the front yard. Not everybody has one with so many renting from apartment buildings. Those who do take pride in the way their lawn is maintained.
The obvious first step is grass. It should be cut uniformly. Any bushes or trees should be kept trimmed. Dead branches in a tree are not only unsightly, but can pose a risk of property damage, or even personal injury. A decorative walkway made of pavers or decorative gravel between the driveway and front porch will create a homey touch and prevent trips and falls.
2. The Porch
The front porch, even if it is just a small entryway, is the way your home first greets people. If a house were a person, the porch would be its smile. So often, it all centers around the door. Homeowners might want to consider new custom exterior doors. After that, the rest of the decorating will begin to fall into place by itself.
A decorative handrail adds both style and safety to the stairs and any porch space leading up to the door. A pair of matching planters or some decorative pots are a great way to add a splash of color seasonally with flowers, such as asters, peonies, dahlias, or others. A welcome mat declares goodwill, but also provides a place to kick off snow, dirt, or other things that could be tracked into the house, making a mess.
The best finishing touch for a front porch, provided there is sufficient space, is a swing or hammock. In addition to the obvious comfort sitting space on a porch, it also adds a bit of romance in its special way.
3. Just Inside
The greeting begins with the yard and porch but does not end there. What lies just inside the door is just as important as what lies just outside of it. The area should be a smooth transition from the items on the porch into the general theme by which the home is decorated.
It is an excellent place to hang up art or framed photos. Family portraits are a common choice or beautiful photos of places that have been visited. Photos taken by the family or professionals are good, so long as they are clean and clear. The most important part is that they have frames that blend into the general decor of the home.
The entryway is another great spot for plants, either harvested or alive. It is always nice to have a vase of fresh-cut flowers to add color and even a fresh floral scent. Exotic angel plants, snake plants, succulents, and other houseplants insert a splash of life into an area that is often dead and cold. Having house plants will also contribute to the oxygen level and make the indoor air cleaner and more breathable.
A rug or mat just inside the door serves a handful of purposes. First, it takes care of any additional dirt, but it also softens the feel as people walk in. On hard surfaces, a rug helps to cut down the echo of entryway chatter.
4. Seasons and Holidays
The things that make the most difference between a house and a home is the fine details that change from season to season. For instance, during the winter holidays, people look at the houses that are brightly decorated with lights.
Sometimes, however, it is not as complicated as putting up lights. For fall, the traditional pumpkin on the porch has much more impact after adding a few dry corn stalks. Even minor holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, can be festive with a decorative item like a red heart-shaped door wreath.
5. The Windows
Getting new windows will not only make your home more inviting, but there are several other benefits to gain from. Sure, you want to make a good impression to your guests or family when they first walk into your compound but did you know replacing windows can save you money in the long run?
It might be costly at first to install them, but new windows can help you save on monthly energy bills. Older windows may have accumulated dirt that can be strenuous to get rid of, and this means you might not be able to utilize natural lighting effectively. But new windows are clean, and clear allowing natural light into your home, which means low electricity bills.
New windows can increase your home’s value. Whether you plan on selling it or not, they can improve your home’s curb appeal fetching a higher resale value. And lastly, new windows come with a lot of comfort. So, if you want to experience these benefits, contact a window replacement contractor today to replace your windows!
These are just a few easy ideas to make your home have a wonderful curb appeal. Look online for more creative ideas.
