No, I’m not talking about adding a “welcome” sign to your front door in this post – although you could!  I’m talking about the visual impact of your front door entry and ways to make it look inviting.  You spend a lot of time decorating the interior of your home so it is comfortable, welcoming and beautiful and I believe your front door should set the stage for crossing the threshold into your carefully crafted interior.

10 Tips for a Warm Welcome

Now that winter’s passed, take a look at your front door entry to see how it fared.  Just like your home it most likely needs a bit of spring cleaning.  Since you use the door everyday it’s easy to get used to its condition over time or even overlook it as you come and go.  Stop for a moment, examine your front door entry, and really look at it as a guest will see it.  What does it need to freshen it up and make it more inviting?  Here are 10 tips for getting your front door entry in order so it is truly a welcoming statement for your home:

1. Clean the door – Wipe the door down completely to remove dust, mud and smudges.  Broom the corners and around the frame to remove any cobwebs.
2. Repaint, varnish or oil the wood- You’ll be amazed by what a fresh new color can do for your door. Consider the outdoor color of your home and the indoor color and then be brave with your selection - try something new and eye catching!  If you prefer a natural wood door make sure it is protected with oil or varnish and in good condition. 
   

   A colorful door highlights the entry and creates interest. Photo via bhg.com.

3. Install a new door handle, doorbell, and door knocker – If yours are old, broken or don’t really go with the style of your home this small investment will add sparkle to your entry – just like an appropriate piece of jewelry brightens a simple outfit.
   

   Add a new door knocker to welcome guests. Photo amazon.com.

4. Clean or update the welcome mat – Chances are the mat’s dirty after the long winter and perhaps a bit worn.  Not only do you want it to look good at your entry but you also want it to work well so it keeps dirt and debris out of your house.  Select a mat sized appropriately for your door or use two mats if you can’t find one big enough for your double doors.
   

   An entry mat is decorative as well as functional. Photo via lillianvernon.com.

5. Fill decorative pots or urns with seasonal plantings, use window boxes and/or hang planting baskets - Place pots or urns up the steps to your door or on either side of the front door to add color and texture to your entry’s visual impact.  Use window boxes or hang planted baskets to highlight the entry area and add color. 
   

   Colorful pots filled with greenery add interest to the entry. Photo via plowandhearth.com.

    

   

   Use window boxes or hanging planters to add color near the front entry. Photo via plowandhearth.com.

    

6. Freshen or replace the front door light fixture -  Make sure your fixture provides enough light for safety and enhancement. Clean it, perhaps spray paint it, or replace it if it is broken or doesn’t support the style of your home.
7. Add seating – If you have room, place a bench, a rocking chair, or other furniture pieces at your entry.  This entices you to sit and enjoy the view out to your yard and invites passing neighbors to join you for a chat.
   

   Add seating for a welcoming front entry. Photo worldmarket.com.

8. Clean the steps and walkway – just as you sweep or vacuum your home, your entry steps and walkway need cleaning periodically.  Depending on the material they’re made from, also make sure to keep them repaired, painted, weeded and rut free.
9. Consider adding solar lights – If your front entry light doesn’t illuminate the walkway and steps then staked solar lights offer an easy solution.  They come in a variety of styles and prices so you can select them to suit your home and your budget.  Just as interior lighting helps set the mood or complete a task, outdoor lighting can make a big impact on your entry and make guests feel welcomed. 
   

   Light the way for guests and add ambience to your yard with solar lights. Photo via lampsplus.com.

10. Clean the glass – Keep the glass in your front door or the windows surrounding it sparkling clean.  This tells guests you’re proud of your home and ready to invite them in. 

How Do You Welcome Guests to Your Front Door?

What tips or tricks do you have to share for enhancing your entry?  Have you painted your door a great new color?  Do you highlight the door with a wreath?  Do you decorate your entry for holidays?  Do you use a doorbell or a knocker?  How do you make sure your front entry says “Welcome!”?  Click on the Comment link below the ads to share your thoughts or email photos of your front door entry area to solutions@yourdecoratinghotline.com.

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