The front entrance to your home should be the main focal point of your home’s exterior. It should be welcoming and inviting. A beautiful front entryway adds curb appeal and increases the value of your home. In addition, it shows neighbors and visitors they are welcome to stop by any time.
The ways to improve your front entrance go beyond sweeping the front porch, adding bright lights, and laying out a big welcome mat. Do-it-yourselfers and home remodelers know the options are limited only by the imagination. Keep reading for suggestions on the variety of ways you can enhance the front entryway to your home.
First, consider the type of home you have. Is it a sprawling rancher? Classic colonial? Decades-old craftsman? Use the architectural style of the structure to enhance its features and distinguish your home from others of the same style. Pay attention to the front porch, columns, roof line and eaves, window trim and shutters. You can change the look of these elements by painting them a contrasting color so they stand out or in a complementary color that blends in with the overall look.
Another way to add interest to your front entryway is to use different building materials in design details. Look at the façade of your home, and take into account the geometry and shapes – square, arched, tall, wide. Combine different materials – stone, brick, metal, shingles, siding – in other design details that complement the overall architecture and color scheme.
On a budget? You can make small changes yourself that change and refresh the look of your main entryway entirely. For example:
- Change the paint color on the front door and add new hardware – door handle, door knocker, kickplate, house numbers – or change the front door altogether.
- Clean the glass on light fixtures and restore their original shine or replace lights with matching, updated fixtures.
- Decide on plants – all green for a simple look or flowers for touches of color – and place right-sized planters on front porch steps or next to the front door.
- Replace handrails up steps or along a porch for an updated look or paint wood railings in a contrasting color.
- Coordinate decorative items to complement larger shapes and colors to tie the entire look of the front entrance together.
Sometimes simple makes the boldest statement. The key is to remain true to the original architecture and style of the home. If creativity and design is not your thing, but you still long for a beautiful front entrance, get inspiration elsewhere. Drive around your own neighborhood to see how other homeowners who live in similar style homes have improved or decorated their front entrance, or look online for ideas. Professionals – designers and contractors – can also provide ideas.
Sovereign Construction Services, a full-service building and remodeling company, can help. Owner Steve Rush understands design and function and is available to provide suggestions on how you can improve your home’s exterior. He can be reached at 610-639-2986!