When buyers pull up to the curb in front of your home, you want them to feel intrigued and excited to come inside. What says “Welcome!” more than a fabulous front door? In fact, when I build new homes, other than the kitchen and master bedroom, the front door is one of the few places I’ll splurge a little to get higher end material.
The front door should be a beacon, with a clear uncluttered pathway that leads up to the steps or the porch. Trim away overhanging bushes or creeping grass that crowds the walkway. Plant fresh flowers and shrubs in an attractive curve pointing toward the entry.
For safety reasons, the front door should be easily identifiable from the street and accessible without navigating around furniture or potted plants. Replace porch light bulbs, and clean light fixtures of dirt and bugs.
Whether you repair, replace or repaint your front door, an upgrade should be at the top of your to-do list. Choose a paint or stain color that complements the exterior of your home. Red is the color of hospitality, like “rolling out the red carpet.” Bright colors are cheerful choices while deeper colors tend to be more elegant. Greenery, Pantone’s 2017 Color of the Year works well in all seasons.
Update the hardware on and around your door including a new peephole, door handle, doorbell, house numbers, and entry lights. Replace worn weather-stripping and seals on glass inserts. Fill in nail holes and scratches with wood filler before painting.
Stage the area around the front door with a new doormat and color-coordinated cushions on chairs or porch swings.
Make a great first impression (and possibly a sale!) with a clean, attractive entrance.
