8 Easy Ways to Dress Up Your Entrance

From your porch to your foyer, your home’s entrance is the first thing your visitors see – so why not dress it up and make it welcoming? Our home improvement experts have a few ways to make a great impact, both inside and outside:

Exterior

Planters

Plants are a fool-proof way to make your home look welcoming, and with so many different types of plants and ways to display them, you can get creative all year long. Try positioning two large planters on either side of your front door. Or, if you have a porch, try adding some hanging planters with colorful flowers. You can also place smaller planters on each step for a more dramatic touch.

Fresh Paint

A front door that’s worn, faded, peeling, or cracking isn’t exactly the classiest way to welcome your guests. If your door is in need of a face lift, try choosing a fresh pop of color and repainting it to make a positive first impression. And if you need help choosing a color, check out our blog “What Your Front Door Color Says About You.”

On the other hand, if your front door is worn or damaged, you may be in need of a new door installation. We have a wide variety of styles and materials to choose from, so talk to our experts today.

Lighting

Lighting can make a big difference in any area of your home, and your exterior entrance is no different. From the fixtures to the angle and amount of the light, you can make a number of different statements. For a rustic feel, try hanging a pair of wrought iron lanterns on either side of the front door. Or, for a little more elegance, try a chandelier in the middle of the porch. You can even play around with the way the light hits your home or the areas it illuminates once it gets dark.

Wreath

A wreath is one of the easiest ways to make your entrance “homey,” and despite common belief, they’re not just for the holidays. Whether you make your own or you buy them, invest in a wreath for every season to give your front door a touch of coziness. Just be sure to choose one with colors that complement the door and the area around it.

Interior

Photo Wall

A photo wall can be a simple and creative way to decorate your entrance wall and add an element of design. Choose frames of all different shapes, sizes, and even colors and create a staggered collage that adds a little architecture to a blank wall.

Decorative Runner

Your entrance is there to lead your guests from the front door into your home, so try using a decorative runner to give them a (literal) path to follow. Choose a runner that complements the colors of your floor, walls, and decor, and make sure you keep furniture off of it to make the area look larger and neater. Also, start the runner a couple feet in front of the front door – you want it to open without catching on the runner.

Artwork

A large piece of artwork can help you make an immediate statement as soon as you walk in the door. If hanging a painting, drawing, or picture, choose something that fits the size and area of your wall for best results. (For example, if your walls are tall, choose something to hang vertically. If they’re short, something horizontal may be better.) You can also choose to display a sculpture or even a funky piece of furniture if you have a nook to tuck it in.

Seating

There’s something cozy about an inviting chair or bench, so if you have the room in your entryway, consider adding some seating. Choose something decorative and something that complements your decor; if your decor has a country feel, try a weathered or hand-carved bench. If it’s beachy, try a classic-looking bench in a bright blue or green color. If it’s modern, try a dramatic chair..