Looking to upgrade and make some style changes to the front of your home? Here, the experts at Yale provide some top tips on how you can create a perfectly personalised front entrance.
Every home has one, but have you ever thought about how it looks? Being the first thing, any visitor sees, how the frontage of your home looks is an integral part of achieving that much desired kerb-appeal.
While you might just think a splash of paint, a festive wreath and a few plants in the borders are the only ways to dress up the entrance to your home, but there’s so much more that can be done.
Here, our Yale team share some tips and tricks on how you can bring style and a personalised touch, to the front of your home.
Add a lick of paint
You don’t necessarily have to splash out on a whole new door to match your aesthetic. With a coat or two of paint, you’re able to create a stunning finish to your door, which can be as unique or on trend, as you wish it to be.
There so many different colours available it can be difficult to choose from, however the benefits of paint are, if you’re unsure of a colour you can swap it for something different.
We could suggest considering how it will look with the rest of your home and what kind of impact you want to have. If you want to make a statement, a bright yellow or a bold red would be worthy of consideration. If you have a more muted taste, pastel colours can still be impactful, yet subtle.
If in doubt, switch it out
If you have your heart set on a particular style that you can’t quite achieve with the door you have now, don’t be afraid to switch it out if your budget allows for it.
If you feel your quaint cottage is crying out for a wooden door, or your modern new build needs something a little sleeker, there are lots of options in different materials to suit.
Bear in mind the level of up-keep some door types require; while a U-PVC doors mostly look after themselves, a timber door may need repainting, staining and cleaning more regularly, but can provide a stunning finished look.
Decoration in moderation
There are so many ways to add a personal touch and decorate your front door. Consider introducing interesting door furniture, whether it’s a quirky door knocker, unique house numbers or standout letterbox, there are many options available to choose from.
A smart lock can also be a great addition to any front door, as they not only provide an extra layer of security but also add a level of style to your door, with sleek designs and modern colours. So, investing in this smart piece of tech doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your style.
When it comes to decoration, we often think of Christmas wreaths. However, wreaths aren’t just for Christmas. There are plenty of opportunities year-round to hang a decorative wreath on your front door, whether it’s a colourful summer-inspired piece or a spooky Halloween wreath. However, it can be easy to get carried away with decorative pieces, so try to keep them to a minimum for a clean look.
Finally, one of the easiest ways to spruce up your front door is by adding a doormat. There are so many designs available, from flowers to quirky quotes and unique colourful designs, so there’s sure to be a door mat that fits in with your personality.
Let there be light
It’s not just the door itself that may require a little TLC. Adding some lighting around the door can not only create an attractive feature to the door but can also have security benefits.
Investing in a simple motion-sensing light can startle would-be thieves and alert you to any potential threat. Available in a range of different colours and styles, it’s possible to find one which will suit your home and style.
Choosing a door with a window is a great option for letting natural light into the home. A stunning stained-glass window can make an instant impact and you may wish to consider a double glaze to stop heat escaping so quickly. However, when choosing glazing close to a door it’s important to consider what might be visible to any unwanted visitors or passers-by. Frosted glazing can provide you with more security, blocking out any visibility into your home.
Fantastic foliage
Greenery and beautiful flowers can help to bring the front of your home to life, creating a glorious entrance to your home.
Evergreen plants help to ensure there’s colour at the front of your home all year round, and seasonal flowers and potted plants can help to add that much-desired kerb appeal to your home.
The perfect porch
Perhaps you already have a porch, or maybe you’re considering building one. The perfect shelter from the rain and a place to store your muddy shoes after a walk, a porch on the front of your home can add instant kerb-appeal.
Tailor its design to suit your home. A vintage style white wooden porch or canopy would stay in-keeping with a brick-built cottage, while a dark wood and glass panel porch would look perfectly at home on a sleek modern property.
There are many ways to add some kerb-appeal to your home, from lighting to foliage and decorative wreaths, you can make the entrance to your home unique to you. However, it’s always important to consider the security elements at the front of your home, as they will play a significant role in protecting your home from unwanted visitors.