First Impressions Count

Entryways are one of the most neglected areas in a home. For guests and visitors, it’s the first room they see, the first impression they have of you, your personality and that of your family. It shouldn’t be an afterthought; if the entryway is drab, dull and lacking, your whole home is cast in a similar light.

You don’t have to break the bank to decorate your entryway. Since most entryways aren’t large enough to accommodate much furniture, you have an opportunity to set the stage without being ruled by furnishings.

A Welcoming Sound

Welcome friends and guests with an inviting doorbell that reflects your personality. Your doorbell speaks to your visitors before you do. Let them see and hear the best. Be sure your doorbell matches the theme of your home; a luxurious, vintage European doorbell will look out of place on a small cottage or urban condo. Keep in mind the proportions of your residence and purchase a doorbell in accordance with those proportions.

Doorbells don’t have to be boring. If your exterior is refined and tailored, a traditional, elegantly designed doorbell is just the ticket. Stay away from styles that are too whimsical or modern. On the flipside, if the exterior of your home is more casual and informal, a delightful, decorative doorbell would fit right in and blend well with the surrounding theme.

To welcome guests in memorable style, make sure your door is painted and kept clean. Nothing spoils the exterior appearance of a home quicker than a dirty, chipped, neglected door. Don’t cut corners by purchasing inexpensive paint. Use a good name brand and use semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. The glossier the paint, the easier to clean and the more durable against wear, chipping, fading from sun and weather, etc.

Once your door is in shape, it’s time for a doorknocker. Door knockers reflect a look of success and discriminating taste. From simple to simply extravagant, door knockers are personal reflections of your style and individuality. There are many styles and finishes of door knockers to choose from: cast iron, polished brass, verdigris and pewter are popular choices and stand up to the elements beautifully.

Keeping it Clean: Fashionable Doormats and Runners

Doormats are also known as welcome mats, and for good reason. They welcome visitors and simultaneously help keep your floors cleaner and more sanitary, trapping mud and debris outside before your welcome guests trod unwelcome dirt inside!

From cast aluminum and coir doormats to wooden and rubber varieties, the materials and styles of contemporary doormats is almost endless. Get it personalized to make it uniquely yours. Most styles of mats can be personalized at no charge – a cost-effective way of getting a custom, expensive look for free.

Don’t forget the interior entryway. You can stop even more dirt and dust from accumulating in your home if you have a runner just inside the front door. A runner is basically a rug that is longer than it is wide. They are used in narrow areas of the home where larger rugs would look ungainly or wouldn’t fit.

Be sure to keep your door mat clean. You don’t want a dirty doormat anymore than a dirty door. For a doormat to work, it needs to be clean enough to grab onto the dirt on your visitor’s shoes. When the doormat starts wearing out, toss it out! Depending on materials, most doormats should be replaced every 2-4 years.

Remember, your entryway is the first part of your home that people see. You don’t have to break the bank to have an entryway that is clean, polished and tastefully reflects who you are. First impressions count. Make yours special.

Copyright 2006 www.OutdoorDecor.com
Kay Stone, OutdoorDecor.com Staff Writer