They say that first impressions are everything. While that is true, making your front entry space pretty is more about making your home feel...well, like home. In any case, you can dress up the outside to coordinate with what style and colors are inside your home. It's sort of like giving your guests a sneak preview to what they will find when they step inside. Here are three ways you can make a big impact at your front entry and add curb appeal to the outside of your home.
Add + Layer Door Mats
A door mat is one simple item that makes all the difference! Door mats are functional for guests to wipe their dirty shoes, but it's also another way to add color to your front door year round. You can even switch it up from season to season to coordinate with the rest of your home decor.
A great way to bring door mats to life is to layer them. Simply select a slightly (or much) larger rug or mat to place beneath your everyday door mat. You can play with colors, patterns, textures and sizes to get the look you want.
Against a dark home, bright colors liven up the area. The tropical leaf patterned rug underneath the blue "hello" mat really makes it pop! Neutrals are always a classic choice and can go with any color of home.
Incorporate Planters
To provide varying heights and layers within a front entry design, choose a variety of planters to arrange on either side of the door. Think of them as an anchor—they're (visually and sometimes literally) heavy. The pots ground the design and allow other elements of the entire design to shine. You can choose containers that coordinate with your color palette or choose something neutral that will be easily taken from one season to the next.
Not all of your containers have to stay on the ground. Add some visual height with a hanging pot. It draws the eye up and adds another layer of interest to your front entry.
Plant Flowers + Foliage
A front entry design isn't complete without the plants! Plants are an element to soften the hard edges and make this space finished.
Like with the door mats, the plantings or container designs can be changed out with each season. For summer, choose annual flowers and plants with fun foliage or colorful blooms. In the winter months, use greenery, wood or faux plants that will tolerate the cold. Select plants that will do well in the sun exposure of your front entry. You can keep it simple with just a few larger sized plants or mix plantings with a variety of textures and layers.
If you're not sure what to plant, contact a landscape professional (like me!) about creating a seasonal flower display.
As you design the entry way for your home, remember to have fun with it! Add your own flair—don't worry too much about the rules. Like the inside of your home, the outside should reflect your style and the personality.
