Make a lasting impression with your front door

By Wangeci Kanyeki

Kenya: It has been said that first impressions last and so it is with your front entrance door. How it looks will influence how your guests perceive the rest of the house.

Whether the door is made of wood, steel or glass, here are a few tips to spruce up your entry that will give your guests a befitting welcome.

Door paint

Painting the front door in a different colour will immediately create a lasting first impression. Use an unexpected colour that delights your taste so that the door is a sheer delight to see after a long day’s work.

Earth colours such as ochre red or orange will create an inviting and warm atmosphere that will relax the guests while shades of green and blue hint at the cool to be found inside.

Select a hue that is eye-catching and pleasant to look at rather than one that jolts and shocks and find a colour that blends in with the style of your entrance.

Always use paints suitable for exteriors that will withstand the sunny and wet weather elements.

Door viewer

Installing a door viewer will immediately inject a sense of life into your front door as you preview your guests.

Modern door viewers now come with more than just a peeping hole to see your visitor, but include a doorbell and recording device, which helps the homeowner to preview the guests who visited the door while they were away.

Installing a doorknocker will offer the guest the option of either ringing the bell or using the good old tradition of knocking. Find a functional and aesthetic, but unique doorknocker that complements the door style be it brass, steel, chrome or wrought iron.

Garland

Depending on the season, find a festive decorative garland to grace the front door.

Attach palm leaves to commemorate the upcoming Easter season by securing cut-ends together with a florist wire and tying them with a red ribbon to remind the guests and family member the reason for the season.

Antique bench

Add elegance to the entrance by placing an antique wooden bench near the front door. It comes in very handy when family members need a place to sit to wear or remove shoes. It will also beg to be sat on by tired legs that have been walking all day.

When using an old bench that needs repainting, choose a rustic colour that restores the seat.

Smoothen the surface using sand paper, and then use a brush to apply either the traditional brown stain varnish or opt for shades of green.

Flowers pots

Nothing beats a sense of a meticulously cared for home like large attractive flowerpots at your entrance with nourished looking greeneries.

Symmetrically position clay or plastic pots on either side of a welcoming floor mat.

Add an outdoor lantern lamp to illuminate the front door arrangement and you will have your guests visiting again and again.