If you want to step up your curb appeal and ultimately sell your home for more, focus on the front entrance. First impressions matter and your front entryway is the first thing that everyone is going to see when coming to see your home. In feng shui, the front door is called the "mouth of qi" and is one of the most important areas for adding feng shui elements to your home: It symbolizes your face to the world. Qi is universal life force energy, so the front door is the central portal through which we can receive positive energy and opportunities. Curb appeal has been shown to increase your homes value by up to 7%. This is everything from your door to your porch to what you see first when opening the door. It sets the tone for the entire rest of the home.
Step1- Paint the door
Your front door has been through everything whether you have pets, family, or guests who have ever come through it to the wear and tear of weather it needs a quick touch up, so grab some paint and give it a once over.
Red is a bold touch to your home’s exterior - you like to stand out and make a statement! Red shows your willingness to get things done and your vibrant personality exudes life, energy, and enthusiasm. If you have a red front door, it could also mean that you also love to entertain and welcome guests to your home. You are likely a very passionate person who is full of energy and always on the go.
The orange door color is as warm as your friendly personality. Playful and energetic, you’re probably open to taking risks and not afraid to ask for what you want. You know when and how to take charge and everyone knows they can rely on you. You are very outgoing and love to socialize, and you always try to see the best in people.
A green front door is a natural choice to show your appreciation for nature and the outdoors. You are probably someone who is patient and enjoys the simple things in life. Often used to represent growth, the color green also means calm and peacefulness. You have the ability to enjoy each moment and are easygoing, yet know how to take responsibility and seek security.
Yellow is another warm, inviting color that says you have a sunny disposition and you always look at the bright side of life. You have a curious personality and are open to new experiences. Often cheerful and relaxed, you live in the moment and make connections easily.
The gray color often represents balance and neutrality, and painting your front door a calming shade of gray could mean that you are a person of maturity and stability. You are likely a no-nonsense kind of person with a serious personality and less likely to take risks. Respecting boundaries, being confident, and staying modest are important to you. People may also see you as someone who is smart, sophisticated and loves the finer things in life.
A purple front door could mean that you’re passionate about the things you love. You are likely a very creative person with a strong imagination and enjoy art and beauty. Always excited and empowered, you’re a risk-taker and free spirit who isn’t worried about what others think of you.
A white front door conveys freshness and simplicity, and guests will look forward to a clean, serene home. You love to plan things carefully and keep things neat. You know exactly how you want things to be and dislike clutter.
Choosing a brown door color means you’re very down-to-earth and practical, and a reliable friend. You like things to be neat and tidy, and you probably have a very strong work ethic. A light brown shade creates a feeling of warmth while dark brown can exude strength.
Blue for your front door is a peaceful, calming color. The darker you go, the more it represents intelligence, power, and stability. A darker blue hue, like navy or midnight blue, showcases your grounded side - you’re trustworthy and dedicated to your values. Choose a light blue color for your front door, like powder blue or sky blue, and people may see you as someone who’s relaxed, hopeful, and positive. You enjoy the simple things in life and do not like to make too much of a fuss. You are probably someone who is very reliable and down-to-earth.
A black front door is a bold statement - often associated with luxury and power, the color black could mean that you are independent and are not afraid to express yourself. You are not easily swayed by trends and make well-thought-of choices that exude strength and sophistication.
The color pink is often thought to be feminine and classic, which is why it's associated with romance. You probably love thoughtful gestures and appreciate the small details. Always filled with positive energy, you know how to make people feel good.
Step 2 - Upgrade your hardware
If your front door squeaks, or the hinges are rusty, lets go ahead and upgrade those old hinges for something new so that you aren't giving off the haunted house in the scary movie vibes, you know unless that's the vibe of your entire home. If the door has a transitional-style, satin-nickel handle but you want a more modern look replace it with a clean-lined design in matte black. If you want more character, consider a traditional brass or bronze handle with intricate detailing, or one with handmade appeal.
Round or handle doorknob that is the question. Round doorknobs are more traditional while handles are more contemporary and modern. Remember that we are picking something that shows off your home, so take a look at your home and what it says to you, and pick a doorknob that best pairs with that. You can go creative, antique, whimsical, unique, or traditional here, but remember that getting people in the home is the goal, so don't pick anything to complicated, or delicate.
Door knockers! Get fancy, unique and creative by adding a door knocker to your door. This is the ultimate personality upgrade due to the hundreds of styles colors and designs to pick from. Just remember that if you are picking this to help you sell, you don't want to over think it. Find something that shows off your homes style and use this as an opportunity to help introduce your home.
Adding a house number is an afterthought for most since it isn't a necessity, but it can help transform a barren door with no character into one featured on the cover of a magazine. In some townships it is required that your house number be visible from the street so maybe adding it to your door, or somewhere around it could help freshen your look while also making sure you are up to code.
Step 3 - Check your Lighting- Indoor and out
Whether you are going for natural light or installed lights, you want to make sure that your entry way is well lit. This is a safety feature and also allows you to find your lock and way around at night, but it also helps to make your home feel more inviting. Keep in mind that bigger is normally better for outdoor lighting while the opposite can be said for indoors. Another thing look out for is blaring bright lights that actually make it harder to see.
Adding a window in, above or around your door can help to add loads of natural light within your home. Having a more opac glass will add privacy while keeping the light, or you can add blinds or curtains to help with privacy too while showing off your personality.
You can also add to the indoor lighting by adding a ceiling light fixture above the entrance to greet those coming in when the natural light is lacking. If you have a 2 story foyer, a chandelier or hanging light might be the way to go, but a one story entrance can still benefit from a light fixture as long as its high enough not to knock you in the head as you walk through.
If you have a porch or awning over the front door, add a porch light. Making it activate on a motion sensor is a great way to help ensure safety and ease for coming in late at night or with your hands full, or if you forgot to turn it on earlier. It also helps you save on money with the light not being on all the time.
Landscaping and walkway lights. These are a great opportunity for solar use so it wont add to your electric bill. You can also make them motion activated which is a cool effect, as well as useful for the longevity of the light itself.
Step 4 - Roll out the Welcome Mat
When you start staging you will hear me say over and over again that less is more. I will have you remove all personal items, which means that if you have holiday wreath up, it will come down, if you have your last name or last initial on your door, it will come down, and you may start feel like your front door is looking a little baren. The welcome mat is a great way to decorate the front door without making it personal, and still allowing buyers to feel like your home could be their home. I am a fan of the 2 step approach.
The one outside is for cleaning off shoes. You want it large enough to invite both feet on it before stepping into the home, so as big as your front door will allow is how big you should go. This mat helps remind people to clean their shoes off before entering your home. Keep it simple and effective.
The one inside can be a nice pattern or design made to show off your taste and style and help set the mood for the rest of the home.
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