Does your front door say “Hi..come closer…knock on me…there are fabulous people inside.”?

A hundred years ago, I was a realtor, and by the end of the walk to the front door, I could usually tell how well a showing would go. Surprisingly, a lot of people don’t realize the impact that their walkway, porch and front door have on visitors. A Santa doormat isn’t cute in February!

Your front entry doesn’t have to be grand, it just has to be really tidy and have elements of impact. I’m guilty of not paying enough attention to my front entrance. The sandblasted angel in the oval glass panel on the door just isn’t doing anything for me anymore. It was actually the selling point for a TV production company that shot an episode of a series at my house, but it has got to go. I think the angel is actually whispering to me, “Help. I’m stuck in the 80’s and I can’t get out!”

If you’re considering fixing up your entry, I think the door is the most important feature (as long as you’ve fixed the potholes in the sidewalk and the exposed wires on the doorbell first). A new door or a lick of paint can instantly add curb appeal. Unless you hate your neighbours, choose your colour carefully–purple is rarely a wise choice.

This makeover is featured on Country Living Magazine’s website, and it’s a good example of how much impact a simple change can make (try to look past the Christmas decor). I am madly in love with the red light fixtures.

Here’s another good example from Apartment Therapy. Red packs a punch, even in really small doses.

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