FANCY FRONT DOORS

The front door is definitely the first thing to an entryway, but is not something we can always change easily, especially if it is an apartment. What you can do is change its surroundings. Warm welcome signs are always nice, especially for guests. And so are wreaths; opt for faux flowers, or greens that add some life to boring old doors. Speaking of greens, some plants around your front door will surely make a huge difference. If you are willing to go the extra mile to get a new door, make sure it blends well with the colour theme of your home. Wooden doors with intricate detailing are a classic if you want to play it safe. To make a bold impression, nothing says welcome like a nice red door.

PLAY WITH HARDWARE

Not as useful anymore, but door-knockers add a nice classy touch to your doors without having to change much. Go for polished metallic finishes if you have an eclectic style going around your place. Or a rustic finish in bronze if your home embraces more nature and is composed of more rattan or wooden furniture and accents. The same can be said for door knobs as well. Given the hundreds of designs, finishes and materials that can be found in the markets today, it would be a shame to not play around with them.

A STYLISH YET FUNCTIONAL MAT

Before the front door comes the welcome mat, and we are all guilty of never ditching that old rugged brown piece that should have been thrown away years ago. It is finally time to say goodbye and get a new one.

After this rugged old thing, most of us simply ignore putting a nice and comfier rug on the inside. First thing people do is take off their shoes, and putting the feet on cold bare floors does not say welcome as nicely as a soft rug would. Old worn out rugs from around the home are best for this job.

CREATE SEPARATION

This is especially the case for smaller foyers that do not have a separation from the main rooms. An easy way to do that is to change up the tiles in the foyer with something different from the rest of the home. But since that is not very practical for everyone, simply switching to a longer rug helps the cause, and also gives the impression of a longer space.

SET THE TONE

Nothing sets the tone better than some good lighting. Switch out that old bulb for an interesting yet small chandelier. Get rid of all other light sources around it, so it can grab attention the right way. The size plays a big part too. Too small and it will look weak, too big will look out of place. Opt for a medium size with little structure and dimension, like lantern lamps, so it acts like a décor piece but clutter free. Yellow light is not the most practical for living rooms, but for that little entryway, the dimness of it really adds some depth.

TAKE A SEAT

Coming in to have no place to sit to open shoes is not the most welcoming, neither is it too convenient. Always make sure to have some sort of seating around the entryway. This can be anything from a pair of simple stools, to rattan chairs, or even a bench. Accessorise these as well with some pillows, or a potted plant on your bench corner, make it feel like home.

ADD SOME HEIGHT

No space embraces some height like the entryway, all the more reason to make those eyes turn to the ceiling. An arched entryway looks very unique, and is an easy way to add height. Wooden panels in the arch give the impression of longer walls, and so does lights with longer chains.

MIRRORS FOR THE WIN

Whether you are a believer in Feng Shui or not, there is no doubt that having a mirror in the entryway works as a great decorative piece as well, other than its obvious normal function. In Feng Shui, it says one should always hang mirrors on adjacent walls of the entryway which will help you get a good glimpse of yourself on your way out. It also helps intensify the light in the area by reflecting it around and gives the impression of a larger space.

STATEMENT PIECES

To each his own. That is what it should mean by a statement piece. A single element that catches your eye, instead of an array of pieces that look cluttered. A vase, a painting, a lamp, or simply some architectural décor piece. Whatever it might be, make sure it is in plain sight, and at the right height for it to be properly seen.

CONSOLE TABLES

This one is a no-brainer. A sleek and slim table on the side that can hold all of your other pieces in place, and can double as a shoe rack if you want it to. Also, you need something to anchor your mirror, and this does it just right. Top it with some trays for throwing your keys down, maybe a lamp, and some books. Maintain the rule of three, and do not go overboard with knickknacks.

AN UMBRELLA HOLDER

A coat rack is not as necessary for a warm country like ours, but occasionally an umbrella holder is. Sometimes to hide away from the sun, and for those unexpected showers, umbrellas have become a necessity. A nice holder beside our doors should be a small, but thoughtful addition.

A FIT-IT-ALL BASKET

Another thoughtful piece for guests. A big woven basket serves as a beautiful piece of décor, but is also a place people can put all their extra things in when they come in. Not to mention a quick way to hide away clutter.

ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH

Great details, the most amazing couches, polished furniture, we have all seen these and more. What will truly make a space stand out of the ordinary is when you add a personal touch to it, and make it feel more like home. This could be anything from your child's painting framed on the wall, to a DIY wreath, or fresh flowers right out of the veranda. Anything that screams your name, will make it unique.

Getting an upgrade is not simply for the sake of guests and leaving a good impression, but it is also for a serene home that helps you stay calm and feel good about yourself. So be it a big house or a small apartment, treat yourself to this little decoration and see how it changes how you feel about your home.

Photo: Collected