Home upgrades can be daunting.

• You have to figure out what’ll get you the most bang for your buck.

• Then you have to find a reputable Denver contractor to actually do the work.

• You’ve gotta put up with living in a construction zone while it’s happening.

• At some point, you have to, you know, pay folks. (Arguably the worst part.)

• Then you have to cross your fingers and hope the upgrade improves your home’s value.

Soooo… what if we told you there’s a simple, affordable way to upgrade your home while still increasing the value?

Enter the…well…entrance.

Why the Entrance?

As NYT contributor Tim McKeough put it, “The entrance to your home is often its public face, communicating your sense of style to the world.” It can either say, “Hello! Come on in!” or “We’re not taking visitors…” or “GET OUT!”

The entrance to your home is the space people first come into contact with. And just like when you meet someone at a party, first impressions of your home are everything. 

In fact, curb appeal is a bigger deal than many homeowners realize. Improving how your home looks from the outside can increase the value of your home by up to 7% of the sale price.

8 Ways to Spruce Up Your Entrance

You can easily bump up your curb appeal with just a few small and strategic changes.

#1 Paint your front door.

Paint is the easiest and least expensive way to transform a space. But painting an entire room (or the entire house) takes hours of preparation, priming, painting, and drying. 

So instead, tackle just your front door!

Paint your door a color other than the rest of the house and trim to make it a focal point of the home. Choose something eye-stopping, like a strong, contrasting, and fun color. Opting for a bright color can break up a monochromatic front. Or, choosing a bold color like navy or deep green can be just as inviting. The options are endless! 

If you’re looking for a little less commitment, changing only the sheen of the door can still spruce up the entrance to your home.

#2 Address the lighting.

Front door light fixtures are more than a safety feature; they also set the tone for your home. 

Exterior lighting should provide a soft, welcoming glow. And when it comes to size, bigger is usually better. Interior Designer Lindsay Anyon Brier also recommends stacking or layering your lighting. Adding lights above the exterior steps or in your landscaping is a great first step. 

#3 Indulge in patterns on patterns on patterns.

The Scout Guide recommends finding “design details, patterns, materials, and palettes” that occur elsewhere around the home and referencing them at the entrance. For example, a lattice fence can be referenced with a gridwork pattern on the front door. 

#4 Get your green on!

Plants always make a space look more attractive. And framing your front door with green beauties creates an inviting feel! 

For a regal approach, try a matching pair of tall pots or urns by the front steps. Or, if you want to go more casual, a cluster of two or three pots on the porch will do the trick.

According to the experts, a few large containers is better than many small containers. And the material should complement your home’s aesthetic, not distract from it. For example, a home with limestone accents should have limestone containers. Easy peasy! 

#5 Add furniture.

Even if you don’t have room for a full seating area, a chair or two can make a big difference. 

Lindsay Anyon Brier recommends anything that will create “a place to perch,” whether it’s a stool, pedestal, or stump near the front door. This not only gives a place for you to have a sit, but it also leaves room for packages or incoming groceries. It’s functional and fashionable! 

#6 Upgrade your hardware.

Just like with kitchen or bathroom cabinets, changing out the hardware on your front door can make a big difference. Whether you’re going for traditional, modern, or something with a little more character, a new doorknob or knocker can do wonders for your home’s entrance. 

Also, don’t leave house numbers or your mailbox as an afterthought. Pairing them with your door’s hardware makes a great statement to guests (and future buyers). 

#7 Add a welcome mat.

Per Tim McKeough, “A small rug placed before the front door is an inviting gesture that has the advantage of scrubbing dirt from shoes.” (Again, practical and pretty!) 

Just like with lighting and plants, the bigger the mat, the better. Keep the design itself understated, though—like a monogram or simple welcome greeting. 

#8 Keep your walkway clear.

Few things are more inviting than a clearly-marked, well-maintained walkway. Periodically power wash your walkway to keep it clear of debris. Also, be sure to trim any hedges that line the sidewalk. Your guests will thank you! 

Make your house a home.

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