Design Ideas that Begin at the Front Door

Were you aware that the entryway into the garden sets the mood for your entire landscape? The front door is always the first thing that people see whenever they visit and the last thing they will remember as they walk leave. Therefore, it is especially important to make a good lasting impression. By trying a few easy fix-me-ups and employing these to your front door step, you should have no problem accomplishing this. In fact, here are some simple and inexpensive ways to dress up your front entry to get you started.

Color is one of the first things that people notice. This is also something that can either make or break your home's appeal. Drab colors will most assuredly turn others away as these are boring and lifeless. You should instead choose shades of color that complement the exterior of your home, bringing it to life and adding instant appeal. Do you have a walkway or some type of path leading up to the front door? Start here. Line the walk with flowers, ornamental grass, or small shrubs. Work your way toward the house. Don't forget the welcome mat. Find one that not only matches your home's décor, but also choose one with a cute saying or picture. This is a sure-fire way of giving your visitors something to remember.

Plants are a great way to liven up drab porches and entryways. Captivate your visitors with a variety of shapes, colors, and textures. Include fragrant plants such as sweet alyssum, lemon verbena, creeping thyme, or roses. Incorporate soft, fuzzy plants like Lamb's ear or frilly ones such as ferns and add lots of eye-catching colors. Try filling a flat-back basket with trailing plants, such as ivy and flowering geranium, and hanging it onto your front door. Dress it up by adding some decorative ribbons or bows that match the color of your home. Not only will this complement the front entry but it will also add some much-needed interest, leaving visitors wanting more. Likewise, you could take some interesting containers that match the style of your home and arrange them on either side of the door. Fill them with your favorite plants. Containers are an effective way to liven up dull areas. They offer flexibility throughout the seasons as well so you are free to move plants around as the seasons change.

Lighting is important, especially at night. Choose attractive, yet, subtle lighting near the front entrance. For instance, you could insert standing hooks along either side of your walkway and hand small, galvanized buckets from them with candles inside. In fact, you could even use the ones with citronella candles (used to ward of mosquitoes). You'll provide subtle lighting as well as a pleasant smell, and best of all, they come with lids to protect the candles against weather. Alternatively, you could use mason jars or decorative tin cans. Another option is to string some soft, white lights along a front railing. Accessorize the entry to your home and garden. Welcome visitors with comfortable seating, small embellishments and other objects. Take full advantage of your overhangs or porch eaves. These are great places to add eye-catching greenery, bird feeders, lights, or wind chimes.

Maintenance is also something to consider in an entryway. Small touches here and there, such as paint and minor repairs, will not only add to the looks and value of your home but will signal to others that safety is an important feature within this home. A little home improvement can go a long, long way. The front of your home should always be inviting. Beckon others to 'come on in' and while they're there, be sure to keep the atmosphere warm and friendly so your guests will be certain to 'come on back'.