Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
Everyone dreams of making their home a memorable and inviting space for visitors. Whether you're gearing up to sell your property, hosting a special gathering or simply aiming to create a warm environment for friends and family, the way your home is presented can make all the difference — and that starts with the front entry.
Sadly, people often overlook that crucial part of their home, which sets the tone for everything else. You want your entryway to immediately send the message that your home is warm, clean and welcoming — not just for guests but for your family as well.
Fortunately, if your entryway could use some attention, it's easy to revitalize. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.
Enhance your curb appeal
First and foremost, don't neglect your home's entry from the exterior. What visitors see from the curb can serve as a sort of appetizer for what's inside, so a walkway full of weeds or a rusty front door handle isn't likely to impress anyone.
If you want to make sure your house wows from the outside, Lara Vukelich from Bankrate has some easy yet effective tips to boost your curb appeal. A freshly painted front door, a stylish new mailbox, well-maintained gutters and vibrant flowers in repotted planters are just a few small updates that can make your home feel more inviting before anyone even sets foot inside.
Start from the ground up
Beyond curb appeal, one of the first things people will notice when they walk into your home is the flooring because it sets the stage for the rest of your space. Great flooring not only enhances your home's style but also reflects your personal taste.
For entryways, Angi writer Bry'Ana Arvie suggests choosing something that's both attractive and durable enough to stand the test of time since it takes more wear and tear than the rest of the house. Good options might include porcelain tile, ceramic tile, luxury vinyl tile, laminate, stone or even concrete, Arvie says.
Keep things organized and minimal
You've heard the phrase, "A clean home is a happy home." Well, there's scientific evidence that this is true.
"In one study, women who saw their homes as cluttered had high levels of the stress hormone cortisol throughout the day," Barbara Brody writes for WebMD.
If you're feeling stressed in your own home, your guests might feel it too. To create a more relaxed environment in your entryway, make sure it's clear of shoes, backpacks, coats, papers or anything else that might clutter it up. A few decorative baskets or bowls can be a good way to store these items that might otherwise distract from the overall feeling you want to convey.
And remember, less can be more. Filling every corner and surface with what seems like decor can create a chaotic environment. Seek after more white space that can create an overall feeling of calm. The old adage, "If in doubt, throw it out," is a wise one!
Clean the windows
This is an easy detail to overlook, but it can significantly impact your home's ambiance. Windows serve as the gateway for natural light, and if they're dirty, your space can feel dull and neglected. On the other hand, clean windows allow sunlight to flood in, making your home feel bright and inviting.
If your front door has a window, or if there's a window anyway in your entryway, make sure that it's bright, shiny and streak-free! A solution of one part vinegar and two parts water should do the trick, according to Katherine McLaughlin and Kelly Dawson of Architectural Digest.
Use good scents
Of course, how your home smells can be just as crucial as how it looks, so you want to set the tone with a good fragrance as soon as someone walks through your door. As Emilie Sennebogen writes for HowStuffWorks, "Smell is a very powerful sense, and it can override your other four senses if something foul wafts your way. How your home smells can leave a big impression, so your home's scent is just as important as its appearance."
If you're considering which scent will best welcome your guests, Sennebogen has a recommendation:
"Vanilla is believed to have a calming effect, and in fact, market research companies have named vanilla as the most popular choice among air freshener consumers," she writes.
Inject some personality into the decor
There's nothing wrong with stealing ideas from your favorite Instagram influencer or a home decor magazine, but don't try to turn your home into a replica of someone else's. Your home should be a reflection of your style and personality, and the entryway is a great place to start! Including a few personal items, such as family photos, travel souvenirs or other cherished mementos can help your guests feel welcome and comfortable because it makes your home more than just a sterile living space.
Don't be afraid to have a little fun with the decor, either! Even something small like a pretty plant, a decorative side table or a colorful area rug can warm up your living space nicely.
Talk to an expert
As you can see, enhancing your front entry doesn't require a major overhaul. Even small changes can significantly impact the impression you make on guests. But if you could use some extra guidance, consulting a professional can be incredibly helpful.
Whether you're unsure about the best flooring for your entryway or you need some interior design inspiration, the experts at Carpet One are here to assist. Visit carpetone.com to find a store near you and get expert advice tailored to your needs!
