Make A Great First Impression
11 March 2009, by Isabella
While embarking on the major home remodel you planned for 2009 may no longer be a priority, you can still give your house some sizzle with a makeover for your front door. Elaine Griffin, leading New York designer and author, shares the four key elements for a car-stopping front door while on a budget.
“Your front entry is the first thing people see when they drive by your house, whether they make it through the threshold or not,” said Griffin. “For pure vanity, you want to express your style and make a welcoming statement. In addition, if your home is on the market, people make purchasing decisions very quickly after seeing your home. An attractive first impression will help potential buyers fall in love with it immediately.”
Fresh Front Door
For about $75 you can transform your front door into a knockout. Choose a paint color to match the architectural style of your home. A great example is to try a rich charcoal gray or even dark ebony on a modern home or a cobalt blue or striking red on a traditional home. Install a coordinating kick plate, dynamic door numbers and a door knocker, which are the diamond earrings of your front door according to Griffin.
Lush Landscaping
Consider potted plants instead of a full lawn renovation. Strategically place full, green plants like ferns into pots on your stoop or walkway leading up to the door. Ferns are about $10 each and you can find attractive pots for as little as $5. Be sure to coordinate your pots in the same material so the look is cohesive. Flank each side of your door with substantial topiaries at least four feet tall so you can see the tops of them from the street. This is a great option for apartment dwellers and condo owners who might not be allowed to paint the door.
Lovely Lighting
Lights should be functional at night but also look fantastic during the day. Replace standard flush mounted fixtures with lantern-style lighting for a chic addition and accessorize with pathway lighting. You can use CFL light bulbs in fixtures which helps save on energy costs and are an added safety benefit.
Furniture Flair
Space permitting, don’t shy away from adding outdoor furniture such as rocking chairs, tables and even lamps. Outdoor pillows in weather resistant fabric will add extra flair to punch up your front patio furniture. Pick a contrasting color for your furniture to accent the colors of your home. For instance, if you have white columns use dark woods to make them stand out.
For more tips on upping your curb appeal, visit Lowe’s stores in the United States and Canada or Lowes.com. Watch Griffin give her tips at LowesCreativeIdeas.com/frontdoor.
About Lowe’s
With fiscal year 2008 sales of $48.2 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 14 million customers a week at more than 1,650 home improvement stores in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.
Categories: Garden, Home Improvement, Saving Money
