5 easy ways to instantly make your entry more welcoming
My front door - bespoke oversized copper insert glass swing doors which enhance the colour of the natural porphyry stone used outside the home.
Welcome to my first blog. I am looking forward to sharing some design tips and tricks with you.
I thought the best place to start is by welcoming you to my home and in particular our front doors and entry.
When my husband & I built our home around 6 years ago here in Goondiwindi on the banks of the Macintyre River, it was so important to me to get the entry ‘right’. I cannot believe how many homes I have visited through the years that you don’t use the front door. I wanted to create a definite entry where there was no mistaking which door to knock on or have to call out ‘is anyone home’ only to find you were at the wrong door.
One feature I wanted to achieve was bringing the outdoors in. I love to garden and I wanted a clear view out to see the changes in the trees as the seasons change and children playing in the garden. We are lucky enough to have created an expansive garden, so privacy wasn’t a concern. I didn’t however want just plane glass doors either.
I set about to design doors that would really set the tone for the home. These oversized bespoke copper insert glass swing doors were the result. The rich aged copper sheets have been suspended between two panes of glass and will not age any further, and they enhance the colour of the natural porphyry stone used in the undercover carpark. I was lucky to find a company in Sydney that I collaborated with and they were willing to find solutions to get the best result and I think they are perfect!!
Your entrance is setting the tone for the rest of your home so make those first impressions count.
Here are 5 TIPS to giving your front entry some stylish updates which can also add value to your home if you are looking to sell.
Hardware – First impressions count, entry door handles are the first and last thing that visitors will touch and notice when entering and leaving your home. Your handle selection as a result tells a lot to your visitor about your home and of course about you and your character, it can set the mood, expectation or even ambience of what lies ahead. Good quality hardware is the bling for your door. These accessories should be solid, substantial and an exterior product from a door knob, door knocker, letter slot or a lovely federation centre door knob.
Lighting – Something ornate and something practical with a two-way light switch that can be turned on from inside the home and outside as well. I like to have a mix of lighting with down lights, overhead light and a flood light. It is important for guest & family who sometimes arrive at night to be able to find the front door. Lighting not only provides security and safety but will add ambience and highlight your entryway. Consider decorative uplights in a pot or could be used to show off a feature tree, and a set of stylish porch lights either side of a door to frame it.
Mat – A nice, clean mat is a welcome sight and is practical to remind guest & family to wipe their boots on their way in. There are many styles and below are a couple of my favourites that I can source for you. I use the printed mat and have one at the door and one in the cupboard washed and ready to pull out when I know guest are coming.
Potted plants – There are so many options but the main thing is to make sure they are healthy and well cared for or opt for a low maintenance plant if you are not a green thumb like a succulent. I like classic and symmetry but if space doesn’t allow then consider placing a cluster of 3 different size pots to one side of the door. Square planter boxes or larger round pots with a topiary can be underplanted with an annual for some colour.
Chair – It is always nice if you have the room to have a chair to perch on. It can be as simple as a low bench seat, somewhere to sit to put your shoes on. A seat with a lift up lid with storage is a great way to hide all the families shoes.
Our front entrance... Visitors welcome all the time x
Front door design inspiration source Pinterest - natural light perfection
A welcoming entrance design from Melissa Penfold
Green and White - a classic & timeless choice from Pinterest
Ravi Patel with a perfect shade of green
Hydrangeas at their best from Craftivity Designs
Beautiful styling by Malisa www.purposedrivenlivingdecor.com
Magnificent entry design from www.instagram.com/thelandscapegardener
Door knocker delights from www.instagram.com/seandoyleandsons
I am Yolande Woods, the creative of Yolande, an interior design business that specialises in combining sophistication with functionality. Creating classic layered interiors combining new & old with personal items and bespoke pieces servicing from city to country.