As a real estate agent, I spend more time than most walking up to and into different houses. There are some houses where, based on the exterior, I frankly don’t know what I’ll find on the other side of the front door. On the other hand, some houses that capture my interest from the moment I pull up to the curb—homes with an exterior that welcomes me in, making me feel eager to see the rest of the house.
That feeling is something special. Whether arriving home to your own house or as a guest as someone else’s, you want to feel pulled in, a sense of welcome. After all, no one wants to walk through a cobweb or trip over a pile of shoes! No matter whether your home boasts a grand foyer with two-story ceilings, or a simple front door that opens to a narrow hallway, you can cultivate a welcoming feeling in your home.
It all starts outside. As I mentioned, some houses make me practically jump from my car before the wheels have stopped! What elicits that reaction? There are a few key elements to attend to:
- There should be a clear pathway to the front door.
- As an agent, I’m a sucker for a clean, freshly-painted, cheerful front door.
- A fresh welcome mat is a nice touch (if your welcome mat is grimy and frayed, it’s time to replace it!).
- A pretty wreath or a container of flowers is a lovely touch.
- Clearly displayed house numbers should be clearly displayed, an important safety consideration in the unlikely event you require an emergency responder, but also for service providers or guests who may be visiting for the first time.
- Exterior lighting is essential; people should be able to get from a parked car to the front door without having to feel their way along.
Attention to these simple details indicates that your home is well-maintained and cared for—and the people who enter will feel that they, too, will be cared for!
The other side of the front door.
You (or your guests!) have now made it to the front door. Now, what’s on the other side? Again, simple elements create a feeling of ease and welcome.
- If yours is a no-shoes home, make sure there’s space to stash shoes—a basket, a tray, or a rack. This will prevent piles of shoes from creating a tripping hazard in front of the door. It clearly indicates to guests where to place their shoes.
- If you’re lucky, you have a coat closet near the front door. Even if you do, though, wall hooks or a coat rack provide a simple place to quick stash jackets, handbags, backpacks, even your bike helmet. And again, guests will understand at a glance where they are to stash their things while they are in your home.
- Other items further add to the comfort and utility of the entryway. A chair or bench offers a place to sit down while donning or removing shoes. A narrow table can hold a lamp (it’s nice to keep a light on when you’ll be returning home late at night), and a basket for mail or keys. A mirror is handy to check your reflection on the way out the door. And a personal photo or an interesting piece of art reflects your style!
Are you looking for a weekend project?! Consider the entryway—both inside and outside of the house—with a critical eye, and devote a few hours to refreshing and organizing to create a sense of welcome.
